5 Star Reader Comment
Thank you! They came out perfect.
— Kim
The Air Fryer Won Me Over On This One
Sweet potatoes are one of those things I almost always have tucked away in the pantry. I grew up eating them, I still cook them all the time, and around here they can show up beside just about anything.
Some nights I keep them simple with butter and a little salt, and other nights I go straight for cinnamon sugar. That’s one of the things I love about them — they can lean sweet or savory depending on what’s for supper.
Once I started making whole sweet potatoes in the air fryer, it became one of those methods I kept coming back to. I’ve made them in both my Ninja 4-quart and a larger 7-quart air fryer, and I love how the skin gets a little crisp while the inside stays soft and fluffy.
It’s simple, dependable, and exactly the kind of side dish I like to have in my back pocket when I want supper to feel good without making it complicated.
What Makes This A Keeper
- Simple prep: wash, dry, pierce, oil, and season.
- Crisp skin and fluffy centers: the hot circulating air cooks the potatoes beautifully all the way through.
- Easy to make sweet or savory: use the cinnamon sugar topping in the recipe, or switch things up to match dinner.
- Great when you don’t need the oven: especially handy when you’re cooking just a few potatoes or the oven is busy.
Donya’s Tips & Things To Know
- Choose sweet potatoes that are close to the same size so they finish cooking at about the same time.
- Dry the potatoes well before rubbing them with oil. That helps the skin cook up nicely instead of steaming.
- Don’t skip poking a few holes with a fork before cooking.
- Air fryers can cook a little differently, so start checking your potatoes as they get close to the 45-minute mark.
- There’s no need to wrap the potatoes in foil. Leaving them uncovered lets the hot air circulate around the skin.
What You’ll Need
- Whole sweet potatoes – medium-size potatoes cook most evenly; wash and dry them well.
- Extra virgin olive oil – helps season the skin and gives it a lightly crisp finish. Avocado oil works, too.
- Kosher salt – for seasoning the outside.
- Granulated sugar and cinnamon – my classic sweet topping. Brown sugar can be substituted.
- Butter – add it while the potato is hot so it melts right in.
Sweet Or Savory — You Pick
I usually serve these with butter and cinnamon sugar, but that’s only one way to finish them. Try a drizzle of maple syrup with a little black pepper, or go savory with butter, sour cream, chives, or fresh herbs. A simple sweet potato can work with just about whatever else is on the table.
How To Cook Whole Sweet Potatoes In The Air Fryer
- Prep the potatoes. Wash and dry the sweet potatoes, then poke several holes in each with a fork.
- Season. Rub the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Air fry at 400°F. Place the whole sweet potatoes in the air fryer and cook for about 45 minutes.
- Check for doneness. They’re ready when a fork slides easily into the center. Let them cool for about 5 minutes before splitting open and adding your toppings.
How Long To Cook Sweet Potatoes In The Air Fryer
Sweet potatoes can vary quite a bit in size, so use the cooking time as a guide and check for tenderness with a fork.
| Sweet Potato Size | Air Fryer Temperature | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 400°F | Start checking before 45 minutes |
| Medium | 400°F | About 45 minutes |
| Large | 400°F | Plan on longer than 45 minutes |
Donya’s Tip: Your sweet potato is done when a fork slides easily into the thickest part. If you’re cooking several potatoes that are different sizes, pull the smaller ones out as they become tender and let the larger ones keep cooking.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
If you’re putting your air fryer to work, take a look at my Air Frying At Home guide for more tips and recipes.
If you tried this Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 medium size sweet potatoes, washed and dried
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- salt
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon butter – divided
Instructions
- Using a fork, poke several holes in sweet potatoes. Sprinkle over olive oil and salt then rub to coat potatoes. Place in air fryer.
- Set air fryer temperature to 400 and cook 45 minutes or until fork tender. Remove potatoes from air fryer and let cool for 5 minutes.
- While potatoes are cooling, mix together sugar and cinnamon. Split potatoes down the middle and sprinkle with desired amount of cinnamon sugar. (Store remaining sugar mixture for future use.) Top with butter and serve.
*Oven Baking Instructions*
- Using a fork, poke several holes in sweet potatoes. Sprinkle over olive oil and salt then rub to coat potatoes. Place on a baking sheet. Set oven to 400 degrees and bake for 45 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender.
Video
Notes
- This sweet potato recipe is great with a drizzle of maple syrup and a dash of pepper. You can also make a savory version with sour cream and chives or other herbs.
Nutrition
What To Serve With Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
These are an easy side for Crock Pot Chicken Thighs or Sheet Pan Hamburger Steaks. If you’re already using the air fryer, my Air Fryer Baked Potatoes are another simple side-dish method to keep handy.
Sweet Potato Questions, Answered
For medium whole sweet potatoes, cook at 400°F for about 45 minutes, or until a fork slides easily into the center. Larger potatoes may need a little more time and smaller ones may cook faster.
I cook whole sweet potatoes at 400°F. That gives the skin a lightly crisp finish while the center becomes soft and fluffy.
I don’t use a separate preheating step for this recipe. I place the prepared sweet potatoes in the air fryer, set it to 400°F, and cook until fork-tender.
No. For whole air fryer sweet potatoes, leave the skin on. Wash and dry the potatoes well, pierce them with a fork, then rub with oil and salt before cooking.
No. I cook them uncovered so the hot air can circulate around the potatoes and the skin can crisp.
Insert a fork into the thickest part of the potato. When it slides in easily and the center feels soft, the sweet potato is ready.
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Wws 😗😗😗
Stupid question. I’m new to using my air fryer. It has Air Fry, Bake and Roast settings. Does it matter which one I use?
Air Fry
Thank you! They came out perfect. 😁