Elevate your side dish game with these incredible Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes, featuring a heavenly blend of brown sugar, cinnamon, and toasted marshmallows. Achieve perfectly tender, flavor-packed sweet potatoes with surprising speed and ease – no conventional oven required!
Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes: Your New Favorite Side Dish
In the culinary world, the air fryer has become a true game-changer, especially when it comes to transforming classic recipes into quick and convenient meals. Our recipe for Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes is a prime example, delivering a comforting and delicious side dish in a fraction of the time it would take in a traditional oven. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight addition or a festive holiday staple, these sweet potatoes, with their irresistible topping, are guaranteed to impress.
Why Your Air Fryer is Perfect for Sweet Potatoes
When it comes to efficiency in the kitchen, my air fryer is often my go-to appliance. The primary advantage of using an air fryer for baked potatoes or sweet potatoes lies in its superior cooking speed. It cooks significantly faster than a conventional oven, often shaving off 30 minutes or more from your total preparation time. This speed is invaluable when you need to get dinner on the table quickly or free up oven space during busy holiday cooking. Beyond speed, the air fryer circulates hot air evenly, resulting in a beautifully cooked sweet potato that’s wonderfully tender on the inside with a slightly caramelized skin, all without drying it out.
This super simple Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes recipe promises a consistently tender, perfectly cooked sweet potato every single time. It’s incredibly versatile, easily scaled whether you’re preparing a single serving for yourself or a generous batch for the whole family. The unique cooking environment of the air fryer ensures that each sweet potato is enveloped in heat, promoting faster and more uniform cooking, making it an indispensable tool for any home cook.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
I develop and test all my air fryer recipes using a 6-quart basket-style air fryer, which is one of the most common types available. However, this recipe is adaptable to various air fryer models. If you have a larger air fryer, you might be able to cook more sweet potatoes at once, reducing the number of batches needed. Conversely, with a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook in smaller batches. For example, my 6-quart model comfortably fits three medium-sized sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes can vary greatly in size, so always consider what will fit without overcrowding your specific air fryer basket. This is why the cooking time range in this recipe is quite broad; larger or more numerous potatoes will require longer cooking. Additionally, if you’re using an oven-style air fryer with trays rather than a basket, you may need to adjust cooking times slightly. Since it’s impossible for me to test every air fryer model on the market, I focus on the most popular basket style. If you have a different type, I recommend starting with the suggested cooking time and adjusting as needed based on your appliance’s performance.
Nope, there’s no need to preheat your air fryer for this recipe! Simply prepare your sweet potatoes, place them in the air fryer basket, and start cooking. This saves you even more time and makes the process incredibly straightforward.
Absolutely! While this recipe focuses on sweet potatoes, the air fryer is excellent for regular potatoes too. If you prefer classic baked potatoes, I recommend trying my Air Fryer Baked Potatoes recipe for specific instructions tailored to white or russet potatoes.
I generally advise against using solid air fryer paper inserts or liners that lack perforations. While they might seem convenient for cleanup, they can obstruct the crucial air circulation within the air fryer. Proper airflow is what makes air frying so effective, ensuring even cooking and that desired crispy texture. Liners without holes can lead to unevenly cooked food or extend cooking times. It’s an air fryer for a reason – let the air circulate freely to do its job properly! If you must use a liner, opt for a perforated one to allow air to flow around the food.
The cooking time for sweet potatoes in an air fryer can vary significantly, primarily depending on their size. As you’ll notice in the recipe, there’s a recommended time range. A good starting point is usually around 25-30 minutes, then check for doneness. The easiest way to tell if a sweet potato is cooked through is by piercing it with a fork or a small knife. If the utensil slides in easily with minimal resistance, your sweet potato is ready to enjoy. If it still feels firm, continue cooking in 5-minute increments until tender.
Of course! While the air fryer offers speed, you can certainly bake sweet potatoes in a conventional oven. I have a fantastic recipe for oven-baked sweet potatoes that you can follow. Just click the link to find the detailed instructions for an equally delicious result.
Leftover baked sweet potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be aware that the optional sweet topping, especially marshmallows, may change in consistency over time. To reheat, you can use the air fryer again for a few minutes to crisp up the topping, or warm them gently in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Sweet potatoes are incredibly nutritious! They are an excellent source of beta-carotene (which the body converts to vitamin A), providing powerful antioxidant benefits. They also pack a good amount of vitamin C, manganese, B vitamins, and dietary fiber. Their natural sweetness means you often need less added sugar, and the fiber content aids in digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Incorporating sweet potatoes into your diet is a delicious way to boost your nutrient intake.
Ingredients for Irresistible Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes:
Crafting these delicious sweet potatoes requires just a few simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry. The optional toppings truly elevate the dish, adding a touch of decadent sweetness that makes them perfect for a special occasion or a delightful treat.
- Sweet Potatoes: Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes for more consistent cooking. Look for firm, unblemished potatoes. You can use any variety, but common orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are ideal for their sweetness and creamy texture.
- Olive Oil: I prefer olive oil or avocado oil for air frying, as they help prevent the basket from becoming sticky over time and offer a neutral flavor. However, feel free to use your preferred cooking oil.
- Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and a luscious texture to the warm sweet potato flesh. If you’re using salted butter, simply omit the additional salt listed in the recipe.
- Brown Sugar: This adds a classic sweet depth to the topping. If you prefer your sweet potatoes less sweet or are avoiding sugar, you can certainly omit the brown sugar and the optional sweet toppings. Alternatively, a drizzle of maple syrup or honey can be used.
- Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon brings warmth and a fragrant spice to the dish, complementing the natural sweetness of the potatoes. I’ve suggested a conservative amount, knowing that personal preferences vary widely. I personally love a generous amount of cinnamon, so feel free to start with the suggested quantity and add more to taste if you desire.
- Salt (Optional): A small pinch of salt can actually enhance the sweetness and balance the flavors. It’s entirely optional, but highly recommended for a well-rounded taste.
- Mini Marshmallows (Optional): These are a game-changer for a classic, comforting sweet potato topping. When toasted in the air fryer, they become golden and delightfully gooey. While optional, they truly make a difference in creating that beloved candied sweet potato experience.
- Chopped Pecans (Optional): Adding chopped pecans provides a wonderful textural contrast and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet topping. Walnuts or other nuts would also work well if pecans aren’t available.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes
Preparing these perfectly baked sweet potatoes in your air fryer is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for a mouthwatering result that will become a staple in your kitchen.
- Start by thoroughly washing your sweet potatoes. Then, using a fork, pierce the skin of each sweet potato about 3 times on at least three different sides. This allows steam to escape during cooking, preventing the potatoes from bursting and ensuring they cook evenly.
- Lightly coat each sweet potato with olive oil. This not only helps the skin crisp up beautifully but also aids in heat conduction, leading to faster cooking. Place the oiled potatoes directly into a 6-quart basket-style air fryer. Ensure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded to allow for optimal air circulation.
- Cook the sweet potatoes in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 35 to 40 minutes, or until they are completely fork-tender. The exact cooking time will depend heavily on the size and thickness of your sweet potatoes. For smaller potatoes, begin checking for doneness around the 30-minute mark. You can easily test their readiness by inserting a fork into the thickest part; it should slide in without resistance.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the sweet potatoes from the air fryer. Using a sharp knife, cut each potato open longways, being careful not to cut all the way through to create a “boat.” Add one tablespoon of unsalted butter into the center of each sweet potato. Use a fork to gently fluff the inside flesh, mixing it with the melted butter to create a creamy base.
- Next, sprinkle ½ tablespoon of brown sugar over the fluffed flesh of each sweet potato. Follow this with ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a tiny pinch of salt (if using). These seasonings will melt into the warm potato, creating a rich, sweet, and spiced flavor.
- Generously top each prepared sweet potato with ¼ cup of mini marshmallows. Arrange them evenly over the opening of the potato.
- Return the sweet potatoes to the air fryer. Increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 1 minute at a time, checking frequently, until the marshmallows are beautifully golden brown and softened. This process usually takes between 2 to 4 minutes, so keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Finally, if desired, sprinkle the toasted marshmallow topping with chopped pecans for added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Serve your Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes immediately and savor every warm, sweet, and comforting bite!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes Every Time
Achieving perfectly tender and flavorful air fryer sweet potatoes is simple with these additional tips:
- Uniform Size: Try to select sweet potatoes of similar size and thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and finish at the same time. If you have a mix of sizes, the smaller ones will cook faster, so you might need to remove them earlier.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Always place sweet potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding inhibits proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking and potentially longer cooking times. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Fork Test is Key: Rely on the fork test, not just the timer, to determine doneness. Sweet potatoes can vary, so visual and tactile cues are the most reliable.
- Customize Your Toppings: While the brown sugar, cinnamon, and marshmallows are classic, don’t hesitate to experiment! Try a pat of maple butter, a sprinkle of cayenne for a sweet-spicy kick, or even a savory herb butter for a different twist.
- Crispy Skin: If you enjoy crispy sweet potato skin, ensure it’s lightly oiled before cooking. The air fryer excels at giving vegetables a lovely texture.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
These Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to fit any meal or preference:
- Holiday Favorite: They are a fantastic, quick alternative to traditional sweet potato casserole during Thanksgiving or Christmas, freeing up valuable oven space.
- Weeknight Side: Pair them with roasted chicken, grilled fish, or a hearty steak for a balanced and satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Savory Twist: Omit the sweet toppings entirely and instead season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a savory side. Top with crumbled feta or goat cheese after baking.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or even a tiny bit of ground ginger to the brown sugar and cinnamon mixture for a more complex spice profile.
- Maple Glaze: Instead of marshmallows, drizzle with a simple maple glaze (maple syrup whisked with a touch of melted butter) after baking.
- Caramel Drizzle: A light drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips can also be a delightful addition for dessert-like indulgence.
Craving More Air Fryer & Sweet Potato Recipes?
If you’ve enjoyed the ease and flavor of these air fryer baked sweet potatoes, you’ll love exploring more of our air fryer and sweet potato-focused dishes. Expand your culinary repertoire with these delicious ideas:
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
- Air Fryer Acorn Squash
- Air Fryer Steak
- Air Fryer Potato Skins
- Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers
- Air Fryer Garlic Cheese Bread
- Air Fryer Mac and Cheese
- Air Fryer Sausage and Potatoes
- Honey Glazed Sweet Potatoes
- Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
- Air Fryer Home Fries
- Grilled Twice Baked Potatoes
Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes
Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes combine the delicious flavors of brown sugar, cinnamon, and marshmallows with a perfectly cooked and tender sweet potato – all without an oven!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25-40 minutes
Total Time: 30-45 minutes
Servings: 3
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 3 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter (can use salted and just skip the additional salt in the recipe)
- 1 ½ Tablespoons brown sugar
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt (optional)
- ¾ cup mini marshmallows (optional)
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Poke 3 sides of the sweet potatoes with a fork.
- Cover the sweet potatoes with the olive oil.
- Place the potatoes into a 6-quart basket air fryer.
- Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 35 to 40 minutes or until fork tender. The time is dependent on how big the sweet potatoes are. If potatoes are on the smaller size, check at the 30-minute mark.
- Cut the potatoes open longways. Add one Tablespoon of butter to each sweet potato. Use a fork to fluff the inside.
- Add ½ Tablespoon of brown sugar to each sweet potato.
- Followed by the cinnamon (¼ teaspoon each) and salt (just a pinch in each, if using).
- Top the potatoes with marshmallows (¼ cup each).
- Cook in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 1 minute at a time until the tops are golden brown and marshmallows have softened. This may take 2-4 minutes.
- Top with the chopped pecans, if using.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
Calories: 525kcal | Carbohydrates: 64g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 29g | Sodium: 235mg | Fiber: 9g | Sugar: 23g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.