Author: These air fryer sweet potatoes are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. They cook quickly, use minimal oil, and make an easy side dish, meal prep base, or healthy addition to bowls and salads.
If you're wondering how to cook sweet potatoes in the air fryer, this is my go-to method. They turn out perfectly crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, and are ready in about 15 minutes. I make these on repeat as an easy side dish, quick snack, or meal prep staple.
Why These Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Will Be Your New Favorite Side
- Crispy outside, fluffy inside: The air fryer gives you those golden edges while keeping the centers soft and fluffy.
- The easiest weeknight side: Just chop, toss, and air fry. No fuss.
- So many ways to serve them: I love these air fryer sweet potatoes as a side dish, but you can make them a snack for dipping in ketchup or vegan mayonnaise, use them to bulk up meal bowls, or make a batch for meal prep.
- Customizable: Choose your favorite seasonings and make the recipe your own!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes: You can peel them or leave the skin on. I prefer skin-on for extra texture and nutrients.
- Oil: Olive, avocado, canola, or vegetable oil all work. You can skip the oil for an oil-free option, but you won't get the crispy exterior.
- Salt: This makes the flavor pop.
- Optional seasonings: Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor, garlic powder adds depth, and black pepper brings a little warmth. You can use one, two, or all three together.
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
- Prep the Sweet Potatoes: Cut the sweet potatoes into evenly sized ½-inch cubes or wedges. Cubes will get crispier, while wedges stay softer in the center.
- Season: Toss the sweet potatoes with the oil, salt, and any optional seasonings.
- Arrange: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Add the sweet potatoes in a single layer, working in batches if needed.
- Cook: Air fry for 12 to 17 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the sweet potatoes are golden on the outside and fork-tender inside.
Tips and Variations
- Cut evenly: Keeping the pieces the same size ensures they cook evenly and finish at the same time.
- Don't overcrowd the basket: If the basket is too full, the potatoes will steam instead of crisp. Cook them in batches for best results.
- Dry the potatoes before adding oil: If your sweet potatoes are freshly washed and scrubbed, I recommend patting them dry before adding the oil to maximize their crispiness.
- Check early: Air fryers vary, so start checking at 10-12 minutes to avoid overcooking.
How to Serve Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
I bet you have lots of ideas, but here are some of my favorites:
- Add to grain bowls or Buddha bowls
- Toss into salads (they're great with green salads like this Warm Kale Salad with Apples and Cranberries and grain salads)
- Serve as a side with Vegan Beet Burgers
- Lot's of dipping sauces go well with these crispy sweet potatoes, from 5-Minute Chimichurri Sauce to Vegan Mayo.
Storage and Reheating
Store these air fryer sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 5 minutes to bring back their crispy texture.
More Sweet Potato Recipes
If you try this air fryer sweet potatoes recipe, let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram.
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
(click stars to vote)
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
These air fryer sweet potatoes are perfectly crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. They cook quickly, use minimal oil, and make an easy side dish, meal prep base, or healthy addition to bowls and salads.
Servings:
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Ingredients
- 2 medium (1 lb / 450 g) sweet potatoes, peeled or unpeeled (I prefer skin on)
- 1 tablespoon oil, (olive, avocado, canola, or vegetable)
- ½ teaspoon salt
Optional seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the sweet potatoes: Cut the sweet potatoes into evenly sized ½-inch (1.25 cm) cubes or wedges.Tip: Cubes get crispier; wedges stay softer in the center.
- Season: Add the sweet potatoes to a bowl and toss with the oil, salt, and any optional seasonings until evenly coated.
- Air fry: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Add the sweet potatoes to the basket in a single layer (cook in batches if needed).Tip: Avoid overcrowding. Crowding causes steaming instead of crisping.
- Cook: Air fry for 12-17 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden on the outside and tender when pierced with a fork.
Notes
Storage & Meal Prep: Store cooked sweet potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Enjoy cold or reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to re-crisp.
Oil-Free Option: Toss the sweet potatoes with salt and spices only and air fry as directed, shaking a bit more often. They won’t be quite as crispy but will still be tender and flavorful.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 serving (recipe makes 4 servings) | Calories: 131kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 353mg | Potassium: 394mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 16212IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg
Robin says
Hi Sam. I have the Breville oven too! I love it and wouldn't trade it for anything. It Toasts, Roasts, Bakes,and of course, Air Fries. Love this recipe for Air Fried Sweet Potatoes. I never knew that you could eat the skins! Thanks so much for both the recipe and the tip about not having to peel the Sweet Potatoes!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay! You're so welcome, Robin! 🙂
Shirley says
My Hubby agrees!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Yay!! So glad you both enjoyed them, Shirley! 🙂
Eve says
I tried this recipe tonight, and it was great! This recipe is a keeper. Thank you for the very well written instructions.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
So happy you enjoyed it, Eve! 🙂
Beth Ann says
Hi Sam, this looks like a healthier and more delish Tator Tot! Can you recommend an air fryer you are pleased with? Thanks 🙏
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Hi Beth Ann! I currently have this Breville one which is handy as it works as a mini oven as well, and I believe my food photographer is using an Instant Pot brand air fryer which is the more traditional basket style. I used to have a basket style air fryer but the brand and model I had got recalled so I can't recommend that one anymore! 🙂