Air Fryer Sweet Potato
Make tender, fluffy sweet potatoes with crisp skin in the air fryer in about 30 minutes. This simple side needs only sweet potatoes plus salt and pepper, and works oil-free or with a light olive oil spray for extra crunch. Great for weeknights or meal prep, with easy variations and reheating tips.
Equipment
- Basket-style air fryer
- fork
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 2 sweet potatoes medium; 6-8 oz each; garnet variety preferred
- to taste sea salt
- to taste freshly ground black pepper
- as needed olive oil spray optional; for extra crispy skin
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
- Scrub sweet potatoes under cold running water to remove dirt.
- Pat dry with a paper towel.
- Pierce each potato 4-5 times with a fork, spacing the holes evenly.
- Place potatoes in the air fryer basket so they are not touching. Do not line with parchment.
- Cook at 400°F for 28-30 minutes total.
- At the 15-minute mark, flip the potatoes using tongs.
- Check doneness by piercing the thickest part with a fork; it should slide in easily.
- Remove potatoes and let rest 3-5 minutes to allow steam to redistribute.
- Split open and season with sea salt and black pepper to taste (light olive oil spray optional).
Notes
- For cubes: Cut into 1-inch pieces, toss with olive oil spray and salt, and cook at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Seasoning ideas: paprika and garlic powder for savory; cinnamon and butter for a sweet version. Cayenne adds heat.
- Oil-free works but the skin is less crispy; a light olive oil spray adds about 30 calories and boosts crunch.
- Adjust timing: larger potatoes may need ~35 minutes; smaller ones 22-25 minutes. Internal temp about 205°F when done; always flip halfway.
- Storage: refrigerate up to 4-5 days in an airtight container. Reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 5-6 minutes for crispy skin; microwave for 60-90 seconds for quick reheating.
- Freezing: up to 2-3 months wrapped well, but texture may become grainy after thawing.
- Serving ideas: top with black beans and avocado; use as a bowl base; or finish with butter and cinnamon.
- Preheating and piercing with a fork help ensure even cooking and prevent splitting.