Complete your meal with a buttery baked sweet potato that’s crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Since I was little, I’ve been a big fan of sweet potatoes and their many mouthwatering ways of being cooked. Mashed, they’re fluffy and sometimes creamy. Cut into cubes and roasted, they’re tender and easily seasoned with all kinds of herbs and spices. But baked in an air fryer, sweet potatoes can be enjoyed whole, topped with anything from a pat of butter to a dollop of sour cream.
Traditionally, baked sweet potatoes make marvelous sides to main dishes like steak or chicken. But I often like to eat them as a snack, topped with hummus and olives, or feta cheese and walnuts. And then there’s my dessert variation—replacing butter with almond butter and sprinkling it with cinnamon. That’s how dynamic a baked sweet potato is—simple enough to be jazzed up with any of your ideal seasonings and toppings.
An air fryer takes the majestic baked sweet potato a step further by ensuring its skin is perfectly crisp and the inside pillowy soft. Honestly, I could eat an air-fryer baked sweet potato every day for the rest of my life, and I’d be more than content. However you choose to dish them out, I hope you enjoy them thoroughly!
How does an air fryer work?
Unlike an oven, an air fryer is a tabletop appliance, usually no larger than a microwave. It circulates hot air rapidly, similar to a convection oven. Since the food inside is entirely exposed to this hot air, it crisps up on the outside without the need for a lot of oil. Initially, in 2010, this invention was sold on its own, but nowadays there are smart ovens which contain an “air fryer” setting. This setting cooks food in a similar way to the air fryer, but with more space inside to air-fry larger portions.
How do I store leftovers?
Wait until your leftover sweet potato is at room temperature before storing it in an airtight container and refrigerating it for 2-3 days. Alternatively, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag and freeze it for up to 3 months before thawing it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the microwave for 60-90 seconds, or in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
Similar recipes to try
Don’t forget—the luscious sweet potato can be cooked in all kinds of ways, not just with the air fryer. For a spicier, smaller bite, try Roasted Sweet Potatoes chopped into cubes. If you’re serving burgers, Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries are an excellent and crispy side. Last but definitely not least, Mashed Sweet Potatoes offer a smooth and creamy alternative blended with maple syrup and a hint of sweet spices. Depending on the main dish, any one of these could make your meal a tasty finished masterpiece.
Air-Fryer Baked Sweet Potato
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes about 6 to 8 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Kosher salt to taste
- Unsalted butter for serving, optional
- Desired toppings for serving, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Wash and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly, then use a fork to poke holes all over each potato.
- Rub each sweet potato with olive oil and sprinkle with salt evenly. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook at 400°F for 35-45 minutes, turning them halfway through to help them cook evenly. Check for tenderness with a fork. Cooking time will vary depending on the exact size of the sweet potatoes.
- Remove the sweet potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Slice them open and fluff the insides with a fork. Serve with butter or any extra toppings you enjoy.
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