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Why You’ll Love These Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
One of my favorite holiday cooking tricks is saving oven space by making sides like these paleo/whole30 sweet potatoes in the air fryer. With only two ingredients, this simple recipe is naturally gluten-free and effortless to pull together. For even more oven-free inspiration, check out my scalloped sweet potatoes or these chorizo breakfast twice baked sweet potatoes. While air fryers can handle just about anything, sweet potatoes are truly one of the best. They cook faster than roasting, require no stress, and always turn out perfectly!
To make them, just pierce the sweet potatoes, coat with oil, and air fry until the skin turns golden and crisp while the inside becomes tender and fluffy. Not only are they easy, but sweet potatoes are also a powerhouse food: high in fiber, loaded with vitamin A, and rich in antioxidants. Whether you keep them simple with butter and salt or dress them up with savory or sweet toppings, they’re always satisfying.
For another sweet potato recipe try these candied pecan loaded sweet potatoes.
Watch a Short Video of This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Sweet Potatoes: Medium-sized work best. You can use orange, Japanese, or purple sweet potatoes – just adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the size.
- Coconut Oil: Creates golden skin and adds flavor. Avocado oil or olive oil also work well. For oil-free air fryer sweet potatoes, skip the oil.
- Toppings: Classic butter or ghee, flaky sea salt, and black pepper are always winners. For more flavor, try cinnamon, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or even a sprinkle of coconut sugar.
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Rinse and scrub the sweet potatoes, then pat dry. Pierce each one with a fork all over.
Step 2: Rub the skins with coconut oil until coated. Line with parchment paper if you want easier cleanup.
Step 3: Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket. Cook for 35-45 minutes, depending on size, until a knife easily pierces through and the skin feels crisp. A quick test: squeeze gently with tongs, the outside should feel firm while the inside gives slightly, showing it’s fluffy.
Step 4: Remove the sweet potatoes and let them cool for 5 minutes. Split each one with a sharp knife and add your favorite toppings.
Tip: If you’re cooking for a holiday crowd you can cook 3-4 sweet potatoes at once if your basket is large, but don’t overcrowd – the air needs to circulate for crisp skin. Cook in batches if needed.
Flavor Variations + Toppings
One of the best things about air fryer sweet potatoes is how versatile they are. Try these ideas:
- Savory: Stuff with shredded chicken, chili, or black beans and top with avocado slices.
- Sweet: Add butter, cinnamon, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Spicy: Sprinkle chili powder or smoked paprika with a squeeze of lime.
- Mediterranean: Drizzle with tahini, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.
- Holiday: Top with candied pecans for a festive side.
For even more ways to use this nutritious ingredient, try my sweet potato waffles, or these sweet potato avocado chocolate pudding.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Wrap in foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Microwave for speed or pop back into the air fryer to revive the crispy skin.
Recipe FAQs
No. Unlike white potatoes, sweet potatoes don’t need soaking. Just scrub, pierce, and cook.
Overcrowding the basket can cause steaming instead of crisping. Leave space between potatoes or cook in batches for crispy air fryer sweet potatoes.
Yes, piercing prevents steam from building up inside and ensures even cooking.
Yes! For oil-free air fryer sweet potatoes, skip the oil. The skin may be less golden, but the insides will still be soft and fluffy.
You can! However, the cooking time will change a bit. I recommend cooking them for 15 minutes, flipping them, then another 10 minutes. Check them to make sure they are soft and cook for a few minutes more if needed.
These air fryer sweet potatoes are soft and fluffy inside, with crispy skin outside, the perfect balance of textures. Whether you’re serving them as a healthy side dish, prepping ahead for the week, or making a holiday spread easier, they’re always a hit.
More Sweet Potato Recipes You’ll Love
30 Minutes or Less
Whole30 Sweet Potato Chili (Instant Pot, Slow Cooker, or Stovetop)
30 Minutes or Less
Bruschetta Sweet Potato Toast (Paleo, Whole30, Vegan)
If you make these air fryer sweet potatoes, please leave me a star rating and comment below! I love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Follow me on social media Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest, for even more delicious recipes!
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes (Perfectly Crispy + Fluffy)
Video
Ingredients
- 3 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 tsp coconut oil, or your favorite cooking oil
- Optional toppings: butter or ghee, sea salt, ground black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, sugar, and/or thyme
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Rinse and scrub the sweet potatoes. Pat dry and pierce with a fork all over.
- Rub coconut oil all over the sweet potatoes to coat.
- Cook in the air fryer for 35-45 minutes depending on the size of your sweet potatoes, until a knife easily pierces through.
- Remove the sweet potatoes and cool for 5 minutes.
- To serve, split the sweet potatoes in the middle and top with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored for up to a week in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, microwave, or reheat in the air fryer.
- Serving: Add your favorite toppings like butter or ghee, sea salt, ground black pepper, cinnamon, cumin, sugar, and/or thyme. You can also stuff it with shredded meat, cheese, or black beans.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Welcome back! Congratulation! Your new addition is adorable. Quick question for you do you have a recommendation for a good air fryer?
This is the one I use and I love it. And thank you so much!! ๐