Skip to Content

How Long to Cook Sweet Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Follow our suggestions for how long to cook sweet potatoes in the air fryer to make perfectly baked, roasted, and french-fried sweet potatoes in less time than it takes to preheat and cook them in the oven.

Fresh sweet potatoes picked from the dirt.
Photo Credit: Jorge Romero

Why You’ll Love This Article

It doesn’t matter how they cook – sweet potatoes are delicious! The vegetable is versatile and pairs easily with main dishes for any meal, breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Continue reading to learn how to cook sweet potatoes in the air fryer in three ways.

How Can I Season Sweet Potatoes?

Because of their natural sweetness, a little seasoning goes a long way. For that reason, I usually season ours with kosher salt. Cumin, garam masala, Tajin, Slap Ya Mama Seasoning, onion powder, chili powder, and yellow curry powder are great options to flavor the potatoes. You can go the sweeter route with brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or maple syrup.

Are Sweet Potatoes Healthy?

Sweet potatoes are one of the healthiest vegetables you can eat! Unlike other varieties, sweet potatoes have more soluble fiber! The bright orange interior of the sweet potatoes comes from beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant; they are also rich in vitamins A and C.

Sweet Potato Nutrition:

Serving Size: One Sweet Potato

  • Calories– 112
  • Fat -0g
  • Sodium – 72mg
  • Carbs – 26g
  • Fiber – 4g
  • Sugar – 5g
  • Protein – 2g

How Long to Cook Sweet Potatoes in the Air Fryer?

To determine how long to cook sweet potatoes in the air fryer, we used six-ounce sweet potatoes for each method to keep it consistent. You should adjust the cooking time for larger or smaller potatoes.

1. Baked Sweet Potatoes

How Long to Cook Sweet Potatoes in the Air Fryer (45 Minutes)

Baked sweet potatoes are so simple to make that it’s almost effortless. All you have to do is drop and bake, so you’re free to prepare the rest of your meal.

Step 1: Wash the potatoes and pierce them all over with a fork.

Wash the potatoes and pierce them with a fork.

Step 2: Set the air fryer to 370°F (187°C) and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Add the whole sweet potatoes to the air fryer tray.

Step 3: Slice the sweet potato lengthwise, add a tab of butter, and sprinkle with salt.

Baked sweet potatoes on a plate and garnished with butter.

2. Roasted Sweet Potatoes

How Long to Cook Sweet Potatoes in the Air Fryer (10 Minutes)

I love that all I have to do is combine the potatoes with a bit of oil and salt and let the air fryer do its thing for roasted sweet potatoes with perfectly crisp skin and tender insides.

Step 1: Wash the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes, then toss with oil and salt.

Cut the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes and season with kosher salt.

Step 2: Set the air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Add the potatoes and roast them for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Add them to the air fryer tray.

3. Sweet Potato Fries

How Long to Cook Sweet Potatoes in the Air Fryer (8 Minutes)

There is nothing like homemade sweet potato fries! Air fryer french fries are my kid’s favorite way to eat sweet potatoes, and I can’t say I blame them. Elevate the side by serving them with homemade fry sauce or our McDonald’s Big Mac Sauce recipe. And if you need something easy, try air fryer frozen sweet potato fries!

Step 1: Peel the skin off the sweet potatoes.

Peel the sweet potatoes.

Step 2: Cut them into strips like french fries, and toss with oil and salt.

Shake the basket of sweet potato fryers halfway through.

Step 3: Set the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and roast them for 8 minutes; remove the basket halfway through and shake.

Add the sweet potato fries to the air fryer tray.

Expert Tips

  • Select firm and even-colored potatoes free of wrinkles and blemishes.
  • Store uncooked sweet potatoes in a cool, dry place for 3-5 weeks.
  • Cut the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
  • Don’t overcrowd the basket, and cook in batches when necessary.
  • I use the Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer, and it reminds me to move the potatoes, which I think is a helpful feature. If yours doesn’t do this, remember to shake the basket halfway through.

Searching for More Like This?

If you love this how-to, check out more of our helpful kitchen tips

Sweet potato fries on a plate.

What to Serve with Sweet Potatoes

What to do With the Leftovers

  • Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container; they will keep for 3-4 days.
  • Freeze – Let the potatoes cool, then wrap them in foil and place them into freezer-safe containers or bags. Air fryer sweet potatoes will freeze for up to 6 months.
  • Reheat  Warm the leftovers in the microwave, air fryer, or oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of oil is best for sweet potatoes in the air fryer?

Use whatever oil you prefer. I recommend using one with a high smoke point for the roasted potatoes and french fries, like avocado oil.

What is the difference between yams and sweet potatoes?

Yams have a rough, brown exterior similar to yucca or russet potatoes, and the flesh is white. Yams have a neutral taste, which makes them perfect for adding to baked goods or preparing dishes like candied yams.

Sweet potatoes come in different varieties, orange, white, and purple. Orange is the type we are used to seeing in popular recipes like sweet potato casserole. In terms of flavor, sweet potatoes live up to their name.

Are sweet potatoes healthier than other potatoes?

Both are a healthy part of a well balanced diet! They are the same in terms of protein but have a few differences. Sweet potatoes contain more fiber and are rich in vitamins, particularly A and C. If you’re looking for more folate or potassium, reach for a regular russet potato.

More Potato Recipes:

Your Feedback is Valuable

Did you try this recipe? Consider leaving a ⭐️ rating and comment below. And for more healthy international recipes for everyday cooking, sign up to have recipes emailed right to you.

Baked sweet potatoes on a plate and garnished with butter.

How Long to Cook Sweet Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Tressa Jamil
Follow our easy guide for how long to cook sweet potatoes in the air fryer for perfectly baked, roasted, and French-fried sweet potatoes.
5 from 2 votes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Preparations
Cuisine American
Servings 2 People
Calories 230 kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
  
  • 2 sweet potatoes, 6-ounces
  • kosher salt, to taste
  • 2 teaspoons butter
Instructions
 

For Baked Sweet Potatoes:

  • Wash the potatoes and pierce them all over with a fork. Set the air fryer to 370°F (187°C) and bake for 40-45 minutes.
  • Slice the sweet potato lengthwise, add a tab of butter, and sprinkle with salt.

For Roasted Sweet Potatoes:

  • Wash the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes, then toss with oil and salt.
  • Set the air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Add the potatoes and roast them for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

For Sweet Potato Fries:

  • Peel the skin off the sweet potatoes and cut them into strips like french fries, and toss with oil and salt.
  • Set the air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Add the potatoes and roast for 8 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
Notes
Expert Tips:
  • Select firm and even-colored potatoes free of wrinkles and blemishes.
  • Store uncooked sweet potatoes in a cool, dry place for 3-5 weeks.
  • Cut the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
  • Don’t overcrowd the basket, and cook in batches when necessary.
  • I use the Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer, and it reminds me to move the potatoes, which I think is a helpful feature. If yours doesn’t do this, remember to shake the basket halfway through.
Nutrition Disclosure:
  • The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
 
Nutrition
Serving: 2 Sweet Potatoes | Calories: 230 kcal | Carbohydrates: 45 g | Protein: 4 g | Fat: 4 g | Saturated Fat: 3 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g | Trans Fat: 0.2 g | Cholesterol: 11 mg | Sodium: 156 mg | Potassium: 763 mg | Fiber: 7 g | Sugar: 9 g | Vitamin A: 32188 IU | Vitamin C: 5 mg | Calcium: 69 mg | Iron: 1 mg
Did you make this recipe? Let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and follow @thejamilghar or tag #thejamilghar on Instagram!
Recipe Rating