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.
LET’S TALK SWEET POTATOES
It doesn’t matter how they cook; sweet potatoes are delicious! This vegetable is versatile and pairs easily with main dishes for any meal, breakfast, lunch, or dinner; check out our how-to guide for preparing air fryer sweet potatoes 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 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 sweet route with brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or maple.
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; 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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Peel the skin off the sweet potatoes.
Cut them into strips like french fries, and toss with oil and salt.
Set the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and roast them for 8 minutes; remove the basket halfway through and shake.
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.
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If you love this how-to, check out more of our helpful kitchen tips!
WHAT TO SERVE WITH SWEET POTATOES
- Brisket in the Oven, Pulled Pork Sandwich, Brisket Sliders
- Fried Chicken, Roasted Chicken
- Braised Short Ribs, Beef Ribs, Roast Beef
- Sriracha Salmon
- Bison Steak Recipe, Air Fryer Ribeye Steak
- Crispy Baked Chicken Wings
- Chili Con Carne with Beans
- Lamb Shanks
WHAT TO DO WITH THE LEFTOVERS
- Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container; they will keep for 3-5 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 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 of them are healthy! 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:
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How Long to Cook Sweet Potatoes in the Air Fryer
- 2 sweet potatoes, 6-ounces
- kosher salt
- butter or oil
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.
- 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.
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.