Crispy and Fluffy Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes You’ll Crave

There’s something magical about a perfectly cooked sweet potato—crisp skin, soft and fluffy inside, and naturally sweet. Now imagine achieving all that in half the time using an air fryer. That’s exactly what you get with these Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes: crispy on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth tender inside, and so simple to make.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, building a sweet potato hash air fryer bowl, or just craving a warm and cozy side dish, this recipe is the game-changer you need. Air frying cuts down cook time and boosts texture, making it one of the best methods for cooking sweet potatoes.

If you’re already a fan of air fryer oven recipes or just getting started, this recipe is a must-try. Pair it with something savory like Baked Chicken Legs or use leftovers to build delicious bowls like this Cucumber Shrimp Salad.

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Why Make Sweet Potatoes in the Air Fryer?

Baking sweet potatoes in the oven can take nearly an hour. In an air fryer, they’re ready in about 35–40 minutes—and with better texture. The air fryer’s rapid hot air circulation creates that crave-worthy crispness on the outside while keeping the inside moist and fluffy.

Plus, air frying is generally healthier. You can cook them with little to no oil, making it ideal for clean eating or Whole30, paleo, and vegetarian lifestyles. If you’ve tried Air Fryer Baked Potato recipes before, this sweet version will be your new favorite.

Another reason to love air fryer sweet potatoes? They’re incredibly versatile. You can slice them for fries, cube them for hash, or bake them whole like in this recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes

This simple recipe requires just a few basic ingredients:

• 2 to 4 medium sweet potatoes (about 5–6 oz each)
• 1 teaspoon olive oil or spray oil
• Kosher salt, to taste

That’s it! You don’t need much to enhance the natural flavor of sweet potatoes. Optionally, you can season with cinnamon, smoked paprika, or garlic powder depending on your preference.

If you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping, you can double the batch and serve them with a variety of toppings or mains. These also pair well with seasonal recipes like Garlic Butter Corn with Melty Cheese or Pumpkin Twists as a fun fall-inspired combo.

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Essential Kitchen Tools for This Air Fryer Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy air fryer sweet potato recipe:

• Air Fryer: Basket or oven-style. A 5–6 quart fryer works best for 2–4 potatoes.
• Fork or sharp knife: For piercing the potatoes before cooking.
• Tongs: To flip or remove hot potatoes safely.
• Cutting board & knife: If you plan to prep them into hash or fries afterward.
• Small bowl or oil mister: If using oil or seasoning before cooking.

If you’re a fan of multi-use appliances, the air fryer is one of the best kitchen investments. Try it with other dishes like Crispy Smashed Potato Salad or Vegetarian Baked Ziti to expand your air fryer meal repertoire.

How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes – Step by Step

1. Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (188°C). Most air fryers will take 3–5 minutes to preheat.
2. Wash and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Pierce each one several times with a fork to allow steam to escape while cooking.
3. Rub the sweet potatoes lightly with olive oil or spray them with cooking spray. Season with kosher salt.
4. Place the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid stacking or overcrowding.
5. Air fry for 35–40 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes. Flip halfway through to ensure even cooking.
6. Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part—it should slide in easily with no resistance.
7. Serve warm with your favorite toppings or mash them for another recipe.

Want to turn this into a full meal? Split them open and stuff with leftover Sticky Honey Gochujang Chicken or chickpea salad.

Air Fryer Cooking Times for Sweet Potatoes

Cooking times can vary based on the size of the sweet potato and the power of your air fryer. Here’s a rough guide:

• Small sweet potatoes (4 oz): 30–35 minutes
• Medium sweet potatoes (5–6 oz): 35–40 minutes
• Large sweet potatoes (8+ oz): 40–45 minutes

Always check for doneness by piercing with a fork or knife. If you’re unsure, extend by 3–5 minutes and check again.

For diced sweet potato hash in the air fryer, cook at 400°F (204°C) for 12–15 minutes, tossing halfway through.

Tips for Perfect Air Fried Sweet Potatoes

• Use similarly sized sweet potatoes so they cook evenly.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket; the hot air needs to circulate.
• Flip them halfway through for even browning.
• Leave the skin on for added texture and nutrients.
• Preheat the air fryer for the crispiest results.

If you love crispy edges, slice leftover baked sweet potatoes into wedges and air fry for an extra 5 minutes the next day. For more air fryer meal prep inspiration, check out these Make-Ahead Breakfast Bowls.

Serving Ideas: What to Eat with Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes

These sweet potatoes are a blank canvas for both savory and sweet toppings. Try them:

• Loaded with black beans, salsa, and avocado
• Topped with cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup
• Stuffed with Creamy Mushroom and Spinach
• Paired with Garlicky Kale and White Beans

You can also dice them into Sweet Potato Hash and top with a fried egg for breakfast or serve them with grilled meats for dinner.

Variations: From Sweet Potato Hash to Loaded Baked Potatoes

Sweet potatoes in the air fryer can be customized endlessly:

• Sweet Potato Hash Air Fryer Style: Dice and toss with olive oil, garlic powder, and paprika. Air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes.
• Sweet Potato Fries: Cut into thin wedges, season, and air fry for 10–12 minutes at 375°F.
• Loaded Sweet Potatoes: Stuff with shredded chicken, cheese, and veggies.
• Mashed Sweet Potato Bowls: Scoop out the flesh, mash it, and top with spices or honey.

Pair with other comfort dishes like Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce for a wholesome and seasonal dinner.

Common Mistakes When Air Frying Sweet Potatoes

• Skipping the fork pierce: This traps steam inside and can cause uneven cooking.
• Using too much oil: A light coat is plenty.
• Crowding the air fryer: Overcrowding leads to steaming, not crisping.
• Undercooking large sweet potatoes: Check with a fork, especially at the thickest part.
• Skipping the flip: Flipping ensures evenly cooked skin.

Avoiding these common pitfalls will guarantee consistently delicious results. Looking for a sweet snack instead? Try making Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies with your extra fall produce.

Storing and Reheating Air Fried Sweet Potatoes

These reheat beautifully, making them great for meal prep.

To store: Let them cool completely, then place in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To freeze: Wrap individually in foil and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 5–8 minutes or microwave until heated through.

Use leftovers for Vegetable Casserole or slice them cold into salads for a hearty lunch.

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FAQs About Cooking Sweet Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Can I cook sweet potatoes without oil in the air fryer?
Yes! The skin will still crisp up nicely, though a small amount of oil helps with flavor and texture.

Do I need to peel them first?
No, the peel gets crisp and adds fiber. You can scoop the flesh out after baking if preferred.

Can I use foil in the air fryer?
Yes, but make sure it doesn’t block airflow. Perforate if needed.

Can I cook them in an air fryer oven instead of a basket-style?
Absolutely. Use the same temperature and time, but space them evenly on a tray.

More Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re enjoying air-fried food and want more ideas, check out these easy and delicious recipes:

• Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
• High Protein Steak and Shrimp Stir-Fry
• Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal
• Tater Tot Breakfast Bowl
• Crack Breakfast Casserole

Want more easy ideas? Browse the full Dinner Collection or explore all Breakfast Recipes for a mix of savory and sweet inspiration.

Final Thoughts + Don’t Forget to Share and Subscribe

These Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes are the perfect combination of quick, easy, and satisfying. You get a perfectly cooked sweet potato with crisp skin and fluffy insides in less than half the time it takes in the oven. Once you try this method, you’ll never go back.

Loved this recipe? Share it with your friends, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more air fryer oven recipes, seasonal dishes, and healthy cooking tips. While you’re here, explore new favorites like Garlic Parmesan Focaccia Bread or whip up a batch of Sweet Chili Meatballs for your next gathering.

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