The air fryer quickly became my kitchen ally, offering a perfect blend of convenience and taste. One weekend, while hosting a casual dinner for my closest friends, I decided to introduce them to my beloved sweet potatoes—this time, with a modern twist. We gathered around the kitchen island, chatting about our week while I prepped the sweet potatoes. As I massaged the olive oil into their skins and sprinkled sea salt over them, I shared stories of my grandmother’s kitchen and how she’d always insist on using the freshest ingredients, even for something as simple as baked sweet potatoes.
As the air fryer hummed away, I couldn’t help but feel a mix of excitement and nostalgia. When the timer beeped, signaling the end of the cooking time, I carefully sliced open the golden-brown sweet potatoes, releasing a steamy, sweet scent that immediately transported me back to those childhood days. I added a dollop of butter, just as my grandmother would, and served them to my friends.
The first bite was met with appreciative hums and smiles around the table. The crispy, salted skin gave way to the soft, sweet interior—exactly how I remembered it. It was a moment of connection, not just to my roots but also to my friends, who now shared in this comforting piece of my past. The air fryer had delivered on its promise, giving us perfectly baked sweet potatoes in a fraction of the time it would have taken in a conventional oven, without losing the essence of the dish.
Every time I make these air fryer baked sweet potatoes, I’m reminded of that evening and how food has the power to bring people together, bridging the gap between past and present. Whether I’m cooking for myself, my family, or friends, this recipe is my go-to, ensuring that a little piece of my grandmother’s legacy lives on in every bite.
How to Make Air Fryed Baked Sweet Potatoes
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Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- Butter (optional)
Directions
- Whole Sweet Potatoes: Rinse and pat dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Using a fork, poke holes all around each potato to allow steam to escape during cooking. Coat the potatoes with olive oil, making sure it’s evenly distributed over the skin. Sprinkle sea salt over the potatoes.
- Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Set the air fryer to 380°F and cook for 30-35 minutes. Flip the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking on all sides.
- After cooking, remove the sweet potatoes from the air fryer. Make a slit down the center and add butter if desired. Serve immediately for a warm, comforting treat.
- Halved Sweet Potatoes: After washing and drying the sweet potatoes, slice them in half lengthwise. Rub olive oil over the cut sides and sprinkle with sea salt.
- Arrange the halved potatoes in the air fryer basket with the cut sides facing up. Set the temperature to 380°F and cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Once the potatoes are tender, remove them from the air fryer. Optionally, add a dollop of butter on each half before serving. Enjoy your deliciously roasted sweet potatoes!
Storing Suggestion
Store leftover baked sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.
Cooking Tips
For extra crispy skin, you can increase the cooking time by 3-5 minutes. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, drizzle a bit of honey or maple syrup over the finished potatoes. You can also sprinkle cinnamon for an added flavor twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these air fryer baked sweet potatoes as a side dish with grilled meats or enjoy them as a standalone snack. Garnish with fresh herbs, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a drizzle of sour cream for added richness.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you prefer a different flavor, swap the olive oil for melted coconut oil or avocado oil. Sea salt can be substituted with Himalayan pink salt or garlic salt for a unique taste.
Seasonal Variations
During the fall, try adding a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice to the sweet potatoes before air frying for a warm, autumnal flavor. In the summer, serve them with a fresh salsa made from tomatoes, cilantro, and lime juice for a light and refreshing side dish.
Allergen Information
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free if butter is omitted or replaced with a dairy-free alternative. Always check the labels of your ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
FAQ:
Can I use different types of potatoes in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute sweet potatoes with other types like russet or Yukon gold, but the cooking time may vary slightly.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking?
Preheating is not necessary, but it can help achieve more even cooking. If you prefer to preheat, set the air fryer to 380°F for 3-5 minutes before adding the potatoes.
How can I tell if the sweet potatoes are fully cooked?
The sweet potatoes are done when they are fork-tender. You should be able to easily pierce the flesh with a fork.
Can I cook multiple sweet potatoes at once?
Yes, you can cook multiple sweet potatoes at the same time, but make sure they are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
What can I do with leftover sweet potatoes?
Leftover sweet potatoes can be mashed and used as a base for soups, added to salads, or simply reheated as a quick snack or side dish.
Can I add other seasonings to the sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or even a dash of chili powder for a spicy kick.
Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- Butter optional
Instructions
Whole Sweet Potatoes
- Wash and thoroughly dry the sweet potatoes. Use a fork to prick holes all over the potatoes.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the sweet potatoes and massage it into the skin. Sprinkle the sea salt evenly on top.
- Place the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 380°F and cook for 30-35 minutes. Flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time, around 20 minutes in.
- Once done, remove the sweet potatoes from the air fryer. Slice them open with a knife and add butter if desired before serving. Enjoy your deliciously baked sweet potatoes!
Halved Sweet Potatoes
- Wash and thoroughly dry the sweet potatoes. Slice them in half lengthwise.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the cut sides of the sweet potatoes and massage it into the flesh. Sprinkle the sea salt evenly on top.
- Place the halved sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket, cut side up. Set the temperature to 380°F and cook for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
- Once done, remove the sweet potatoes from the air fryer. Add butter if desired before serving. Enjoy your perfectly baked sweet potatoes!
