Air Fryer Roasted Sweet Potatoes Recipe

I absolutely love this air fryer sweet potato recipe because it’s a quick and delicious way to satisfy my snack cravings while keeping things healthy. With a perfect balance of spices and a hint of optional heat, these sweet potato cubes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them an irresistible treat.

I adore preparing sweet potatoes in my air fryer because they are speedy and simple and full of the flavor I love. They shine with just a tablespoon of olive oil to keep the dish in the healthy range.

What follows are my favorite go-to seasonings: salt, black pepper, and good ol’ garlic powder, plus a smidge of paprika and some cayenne for heat.

Ingredients

• Sweet Potatoes: Rich in fiber and vitamins A and C; naturally sweet.
• Olive Oil: Contains healthy monounsaturated fats; heart-friendly.
• Garlic Powder: Adds savory flavor; contains antioxidants.
• Paprika: Provides mild smoky sweetness; rich in vitamin A.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional heat; boosts metabolism and circulation.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1. Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and let it run for approximately 5 minutes.

2. In a big bowl, mix together the sweet potatoes, which have been peeled and cut into cubes.

3. Pour the olive oil over the sweet potatoes and mix to coat all surfaces evenly.

4. Scatter the sweet potatoes with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.

5. Ensure the spices are evenly distributed on the sweet potatoes by mixing them well.

6. Position the spiced sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they remain in a single layer so that they cook evenly.

7. Sweet potatoes can be cooked in an air fryer by setting the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for a cooking duration of 15 to 20 minutes.

8. Ensure even crisping by either shaking the basket or gently tossing the sweet potatoes halfway through the cooking time.

9. To ensure that sweet potato cubes are done, pierce them with a fork; the cubes should be tender and slightly crispy on their edges.

10. Sweet potatoes need to be treated gently when they are taken from the air fryer. They are best served immediately after being removed from the air fryer and are ready to be plated and eaten.

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer
2. Large mixing bowl
3. Measuring spoons
4. Mixing spoon or spatula
5. Peeler
6. Cutting board
7. Chef’s knife
8. Tongs or fork (for checking doneness and handling sweet potatoes)

FAQ

• Can I use different spices for this recipe?Of course, you can personalize the seasoning to your tastes. Try cumin or rosemary for another flavor profile.
• Do I have to peel the sweet potatoes?This recipe ensures consistent texture, so you can peel your sweet potatoes, but if you prefer, you can leave the skin on. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly!
• What’s the recommended air frying time?Prepare the sweet potatoes in an air fryer, set to a temperature of 400°F (200°C). Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• How do I store leftovers?Keep uneaten portions in a sealed container in the fridge for no more than 3 days. Reheat them in an air fryer to get them crispy again.
• Can I make this recipe without olive oil?Certainly! You may opt for any cooking oil of your choosing or a nonstick spray to cut down on fat when using this recipe. Here are some suggestions:
• Is cayenne pepper necessary?It is not required. You can leave it out if you want less heat, or you can change the amount to suit your preferred level of spicy.
• Can I double the recipe?Of course, just don’t stuff the air fryer basket full to bursting. If it needs to be done in batches to work evenly, then do it in batches.

Substitutions and Variations

Avocado oil or coconut oil can be used in place of olive oil.
Salt may be substituted with sea salt or Himalayan pink salt for a change in flavor profile.
White pepper or freshly ground, multicolored peppercorns can substitute for black pepper; the replacements offer subtle variations.
Onion powder or minced fresh garlic can replace garlic powder—for a bolder taste.
Smoked paprika can be used in place of paprika for a smokier flavor, or chili powder can be used for added spice.

Pro Tips

1. Uniform Cubes Cut the sweet potatoes into even-sized cubes to ensure they cook uniformly. This helps avoid undercooked or overcooked pieces.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer Make sure your air fryer is preheated for a few minutes to reach the desired temperature. This step can help achieve a crispier texture on the sweet potatoes.

3. Avoid Overcrowding Arrange the sweet potato cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket to promote even cooking and crisping. If necessary, cook in batches for the best results.

4. Shake Midway About halfway through the cooking time, open the air fryer and shake the basket or gently toss the sweet potatoes to ensure even browning and crispiness.

5. Serve Immediately Air-fried sweet potatoes are best enjoyed immediately after cooking for the optimum crispy exterior and tender interior. If you need to keep them warm, place them on a wire rack rather than stacking them, which can cause steaming and lead to sogginess.