Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes

Enjoy scrumptious and fluffy sweet potatoes in no time. These air fryer sweet potatoes can be ready in about 20 minutes. Yes, even whole sweet potatoes can be ready in this short cooking time! 

The air fryer is my new favorite way to cook many foods, but especially potatoes. It allows us to make them any night of the week because we don’t have to wait for the oven to preheat and then bake them for an hour or more. And, if you have read this blog or know me at all then you know potatoes are one of my favorite foods. 

Jump to:

• Ingredient Notes
• How to make this air fryer baked sweet potato recipe
• Tips
• How long to air fry whole sweet potatoes at 400 degrees f
• Variation
• Topping ideas
• Storage & Reheating
• Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes
• More easy air fryer recipes

Ingredients

Ingredient Notes

sweet potatoes – the best kind of sweet potatoes for this recipe are steamers that come in a microwavable bag. They are petite sweet potatoes that are triple washed and ready to cook, they are not precooked. Petite sweet potatoes are usually 4-5 ounces each. 

This small sweet potato is the perfect size for a healthy side dish. These can be found in the produce section of the grocery store with the potatoes, and is essential to the short cook time. 

If this type of sweet potato isn’t available look for small ones that are about the same size. If you can’t find small ones you will need to increase the cooking time until they are soft in the middle. 

butter – real butter, margarine or plant based butter can be used as a topping on cooked sweet potatoes. 

toppings of choice – see below for topping ideas. 

How to make this air fryer baked sweet potato recipe

1. If your sweet potatoes aren’t ready to cook then scrub them under cold water and dry thoroughly with paper towels.
2. Poke holes in each potato using a fork, a total of about a dozen times per potato. 
3. Place potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer leaving some space between them. 
4. Air fry on 400° for 18-20 minutes. Let cool until they can be handled. 
5. Slit each sweet potato lengthwise down the middle with a sharp knife, using your index finger and thumb of both hands pinch the end of the slit and push gently to pop open the potato. Be careful not to burn yourself because the potato is hot and steam will emit from it. 

Tips

• Since air fryer temperature may vary depending on what model you have check the sweet potatoes after about 16 or 17 minutes. 
• Dry sweet potatoes well after washing them. 
• Larger sweet potatoes will need to be cooked longer.

How long to air fry whole sweet potatoes at 400 degrees f

Our small sweet potatoes are a delicious side dish. You will need larger sweet potatoes to have as a main dish. Below are the approximate cooking times for larger potatoes. 

• 6 ounce sweet potato: Cook for about 25-30 minutes.
• 8 ounce sweet potato: Cook for about 30-35 minutes.
• 10 ounce sweet potato: Cook for about 35-40 minutes.

For best results flip large sweet potatoes about halfway to ensure even browning.

Variation

If you want crispy skin then brush each potato with a little bit of olive oil, canola oil or avocado oil.

You could also add some kosher salt or sea salt to the outside of the potato before air frying them. 

Does air frying sweet potatoes remove nutrients?

Air frying sweet potatoes uses little to no oil so there is no nutritional loss due to oil absorption. Air fried foods are cooked in less time and at a higher temperature helping it to retain more nutrients, as opposed to prolonged cooking that may degrade the nutrients in foods. 

Cook sweet potatoes with the skin on because much of the nutrients are in the skin.  

What is the nutritional value of air fried sweet potatoes?

Here is the nutritional information for one 4 ounce sweet potato:

• Calories: Around 90-100 calories
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-23 grams
• Fiber: Roughly 3-4 grams
• Protein: About 1-2 grams
• Fat: Minimal, typically less than 1 gram
• Vitamins and minerals: Sweet potatoes are particularly rich in vitamin A (in the form of beta carotene), vitamin C, potassium, and other essential nutrients.

To learn about the 8 benefits of eating sweet potatoes check out this article from verywellhealth.

Topping ideas

There are many ways to top your baked sweet potatoes, we like to offer any of these below so everyone has the option of choosing their favorite toppings. 

• A pat of butter, and a little salt and black pepper. 
• Add some mini marshmallows and put them back in the air fryer for a couple of minutes, check after a minute or so to see how they are doing. 
• A sprinkling of brown sugar.
• Top them off with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.
• Sprinkle with cinnamon.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. While they are best cooked fresh they can be reheated in the air fryer for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave. 

More easy air fryer recipes