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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

    Best Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes

    Published: Feb 5, 2021 Modified: Feb 5, 2021 by Kristin King / This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe | Pin Recipe
    Close up view of an air fryer sweet potato dripping with butter and cinnamon sugar.
    Overhead view of 3 sweet potato halves on a black plate sprinkled with a melty brown sugar cinnamon topping.
    Super close up view of an air fryer baked sweet potato coated with salt and pepper and air fried until the bottom is caramelized.

    These Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes are the perfect nutritious main or side dish. Cooking these in the air fryer with less oil makes them an even healthier option! With crispy skin on one side and caramelized potato on the other, you won’t believe how delicious these are.

    Super close up view of an air fryer baked sweet potato coated with salt and pepper and air fried until the bottom is caramelized.
    Air fryer sweet potatoes are super easy to prepare and cook really quickly in the air fryer so you can have your dinner on the table in a snap!
    Jump to:
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Why You'll Love Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
    • 🥘 Ingredients Needed
    • 🔷 Oven directions
    • 👪 FAQs
    • 🧊 Storage
    • 💭 Helpful Tips
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🥗 Suggested Side Dishes
    • 🥔 Related Recipes
    • 'Bake' your sweet potatoes in the air fryer
    • 📋 Recipe Card
    • Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes
    • 💬 Reviews and Comments

    👩🏻‍🍳 Why You'll Love Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

    Sweet potatoes are the BEST. They are chock full of nutrition, especially if you eat the skins.

    And here's one of my busy mom hacks. I make the sweet potatoes as the MAIN DISH. Yep, potatoes are not just served on the side in my house! Pair them with a quick salad (Caesar salad is a fav with my gang) or a bowl of warm, comforting soup, and a steamed veggie, and there is more than enough food for even my hungry boys!

    I love using the air fryer for cooking my sweet potatoes because it does the best job at getting the skin nice and crispy, but you can do these in the oven, too. (Oven directions included below!)

    We loved these so much I also decided to make air fried sweet potato fries with the remaining sweet potatoes in the bag. The family ate them up and asked for more! I can tell that sweet potatoes are going to make a regular appearance on my shopping list from here on out.

    And for more air fryer recipes, try these Air Fryer Potato Wedges, Air Fryer Zucchini Fritters, or Air Fryer Zucchini Fries! Or for another great potato recipe, try these simple but tasty Sauteed Potatoes or my 4 Ingredient Potato Soup.

    🥘 Ingredients Needed

    Overhead view of 4 ingredients needed to make this recipe - sweet potatoes, spray oil, cinnamon, brown sugar.
    Only 4 ingredients needed to make these sweet potatoes incredibly delicious!
    • sweet potatoes - look for them to be approximately the same size and shape for the most even cooking results.
    • avocado oil - I like to use avocado oil because it performs well with high heat (it has a high smoking point).
    • cinnamon - a great complement to the starchy sweetness of the potato.
    • brown sugar - adds a deeper, complex sweet yumminess for your potatoes!
    • salt/pepper - rub on the outside of the potatoes. The salt contrasted with the sweet of the potatoes is amazing!
    Collage of 4 process steps to make this recipe for air fried sweet potatoes.
    Just a few easy steps are needed and you will have your baked sweet potatoes ready for your family in a snap!
    1. Cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise. In my opinion this is the best way to cook them because the fleshy side gets all caramelized and extra tasty!
    2. Rub or mist the sweet potatoes with the avocado oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper, pierce the skin with a fork, and place flesh side down in your air fryer basket. Leave as much room in between the potatoes as possible. Air fry at 425 degrees for 30 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
    3. While the potatoes are cooking, place the cinnamon and brown sugar in a small bowl.
    4. Mix thoroughly. When serving sprinkle the mixture over the potatoes for an incredible flavor experience!
    Closeup of the sweet potatoes after cooking to show the caramelized top and crispy skin.
    You will love how the air fryer creates crispy skin and caramelizes the exposed flesh of the sweet potatoes!

    🔷 Oven directions

    Don't have an air fryer? You can get similar results in your oven or even your toaster oven.

    1. Preheat the oven (or toaster oven ) to 400 degrees F.
    2. Follow the directions to prepare the sweet potatoes as indicated in the recipe card.
    3. Place a piece of parchment paper on a baking sheet (for easy cleanup) and place the sweet potatoes flesh side down on the parchment paper.
    4. Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the potatoes are tender all the way through.

    👪 FAQs

    Do I have to use avocado oil?

    No, you can use any oil. However oils with high smoking points are best for cooking at higher temperatures. Some other good choices are extra light olive oil, peanut oil, and sesame oil. (Sesame oil has a strong flavor so make sure you like that flavor before you use it!)

    Do sweet potatoes and regular potatoes cook the same?

    I will assume that 'regular potatoes' means russet potatoes. Russet potatoes actually take a bit longer to cook, so if you want to cook them in the air fryer, make sure allow extra time for cooking. Also, I wouldn't suggest the cinnamon/brown sugar topping for the russets. Try sour cream, cheddar cheese, guacamole, or even leftover chili!

    What's the healthiest way to cook sweet potatoes?

    Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene as well as other nutrients. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, boiling sweet potatoes with the skin on for 20 minutes in a tightly covered pot is the best way to retain most of the nutrients. This is a good method if you want to serve mashed sweet potatoes, but if you want that nice crispy skin, air frying is a good alternative since you will be able to keep the amount of oil to a minimum.

    Do you have to peel sweet potatoes before cooking?

    You don't technically have to. For air frying or baking, I definitely recommend leaving the skin on because it gets so crispy and yummy. If you are going to serve them mashed, you may want to peel before cooking. However, they will retain more nutrients if you leave the skin on while cooking and remove it before mashing. So either way works in that case and you can decide how you want to do it.

    Which is better - white potatoes or sweet potatoes?

    Both are very nutritious, although russet potatoes are higher in potassium and sweet potatoes are higher in vitamin A. However, according to the Cleveland Clinic, sweet potatoes have an edge over white potatoes. But either type is delicious and healthy in the right quantities, so cook the ones you family loves the most!

    Can you put aluminum foil in the air fryer?

    You can, but you will lose some of the advantages of using the air fryer basket. The whole point of the air fryer is to have super heated air flowing all around your food to cook it faster and get it nice and crispy. The aluminum foil will just block the flow. So it's definitely better to not use it.

    What air fryer do you use?

    I use and love my Ninja Foodi 8-in-1 Digital Air Fryer. It has an extra large interior and it flips up when not in use to save counter space! Other good options are the Ninja 4-Quart Air Fryer and the Instant Vortex Air Fryer.

    🧊 Storage

    Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, or place in an airtight container, place in the refrigerator and store for up to 5 days.

    You can reheat the leftovers in the microwave, but for best results heat them in the oven at 350 degrees F until warmed through. This keeps the skin crispy!

    To freeze leftovers, wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and place in a heavy duty airtight container, zipper-top plastic bag, or silicone food storage containers in the freezer for up to 3 months.

    Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat by following the directions above.

    💭 Helpful Tips

    • Choose potatoes that are similar in size and shape. If you will want them to cook more quickly, choose thinner potatoes. If you have more time to let them cook, chunky ones are fine. The key is consistent size and shape so that they are all done in about the same amount of time.
    • Make sure you wash your potatoes well since you will be eating the skins. Then pat them dry.
    • You only need a little oil! A little goes a long way. I usually either use my hands to coat the potatoes or I use an oil mister.
    • Poking the potatoes with a fork gives a place for steam to escape during cooking. I confess I have forgotten to do this and my potatoes did not explode, but the skin did pop open in several places and the cooking was a little more uneven.
    • If you will be short on time, you can make air fryer baked sweet potatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. Wrap them tightly to store. Reheat them at 350 degrees in the oven until warmed through.
    • Once you remove your sweet potatoes from the air fryer, let them site for 5-10 minutes to finish cooking before you serve them.
    • Garnish with some chopped pecans or walnuts, or even a bit of chopped parsley for a pop of color.

    Slicing the sweet potatoes lengthwise is a great way to prepare them for air frying, because the skin gets all crispy and the potato side gets all caramelized and extra tasty!

    Overhead view of 3 sweet potato halves on a black plate topped with butter and a brown sugar cinnamon mixture.
    These sweet potatoes can be served with many different toppings, including this yummy brown sugar cinnamon mixture!

    📖 Variations

    • Sweet potatoes can be topped with all kinds of delicious things - keep it simple with butter or sour cream, or try some chili powder or seasoned salt.
    • Scoop out some of the flesh, fill it with chili, leftover pulled buffalo chicken, or sloppy joe filling.
    • Spicy guacamole is a great topping as well.
    • Make a yogurt sauce by mixing plain Greek yogurt with some smoked paprika and drizzle it over your cooked sweet potato.

    🥗 Suggested Side Dishes

    Here are some great sides that will round out your sweet potato main dish.

    Apple Walnut Salad
    If you're looking for a quick and easy meal, you'll love this salad! Filled with flavor and crunch it's topped with a delicious homemade vinaigrette. It works as a main dish or side!
    Overhead view of two apple walnut salad bowls on a black surface with a wooden spoon and fork on the side.
    Garlic Butter Microwave Broccoli
    A unique microwave broccoli dish with a delicious butter sauce infused with the flavors of fresh red peppers and garlic and combined with the crunchiness of cashews!
    Overhead shot of garlic butter broccoli in a blue bowl on a wooden surface
    Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic
    My kids happily ate these roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic, and then asked for seconds! 'Nuff said!
    Side shot of garlic roasted Brussel sprouts on a blue and grey plate on a wooden table.

    🥔 Related Recipes

    Here are a few more potato ideas for you! These Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes are always a good choice.

    For a more bite-sized sweet potato dish, you can make air fryer sweet potato chunks. They are perfectly seasoned and turn out hot and crispy! Or try some of these other ideas.

    • Side shot of four sweet potato slices garnished with basil leaves on a wooden cutting board.
      Basil and Blue Cheese Baked Sweet Potato Slices
    • Overhead view of baked potatoes loaded with sour cream, bacon, and cheese on a white plate.
      Instant Pot "Baked" Potatoes
    • Close up shot of roasted potato medley in a white bowl on an orange cloth with a fork on the side.
      Roasted Potato Medley

    If you don't want to fire up the air fryer or heat up the kitchen with the oven, find out how to cook a sweet potato in the microwave. It's quick and easy!

    Super close up view of the finished sweet potato half on a black plate with two more halves in the background.
    Cooking your sweet potato in the air fryer is super quick and easy, and healthier, too!

    Check out this story on how to make Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes!

    'Bake' your sweet potatoes in the air fryer

    Love this recipe? Awesome! Please give it a 5 star ⭐ rating below! And if you make this, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram. You can find me at DizzyBusyandHungry or #dizzybusyandhungry!

    📋 Recipe Card

    Side view of sweet potatoes topped with a brown sugar mixture that has melted on top of the potato.

    Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes

    Recipe Author: Kristin
    Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes are the perfect nutritious side dish or entree. With crispy skin on one side and caramelized potato on the other, you won’t believe how delicious these are.
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Share by Email Bookmark Saved!
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 35 minutes mins
    Course Entree
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4
    Calories 253 kcal

    Equipment

    • Air Fryer

    Ingredients
     

    • 4 sweet potatoes
    • avocado oil
    • salt/pepper
    • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
    • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Slice each potato lengthwise.
      4 sweet potatoes
    • Season each potato half by rubbing with just a bit of the oil and sprinkling with salt and pepper.
      avocado oil, salt/pepper
    • Pierce the skin of the potatoes with a fork, then place flesh side down in the air fryer basket. Leave room between the potatoes for air flow. Cook in two batches if needed. Air fry at 425 degrees for 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender all the way through.
    • While the potoatoes are cooking, mix the cinnamon and brown sugar together.
      1 tablespoon cinnamon, 2 tablespoons brown sugar
    • Sprinkle the cinnamon and brown sugar over the caramelized flesh side of the sweet potatoes. Yum!

    Notes

    • Potatoes with a similar size and shape will cook more consistently. Thin, long potatoes will be done more quickly, where as thick ones will take a little more time.
    • Wash your potatoes and pat them dry so you can enjoy eating the crispy skin!
    • You don't need a lot of oil - just a thin coating so that the salt and pepper will stick.
    • If you can remember, poke a couple of holes in the skin side of your potatoes to help them cook evenly.
    • To reheat leftovers, or if you make these ahead or time, put them in the oven on a baking sheet at 350 degrees F until warmed through.
    • Let sit for about 5 or 10 minutes to finish cooking, and then serve.
    • Chopped pecans or walnuts are a great choice to add some extra crunch, or chop some parsley and sprinkle on top for a little color.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 253kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 126mg | Potassium: 778mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 32069IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 93mg | Iron: 2mg

    Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.

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    Happy cooking!

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Nora

      May 17, 2023 at 7:32 am

      My air fryer (and many of them) only go to 400°. Is there an alternate time for us?

      Reply
      • Kristin King

        May 17, 2023 at 12:04 pm

        I would air fry them for about 35-40 minutes. I hope that helps!

        Reply
    2. Mirlene

      March 08, 2021 at 9:39 am

      5 stars
      It is amazing how easy it is to baked sweet potatoes if you have an air fryer. I've got to try it out - your instructions seem so easy to follow!

      Reply
    3. Beth Sachs

      March 08, 2021 at 9:11 am

      5 stars
      I've recently bought an air fryer and enjoying trying out lots of new recipes. These air fryer baked sweet potatoes look delicious!

      Reply
    4. Gail Montero

      March 08, 2021 at 9:00 am

      5 stars
      Love the ease of doing this in the air fryer and I agree - this can definitely be made into a full dish on its own! YUM!

      Reply
    5. Amanda Wren-Grimwood

      March 08, 2021 at 8:53 am

      5 stars
      This looks so easy and delicious. What a great way to cook sweet potatoes!

      Reply
    6. Dannii

      March 08, 2021 at 8:31 am

      5 stars
      We love sweet potatoes in the air fryer too. Perfectly cooked.

      Reply

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    👋 Hey there, I'm Kristin! As a full-time working wife and mom, my life is such a whirlwind, it makes me dizzy sometimes! So I have been working to develop quick, easy, family-friendly recipes for 20+ years, and this site is where I share them with you! Happy cooking!

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