These easy air fryer sweet potatoes are soft and fluffy inside with a crisp, seasoned skin. You only need three simple ingredients to make perfect baked sweet potatoes in the air fryer.
How to Pick a Sweet Potato
Choose small to medium sweet potatoes for even cooking and ideal single portions. Avoid very large tubers, which can take much longer to cook. Look for smooth, unblemished skin and a firm texture without cracks or bruises.
Ingredients for Baked Sweet Potatoes
For this recipe you only need three basic ingredients. Quantities are below in the recipe card.
- Sweet potatoes: small to medium, as described above.
- Oil: a light coating of neutral oil such as olive or avocado; can be sprayed or drizzled and rubbed on.
- Salt: flaky salt is ideal for texture and flavor.
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
Use your air fryer to cook these potatoes quickly and with a nice crisp on the outside. Depending on your model and basket size, you may need to cook in batches. Follow the steps below for best results.
Rub Sweet Potato with Oil and Salt
Wash and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Lightly coat each potato with oil, using either a spray or a small drizzle that you rub over the skin. Sprinkle the potatoes generously with flaky salt to season the exterior.
Add Sweet Potatoes to Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (about 200°C) for 3 minutes. Place the prepared potatoes in the basket and cook at 390°F for 20 minutes. Flip each potato, then continue to air fry for another 10–15 minutes, or until fork-tender. Small sweet potatoes usually take about 30 minutes total; medium ones about 40 minutes.
Serve
When tender, slice each potato down the center. Using heatproof gloves or a towel, gently press the ends together so the potato opens. Fluff the interior with a fork and top as desired with butter, salt, pepper, or any favorite toppings.
Can you eat sweet potato skin?
Yes. The skin is edible and becomes crisp and flavorful when coated with oil and cooked in the air fryer. If you prefer not to eat the skin, the flesh separates easily and can be scooped out.
Toppings for Baked Sweet Potatoes
Popular toppings include butter, salt and pepper, cinnamon, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika. For a heartier meal, top with chili, shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped herbs.
Store
Allow cooked sweet potatoes to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat
To reheat, preheat the air fryer to 350°F for about 5 minutes. Place the whole potato in the basket and heat for roughly 6 minutes. If needed, flip and cook an additional 3–4 minutes until warmed through.
If you love these Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes you will Also Love:
- The Perfect Air Fryer Baked Potato: a great alternative when you want a classic baked potato.
- Air Fryer Baby Potatoes: small, crispy, and ready quickly.
- Easy Air Fryer Green Beans: a simple, healthy side dish.
- Quick Air Fryer Carrots: tender and caramelized carrots in minutes.
- Air Fryer Cauliflower: a popular, flavorful vegetable side.
Recipe FAQ
Small sweet potatoes need about 30 minutes total; medium ones need about 40 minutes.
Coat clean sweet potatoes with a thin layer of oil, sprinkle with salt, then cook at 390°F for 30–40 minutes, flipping halfway for even cooking.
Yes. For standard russet or baking potatoes, cook at 390°F for about 40–50 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Yes. Sweet potatoes provide vitamins A, B6, and C, are a good source of fiber, and can help with satiety and digestion when included in a balanced diet.
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
- 4 small sweet potatoes
- 1–2 teaspoons olive oil
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Clean and dry sweet potatoes, then rub with oil and salt. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Place the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook 20 minutes. Flip the potatoes and continue cooking another 10–20 minutes, or until fork-tender (total about 30 minutes for small, 40 minutes for medium).
- Cut the top of each cooked potato and gently press the ends together to open. Fluff the interior with a fork and serve immediately with butter, spices, or your preferred toppings.
Nutrition
Calories: 144 kcal
Carbohydrates: 26.2 g
Protein: 2 g
Fat: 1.2 g
Sodium: 381.5 mg
Fiber: 3.9 g
Sugar: 5.4 g
Nutrition information is approximate and for reference only.