The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
These Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes are an easy side dish with browned, slightly crisp edges and tender centers. The sweet potatoes are cut into small cubes, tossed with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, then air fried until tender and golden.
They take about 20 minutes to cook and pair well with grilled chicken, steak, burgers, or other easy weeknight dinners.
What Makes These Sweet Potatoes Crispy?
The size of the cubes and how much space they have in the air fryer basket make a big difference.
Cut the sweet potatoes into roughly ½-inch cubes and keep the pieces as close in size as possible. Smaller, evenly sized pieces cook more consistently and give the edges more time to brown.
It’s also important not to overcrowd the basket. If the sweet potatoes are packed too closely together, the moisture they release can create steam and prevent the edges from browning properly. If your basket is small, cook them in two batches.
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| Sweet Potatoes | Use medium sweet potatoes and cut them into roughly ½-inch cubes for even cooking. |
| Olive Oil | A light coating helps the edges brown without making the potatoes greasy. |
| Garlic Powder | Adds savory garlic flavor and blends easily into the seasoning. |
| Smoked Paprika | Adds mild smokiness and helps give the potatoes a deeper roasted flavor. |
| Fine Sea Salt | Brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes. |
| Black Pepper | Adds a mild peppery bite to balance the sweetness. |
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
1. Cut the Sweet Potatoes
Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into roughly ½-inch cubes. Try to keep the pieces similar in size so they cook at about the same rate.
Transfer the cubes to a large mixing bowl.
2. Season
Drizzle the sweet potatoes with olive oil and toss to coat. Add the garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper, then toss again until the seasoning is evenly distributed.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
Starting with a hot basket can help the sweet potatoes begin browning sooner.
4. Air Fry
Place the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket in as close to a single layer as possible.
Air fry at 390°F for 18–20 minutes, shaking the basket around the halfway point.
Start checking them around 16–18 minutes, especially if your air fryer runs hot or the cubes are smaller. Cooking time can vary between air fryer models.
5. Check for Doneness
The sweet potatoes are ready when they are fork-tender in the center and the edges are browned and slightly crisp.
Remove them from the basket and serve hot.
Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
- Keep the cubes similar in size: Uneven pieces can finish cooking at different times, leaving some soft while smaller pieces become too browned.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give the sweet potatoes enough room for the hot air to circulate. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Shake halfway through: This helps expose more sides of the cubes to the hot air and encourages more even browning.
- Check early: Air fryers vary, so begin checking a couple of minutes before the suggested cooking time is finished.
- Serve right away: The edges are at their best when the sweet potatoes are hot. They can soften as they sit or after being refrigerated.
Flavor Variations
Sweet Cinnamon Maple
For a sweeter version, leave out the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Season the sweet potatoes with ½ teaspoon cinnamon before cooking, then drizzle with a little maple syrup after they are cooked.
Spicy
Add ¼ teaspoon chili powder and a small pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mixture for a little heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to boil sweet potatoes before air frying?
No. The sweet potato cubes can go directly into the air fryer without boiling or soaking first. Cutting them into small, evenly sized pieces helps them cook through in about 18–20 minutes.
Why aren’t my air fryer sweet potatoes crispy?
The most common reason is overcrowding. When too many pieces are packed into the basket, the sweet potatoes can release enough moisture to create steam instead of allowing the edges to brown. Cook in a single layer or use two batches if needed.
Also make sure the cubes are not too large, and shake the basket halfway through cooking.
Can I make these ahead for meal prep?
Yes. Let the cooked sweet potatoes cool, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 3–4 minutes, or until heated through. They may not be quite as crisp as when freshly cooked.
Can I leave the skin on?
Yes, if you prefer. Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly before cutting them. The skin can add a little texture and saves the step of peeling.
Serving Ideas
These crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes make an easy side dish for a variety of main courses. Serve them with Air Fryer Steak, Juicy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast, Lemon Garlic Chicken, or TheBest Garlic Butter Baked Salmon for a simple, satisfying dinner. They also work well in meal-prep bowls with your favorite protein and vegetables.
Easy Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
Tender sweet potato cubes with lightly crisp, browned edges and a simple garlic-paprika seasoning.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into roughly ½-inch cubes. Keep the pieces similar in size for even cooking.
- Add the sweet potatoes to a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper, then toss again.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Arrange the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 390°F for 18–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Check for doneness. The sweet potatoes should be fork-tender with browned, slightly crisp edges. Serve hot.
Notes
- For the best texture: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in two batches if needed. Cooking time can vary between air fryer models, so start checking around 16–18 minutes.
- Reheating: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes.
