Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Introduction

Remember those cozy autumn evenings, the scent of spices filling the air, and a warm, comforting side dish that just made everything feel right? For me, that’s always been sweet potatoes. And guess what? You can recreate that magic in your kitchen, super easily, with your trusty air fryer! This recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes is a weeknight lifesaver and a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Seriously, it’s so simple, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t try it sooner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast: From pantry to plate in under 30 minutes – perfect for those busy evenings!
• Easy: Minimal prep and hands-off cooking thanks to your air fryer.
• Giftable: While these are best served fresh, the recipe is so foolproof, you can easily whip up a batch for a potluck or a friend in need of some deliciousness.
• Crowd-pleasing: Sweet, savory, and perfectly crispy – these are universally loved!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these little bites of heaven. It’s a pretty straightforward list:

• 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1.5 lbs or 680 g): Look for firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes. They’re the stars of the show!
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: This helps get them nice and crispy. Extra virgin or regular olive oil works great.
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste: Don’t be shy with the salt – it really brings out the sweetness!
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste: A little pepper adds a nice subtle kick.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: This is my secret weapon for a beautiful color and a hint of smoky flavor. Sweet paprika is perfect here.

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get these spuds ready. It’s as simple as can be!

1. Wash and Dry: First things first, give your sweet potatoes a good scrub under running water. Then, and this is important for crispiness, pat them thoroughly dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Any extra moisture will steam them instead of crisping them up.
2. Chop ‘Em Up: Now, decide how you want them! Cubes are super easy and cook up evenly, or you can go for wedges for a more rustic feel. The key is to make them all roughly the same size so they cook at the same rate. About 1-inch cubes or half-inch thick wedges are usually perfect.
3. Seasoning Time!: Grab a medium-sized bowl. Toss your cut sweet potatoes in the bowl with the olive oil, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Use your hands (my favorite way!) or a spatula to make sure every single piece is beautifully coated. You want to see a lovely dusting of those spices on each one.
4. Into the Air Fryer: Now, arrange your seasoned sweet potato pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket. This is super important for achieving that coveted crispiness. If you pile them up, they’ll steam instead of fry. You might have to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. It’s worth it, I promise!
5. Air Fry to Perfection: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let them cook for about 12 to 18 minutes. About halfway through – so around the 6-9 minute mark – give the basket a good shake or use tongs to flip the sweet potatoes. This ensures they get evenly browned and crispy on all sides. Keep an eye on them towards the end; you’re looking for tender insides and lovely golden-brown, crispy edges.
6. Serve and Enjoy!: As soon as they’re done, scoop them out of the air fryer and serve them up immediately. They are truly at their best when they’re hot and fresh!

Substitutions & Additions

This recipe is fantastic as is, but feel free to get creative! Here are a few ideas:

• Spices: Love a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder. For a touch of warmth, try a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of garlic powder. Rosemary or thyme also pair beautifully with sweet potatoes!
• Oil: No olive oil? Avocado oil or even melted coconut oil can work.
• Make them Sweet: For a sweeter side, you can toss them with a tiny drizzle of maple syrup or honey in the last few minutes of cooking. Just be careful, as sugars can burn quickly!

Tips for Success

A few little things to keep in mind for the absolute best results:

• Uniform Size is Key: I can’t stress this enough! Chopping your sweet potatoes into consistent pieces ensures they cook evenly.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Again, this is the golden rule for crispy air fryer food. Give them space to breathe!
• Pat Them Dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Make sure those sweet potatoes are as dry as can be before you season and cook them.
• Prep Ahead: You can wash, peel (if you prefer), and chop your sweet potatoes a day in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give them a quick pat dry before seasoning and air frying.

How to Store It

These crispy sweet potatoes are truly best enjoyed right after they’re made. However, if you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheating them in the air fryer at around 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes will help bring back some of that crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?

Absolutely! This recipe works wonderfully with regular potatoes (like Yukon Gold or Russet) too. Just follow the same steps and adjust cooking time as needed, as they might cook slightly faster or slower depending on the type and cut.

My sweet potatoes aren’t crispy. What did I do wrong?

The most common culprits are overcrowding the air fryer basket or not drying the potatoes well enough. Ensure you’re cooking in a single layer and that the sweet potato pieces are patted very dry before seasoning and air frying.

Can I make these ahead of time for a party?

It’s best to cook them right before serving for maximum crispiness. However, you can prep and season them up to a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator before air frying.