There’s nothing fancy about an air fryer baked sweet potato, but goodness, it’s one of those recipes I find myself turning to again and again. They come out perfectly soft and fluffy on the inside, with skin that has just the right amount of crispness. Honestly, it feels like the air fryer was made for this recipe.
You know how sometimes you just want something simple, filling, and nourishing without fussing around? That’s exactly what this is.
Pop a couple of sweet potatoes into the basket, let the air fryer work its magic, and before you know it, you’ve got the perfect base for a cosy dinner or quick lunch. I love mine with just a bit of butter melting over the top, but you can pile them high with whatever you fancy, sour cream, cheese, beans, or even last night’s leftovers.
If you’ve never tried making sweet potatoes this way, you’ll be surprised at how easy it is. No need to turn the oven on, and no waiting around forever. They cook up beautifully in under an hour.
If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my other air fryer favourites, such as air fryer parsnips, air fryer Brussels sprouts, and these golden air fryer sweet potato fries, which are perfect for snacking.
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Ingredients & Substitutions
The printable recipe card below has the full ingredients list and instructions.
- Sweet Potatoes: Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes that are similar in size so they cook evenly. Smaller ones will cook faster, while larger ones may require extra time.
- Salt & Pepper
Recipe Tips
- Always pierce your sweet potatoes with a fork before cooking. It keeps them from splitting open.
- If your potatoes are different sizes, check the smaller one first and remove it while the larger one finishes cooking.
- For extra-crispy skins, rub the sweet potatoes with a touch of oil before air-frying.
- Don’t be afraid to dress them up with sour cream, cheese, chives, or even leftover chilli, which makes wonderful toppings.
- If you’re meal prepping, cook several at once and reheat throughout the week.
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Step 1: Wash and scrub your sweet potatoes well to remove any dirt, since you’ll be eating the skins. Pat them dry with a tea towel.
Step 2: Use a fork to pierce the skin a few times. This allows steam to escape while cooking and prevents the potato from bursting.
Step 3: Rub the sweet potatoes lightly with olive oil if you’d like a crisper skin (optional). Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Step 4: Place the sweet potatoes directly into the air fryer basket. Ensure they are not stacked on top of each other – good airflow ensures even cooking.
Step 5: Cook at 190°C (375°F) for 35–45 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes. Turn them halfway through for the best results. They’re ready when you can easily slide a fork or knife into the centre.
Step 6: Carefully remove from the air fryer, slice open, and serve with butter or your favourite toppings.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
You can also freeze cooked sweet potatoes. Let them cool completely, wrap tightly, and store for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook a sweet potato in the air fryer?
About 35–45 minutes, depending on the size. Smaller potatoes will be ready sooner than larger ones.
Do I need to wrap sweet potatoes in foil for the air fryer?
No, the air fryer circulates hot air, so foil isn’t needed. The skin will crisp up nicely on its own.
Can I reheat a sweet potato in the air fryer?
Yes, simply pop it back in at 180°C (350°F) for 5–8 minutes, or until warmed through.
Did you make this recipe?
I’d love to know! Leave a comment below!
Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and scrub your sweet potatoes well to remove any dirt, since you’ll be eating the skins. Pat them dry with a tea towel.
- Use a fork to pierce the skin a few times. This allows steam to escape while cooking and prevents the potato from bursting.
- Rub the sweet potatoes lightly with olive oil if you’d like a crisper skin (optional). Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Place the sweet potatoes directly into the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not stacked on top of each other – good airflow gives you even cooking.
- Cook at 190°C (375°F) for 35–45 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes. Turn them halfway through for the best results. They’re ready when you can easily slide a fork or knife into the centre.
- Carefully remove from the air fryer, slice open, and serve with butter or your favourite toppings.
