Ah, the sweet potato. A nutritional powerhouse disguised as a delicious, fluffy cloud. As a busy chef, I always look for quick, healthy side dishes that don’t sacrifice flavor. That’s where the air fryer comes in – my weeknight cooking hero!
These air-fried baked sweet potatoes are a revelation. They’re incredibly simple to make, taking less than an hour from start to finish, yet deliver that perfectly caramelized skin and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness we all love.
Just the other night, after a long day at the restaurant, I was scrambling to put together a healthy dinner. I remembered a bag of sweet potatoes lurking in the pantry—a forgotten treasure! With a quick scrub, a drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt, they were in the air fryer and roasting in minutes.
The result? Perfection. Fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and bursting with natural sweetness, these beauties were the perfect accompaniment to my pan-seared salmon and roasted Brussels sprouts. My family devoured them, and let’s just say there wasn’t a single morsel left!
So, if you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly satisfying side dish, look no further than these air-fried baked sweet potatoes. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even a healthy snack attack.
Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
Instructions for Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Scrub the sweet potatoes clean and pat them dry with a paper towel. Using a fork, poke holes all over the surface of the potatoes. This allows steam to escape and helps them cook evenly.
- In a bowl, toss the sweet potatoes with olive oil and salt to taste. Make sure they’re evenly coated.
- Place the sweet potatoes in a single layer in your air fryer basket, leaving some space between them for good air circulation.
- Air fry for 25-30 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork. You can also flip them halfway through for even browning.
- Once cooked, remove the sweet potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before slicing open and serving.
Serving Ratio & Prep Time
This recipe yields 2 servings. Prep time is about 5 minutes, and cook time is 25-30 minutes.
Conclusion
Air-fried baked sweet potatoes are a healthy and delicious side dish that’s incredibly easy to make. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or a satisfying snack. So ditch the oven and embrace the convenience of your air fryer – you won’t be disappointed!
FAQs
Can I use different-sized sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Smaller sweet potatoes may take up to 20 minutes, while larger ones need 35-40 minutes. Keep checking for doneness with a fork.
What can I top my sweet potatoes with?
The possibilities are endless! Try a pat of butter, a drizzle of maple syrup, a sprinkle of brown sugar and cinnamon, crumbled feta cheese with a balsamic glaze, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt with chopped nuts and honey.
Can I add other spices to the recipe?
Sure! Ground cumin, smoked paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper would add a nice flavor kick.
Now get creative and enjoy these delicious air-fried sweet potatoes!