To roast sweet potatoes in an air fryer, cut 1 1/2 lb into 3/4-inch chunks, toss with 1 tbsp oil, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika and thyme, and air fry at 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking halfway. They come out caramelized outside and tender inside in about 28 minutes, with no oven to heat.
2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 lb / 680 g), scrubbed and cut into 3/4-inch chunks
1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
1/2 tsp fine salt
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp black pepper
Chopped fresh parsley, to serve (optional)
How Do You Roast Sweet Potatoes in an Air Fryer?
Cut: Scrub the sweet potatoes (peeling is optional) and cut them into even 3/4-inch chunks so they cook at the same rate.
Season: Toss the chunks in a bowl with the oil, salt, garlic powder, smoked paprika, thyme and pepper until every piece is coated.
Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for about 3 minutes.
Air fry: Spread the sweet potatoes in a single layer, splitting them between both baskets if you have a dual basket air fryer. Air fry at 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
Check: They are done when the edges are browned and a fork slides easily into the center of the largest piece. Add 2 to 3 minutes if needed.
Serve: Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot as a side, or add to grain bowls and salads.
Dual basket tip: Make a full dinner at once. Put the sweet potatoes in basket 1 (400°F, 18 minutes) and our air fryer chicken breast in basket 2 (380°F, 16 to 20 minutes), then press Sync Finish or Smart Finish so both are ready together.
Sync Finish: Cuisinart ADZ-085 8.5-QtTwo 4.25-Qt ceramic baskets and air frying up to 450°F for well-browned edges.
How Many Calories Are in Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes? (Estimated)
Per serving (about 3/4 cup, 1/4 of the recipe): about 175 calories, 3.5 g fat (0.5 g saturated), 34 g carbohydrate, 5 g fiber, 7 g sugar, 3 g protein, and about 385 mg sodium. These are estimates calculated from standard USDA values for raw sweet potato, olive oil and salt. Cut the salt to 1/4 tsp to lower the sodium.
Bowls and salads: add to a grain bowl with black beans, avocado and a squeeze of lime
What Are Some Flavor Variations?
Cinnamon maple: skip the garlic, paprika and thyme; toss with 1/2 tsp cinnamon before cooking and 1 tsp maple syrup after
Chili lime: swap the paprika for 1/2 tsp chili powder and finish with lime juice
Rosemary parmesan: use rosemary instead of thyme and toss the hot pieces with 1 tbsp grated parmesan
Cajun: replace the spices with 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you cook sweet potatoes in the air fryer?
Air fry 3/4-inch sweet potato chunks at 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking halfway. Smaller 1/2-inch cubes take about 12 to 14 minutes; larger 1-inch chunks can take 20.
Do you need to peel sweet potatoes before air frying?
No. The skin crisps up, adds fiber and saves time. Just scrub it well. Peel them if you prefer a softer texture.
Why are my air fryer sweet potatoes not crispy?
The usual causes are an overfilled basket, pieces cut too large, or skipping the preheat. Keep them in a single layer, split them across both baskets of a dual air fryer, and use a little oil.
Should you soak sweet potatoes before air frying?
It is not needed for roasted chunks. Soaking helps with fries to remove surface starch, but chunks brown well straight from the cutting board.
Are air fryer sweet potatoes healthy?
They are a high-fiber, low-fat side. We estimate about 175 calories, 5 g fiber and 3.5 g fat per serving. These are estimates and will vary with your potatoes, oil and salt.
How do you reheat roasted sweet potatoes?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 4 to 5 minutes to crisp them up again.
