Making a perfect sweet potato has never been easier thanks to the air fryer! This quick 2-minute prep method creates irresistibly tender sweet potatoes with beautifully crispy skin. At just 174 calories per serving, these vitamin-rich spuds deliver a healthy dose of fiber, potassium, and a whopping 18,443 IU of Vitamin A.

Whether you’re planning a weeknight side dish or a nutritious snack, this foolproof cooking technique will become your new favorite way to enjoy sweet potatoes.

Ingredients Needed

Sweet Potatoes: 2 medium-sized, fresh and firm
Oil: 1 tablespoon, any neutral cooking oil works
Optional Toppings: Salt, pepper, cinnamon, sugar, and butter to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation: Clean the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water and pat them completely dry with a kitchen towel.
Create Steam Vents: Using a fork, pierce multiple holes around each sweet potato to allow steam to escape during cooking.
Oil Coating: Gently rub the entire surface of each potato with oil, ensuring an even coating for perfect crispy skin.
Air Frying: Place the prepared sweet potatoes in your air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching.
Cooking: Set air fryer to 390°F and cook for 35-40 minutes until fork-tender.
Serving: Slice open the potatoes, add your favorite toppings, and serve while hot and fluffy!

Cooking Tips

The secret to perfect air fryer sweet potatoes is those tiny fork holes! They help steam escape and create that wonderful fluffy inside. Make sure to space them about 1 inch apart all around the potato. When you rub the oil on, use your hands to massage it into every nook and cranny – this helps create that amazing crispy skin!

Topping Ideas

Sweet potatoes are so fun to dress up! For a sweet twist, try a pat of butter with a sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar. Going savory? Add butter, salt, and pepper, or get creative with sour cream and chives. My personal favorite is a drizzle of maple syrup with a tiny pinch of sea salt – it’s amazing how these simple ingredients can create such magic!

Storage Tips

Made too many? No problem! Keep your cooked sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, pop them back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F to bring back that crispy skin. The inside will stay nice and fluffy! Just add fresh toppings after reheating.

Time-Saving Tips

Want these ready even faster? Pick sweet potatoes that are about the same size – they’ll cook more evenly. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave them for 2-3 minutes first, then finish them in the air fryer for just 15-20 minutes to get that crispy skin. The best part? No need to heat up your whole kitchen!