I make air fryer sweet potato on repeat in my house. It’s one of those recipes that works as a simple side or a complete meal depending on what you put on top. You only need 3 simple ingredients and 30 minutes to get a whole baked sweet potato with a soft, fluffy center. I’ve tried many methods over the years, and the air fryer gives the best results every time. No oven preheating, no foil, no fuss.
Why I Make This Every Week
Over the years of creating easy weeknight dinners for busy families, I’ve learned that the best recipes are the ones that do most of the work for you.
That’s exactly why I love making this air fryer sweet potato. The inside stays soft and naturally sweet, and the whole thing is ready with just 3 ingredients and almost no hands-on time.
I almost always serve it alongside my garlic butter baked chicken breast or my air fryer salmon for a completely hands-off weeknight dinner. And when I want to make it a complete meal on its own, I just load it with toppings. You’d be surprised how satisfying a whole baked sweet potato can be.
You’ll Need Three Simple Ingredients
Sweet potatoes — Feel free to use any variety of whole sweet potatoes you prefer. I’m using orange sweet potatoes here, but white and purple sweet potatoes are just as delicious. After testing this recipe with different varieties, I’ve found that they all work beautifully. Just make sure to choose sweet potatoes that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
Olive oil — I’ve made this recipe with both olive oil and avocado oil, and either works perfectly. A little oil helps to crisp up the skin and adds richness to the potatoes.
Salt — I like using coarse sea salt for extra flavor and texture. It gives the sweet potatoes a slight crunch on the outside while enhancing their natural sweetness.
Note: I prefer to keep the skin on because it keeps the sweet potatoes moist while they cook. If you don’t like the skin, I’d suggest removing it after the sweet potato cooks for the best texture.
How To Cook Sweet Potatoes In The Air Fryer
First: Wash the sweet potatoes. Pat them dry. Then, poke several holes in each one. This helps the steam to escape and prevents the potatoes from potentially bursting in the air fryer.
Second: I prefer to keep the skin on. I’ve found it keeps the inside much more moist. After that, I rub them with olive oil and sprinkle coarse sea salt on top for a little crunch and extra flavor.
Next: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, if necessary. Place the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket. I always make sure the sweet potatoes have space between them in the basket.
Finally: Air fry for 25-30 minutes, until they’re fork tender, flipping halfway through. I insert a fork into the center, if it slides in easily, they’re ready. Remove and let them set for a couple of minutes, then cut the top open and fluff the inside.
The Best Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato Toppings
Flavored butter: I love adding a pat of butter and sea salt. My savory garlic butter with fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, chives) is great for topping too.
Sweet topping: I love adding a little honey, maple syrup, candied pecans, brown sugar with cinnamon or even some roasted mini marshmallows on top. So good!
Veggies: I also love the contrast of cooked veggies like garlic butter mushrooms or wilted greens and fresh veggies like green onions and radishes on top.
Some meat: A stuffed sweet potato with ground beef is the ultimate comfort food. You can also add chopped chicken breast or if you don’t eat meat, try it with tofu, sour cream, cheese, chickpeas and black beans.
Spices: You can also season your air fryer baked sweet potato with black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder and paprika.
More Sweet Potato Recipes!
Air Fryer Sweet Potato — Easy Whole Baked Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 1.5 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
Instructions
- Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Using a fork, poke several holes all over each sweet potato. This helps them cook evenly and prevents them from bursting. Rub the sweet potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle the coarse sea salt over the sweet potatoes.
- Set your air fryer to 400°F and preheat for about 3-5 minutes. Place the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded; they should be in a single layer for even cooking.
- Air fry at 400°F for 25-30 minutes*. Flip the sweet potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness.
- After 20 minutes, check the sweet potatoes for tenderness by inserting a fork or knife into the center. If it slides in easily, they are done. If not, continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes and check again. Let them set for a couple of minutes, then cut the top open and fluff the inside.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did You Make This?
Follow @primaverakitchen on Instagram, snap a photo, and tag it #primaverakitchen. We’d love to see your recreation.
Fantastic! Thanks for posting.
You’re very welcome!
My jaw dropped when I saw the sodium content. YIKES! Then I realized you were counting the tsp of added salt. These potatoes do not need any added salt. They are fantastic with a little butter & nothing else. For someone who used to shun sweet potatoes, I am in love with these air fryer ones. Thanks for the recipe.
So glad you loved the air fryer sweet potatoes! 😊 And yes, you’re right—totally optional to add salt. A little butter is all they need. Thanks for giving them a try! 💛🍠
Perfectly cooked sweet potatoes! Thanks for the recipe.
You’re very welcome! Happy you liked this recipe and thanks for stopping by 😉
Thank you for ur recipe, going to to try it tonight!
You’re so welcome! Hope you enjoy 😉