Are you ever stuck trying to figure out a side dish? You want something tasty, something that everyone will eat, but also something that does not take forever to make. I have been there so many times. It is easy to fall back on the same old things. But what if I told you there is a simple way to make a delicious and wholesome side?
Enter the air fryer and the humble sweet potato. This combination is truly something special. We are talking about cubes of sweet potato, seasoned just right, and air fried to a lovely crisp. This is one of those Healthy Sweet Potato Recipes you will make again and again. It is simple, fast, and incredibly satisfying. Let us get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what is not to love? This recipe is a real winner for so many reasons. First off, it is incredibly easy. You do not need any special cooking skills to pull this off. If you can chop a vegetable and turn on an appliance, you can make this.
It is also a very fast recipe. From start to finish, you are looking at about 20 minutes. This makes it one of the best Quick Sweet Potato Recipes for busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table without a fuss. No more waiting an hour for potatoes to roast in the oven.
The texture is just wonderful. The air fryer works its magic, making the sweet potato cubes crispy on the outside while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. It is a fantastic contrast that makes every bite enjoyable. The visual appeal, with those slightly browned edges, is great too.
This is a wonderfully versatile Sweet Potato Side Dish. It pairs well with almost anything. Think roasted chicken, grilled fish, a juicy steak, or even as part of a grain bowl. You can change up the seasonings to match whatever main course you are having.
And of course, it is a healthy option. Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins and fiber. Using an air fryer means you only need a tiny bit of oil to get that great crispy texture. It is a much lighter alternative to deep frying, making it a staple for anyone looking for Healthy Sweet Potato Recipes.
Ingredients
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You only need a few basic pantry staples to bring these delicious sweet potatoes to life. Here is what you will need to gather.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Step By Step Instructions
Ready to make the best air fryer sweet potatoes? Just follow these simple steps. It is one of the easiest sweet potato recipes you will ever make.
Step 1: Preheat The Air Fryer And Prep The Potatoes
First things first, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an important step because a hot air fryer ensures the sweet potatoes start cooking immediately, which helps them get crispy. Lightly grease the basket with a little avocado oil, olive oil, or a non stick spray.
While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your sweet potatoes. Carefully peel them and then cut them into uniform, one inch bite sized pieces. Keeping the pieces a similar size is key to making sure they all cook evenly. If you prefer to keep the skin on for extra fiber, feel free to do so. Just give them a good scrub first.
Step 2: Season The Sweet Potatoes
Place your sweet potato cubes into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle them with the olive oil. Then, sprinkle on the salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Use your hands or a large spoon to toss everything together. Make sure every single piece is fully coated with the oil and seasonings. This coating is what will give them that amazing flavor and color.
Step 3: Air Fry To Crispy Goodness
Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully add the seasoned sweet potato cubes into the basket. Try to arrange them in a single layer if possible. This helps the hot air circulate around each piece. Overcrowding the basket can cause them to steam instead of crisp up.
Cook for 10 to 12 minutes. About halfway through the cooking time, so around the 5 or 6 minute mark, give the basket a good shake. This helps to toss the potatoes around so they cook and crisp up on all sides. They are done when they are tender on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside.
Step 4: Serve And Enjoy
Once they are done, carefully remove the basket from the air fryer. Let them cool for just a minute before serving. They are best enjoyed immediately while they are still warm and crispy. This is truly one of the most satisfying Healthy Sweet Potato Recipes.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is simple. First, let the sweet potato cubes cool down completely to room temperature. This prevents condensation from forming in the container, which can make them soggy.
Once cool, place them in a container that is air tight. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. They make for a great meal prep component. You can add them to salads or bowls throughout the week.
When you are ready to reheat, you have a couple of options. For a quick warm up, you can place them in a microwave safe dish and heat for 30 to 75 seconds. However, for the best texture, I recommend reheating them in the air fryer. Just place them back in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 2 to 4 minutes until they are warm and have regained some of their crispiness.
Tips
Want to make your air fryer sweet potatoes even better? Here are a few handy tips. These little tricks can help you get consistent results every time you make this wonderful Sweet Potato Side Dish.
Do not overcrowd the basket. I mentioned this earlier, but it is worth repeating. For the crispiest potatoes, cook them in a single layer. If you are making a large batch, it is better to cook them in two separate batches rather than trying to squeeze them all in at once.
Cut the potatoes into even pieces. This is really important for even cooking. If you have some large chunks and some small bits, the small ones might burn before the large ones are cooked through. Taking an extra minute to cut them uniformly makes a big difference.
Feel free to experiment with seasonings. The recipe provides a classic savory blend, but you can easily customize it. For a sweeter take, try a sprinkle of cinnamon and a tiny bit of brown sugar. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder. This is one of those sweet potato recipes that is easy to adapt.
Stick with garlic powder. The recipe specifically calls for garlic powder instead of fresh minced garlic. There is a good reason for this. Minced garlic can burn very easily in the high heat of an air fryer, which can give your potatoes a bitter taste. Garlic powder distributes evenly and provides a great flavor without the risk of burning. You can use onion powder if you need a substitute.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A simple, delicious, and wholesome recipe for air fryer sweet potatoes. This is proof that Healthy Sweet Potato Recipes do not have to be complicated or boring. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can create a fantastic side dish that your whole family will enjoy.
Whether you are a seasoned cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this is a great recipe to have in your collection. It is one of those reliable Quick Sweet Potato Recipes that you will find yourself turning to again and again. So go ahead, give it a try. I am sure you will love it as much as I do. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Make These In The Oven?
Absolutely! If you do not have an air fryer, you can easily make these in a conventional oven. Just preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the seasoned sweet potato cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are tender and slightly browned.
Do I Have To Peel The Sweet Potatoes?
Nope, peeling is optional. Sweet potato skin is edible and contains a good amount of fiber and nutrients. If you choose to leave the skin on, just make sure to scrub the potatoes thoroughly before cutting them. The skin will add a slightly different, more rustic texture to the final dish.
What Can I Serve These Sweet Potatoes With?
This Sweet Potato Side Dish is incredibly versatile. It pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, pork chops, or a nice steak. It is also a great addition to salads and grain bowls for a healthy lunch. You can even serve it with a dipping sauce like a garlic aioli or a spicy ketchup for a fun appetizer or snack.
Why Aren’t My Sweet Potatoes Crispy?
There are a few common reasons why your sweet potatoes might not be getting crispy. The most likely culprit is overcrowding the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer. Another reason could be not using enough oil. The oil helps them crisp up. Finally, make sure your air fryer is fully preheated before you add the potatoes. A hot start is essential for a crispy finish.
Easy Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
Create crispy and flavorful sweet potato cubes with this simple and fast air fryer recipe. A wholesome and satisfying side dish ready in about 20 minutes, it’s perfect for any weeknight meal.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While it heats, peel and cut the sweet potatoes into uniform one-inch cubes.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper until every piece is fully coated.
- Arrange the seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd it.
- Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping.
- The sweet potatoes are done when they are tender on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure the sweet potatoes get crispy rather than steam.
Feel free to experiment with seasonings. For a sweeter version, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
Nutrition
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