What to put on sweet potatoes in air fryer?

My kids always ask for the simplest toppings - butter, cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey work perfectly. For adults, I recommend Mediterranean combinations like olive oil with za'atar, or for special occasions, chimichurri hummus creates an incredible fusion of flavors that bridges my Tunisian heritage with my husband's Moroccan background.

What are the five mistakes to avoid with air fryer sweet potatoes?

Based on my extensive testing: (1) Not piercing enough holes - this causes bursting, (2) Overcrowding the basket - leads to uneven cooking, (3) Skipping the oil - results in tough skin, (4) Opening the air fryer too frequently - disrupts heat circulation, (5) Not letting them rest - cutting too early releases all the steam.

Can I make sweet potatoes in air fryer the night before?

Absolutely! This is my secret for busy school nights. Cook completely, store in refrigerator, then reheat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. The texture remains perfect, and meal prep becomes effortless.

Should you wrap sweet potatoes in foil for air fryer?

Never wrap in foil for initial cooking - this steams rather than roasts them. However, for reheating or keeping warm, loose foil wrapping works well. Traditional Tunisian methods never use foil, preferring direct heat contact for optimal texture.

How long do you cook sweet potatoes in air fryer?

Standard timing runs 25-30 minutes at 400°F for medium potatoes, but size matters significantly. I always test doneness by gentle squeezing with tongs - they should give slightly when perfectly cooked.

What size sweet potatoes work best in air fryer?

Choose potatoes roughly the same size for even cooking. Medium potatoes (about 6-8 ounces each) provide the perfect balance of cooking time and serving size for most families.

5 Secrets to Perfect Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer (So Good!)

Name: The Ultimate Sweet Potatoes in Air Fryer Recipe (Perfect Every Time!)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean-American
Ingredients: 4 medium sweet potatoes (6-8 oz each, fist-sized); 4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt; Optional seasonings: za’atar, cinnamon, or herbs de Provence

Description

Crispy-skinned, fluffy-centered sweet potatoes in Air Fryer that cook in half the time of oven methods, with Mediterranean flavor options that make them irresistible for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

4 medium sweet potatoes (6-8 oz each, fist-sized)
4 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
Optional seasonings: za’atar, cinnamon, or herbs de Provence

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes (5 minutes)

Scrub sweet potatoes under cold water using a vegetable brush
Pat completely dry with clean kitchen towel
Pierce each sweet potato 6-8 times with fork, spacing holes evenly
Lightly brush with olive oil (about 1 teaspoon per potato)
Sprinkle with sea salt and any desired seasonings

Preheat and Position (2 minutes)

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 2-3 minutes
Place sweet potatoes in air fryer basket, leaving space between each
Don’t overcrowd – cook in batches if necessary

Initial Cooking Phase (15 minutes)

Cook at 400°F for 15 minutes
No need to flip or rotate during this phase
Steam will escape through the pierce holes – this is normal

Check and Continue (10-15 minutes)

Open air fryer and gently squeeze each sweet potato with tongs
If they give slightly, they’re done
If still firm, continue cooking in 5-minute intervals
Total cook time ranges from 25-35 minutes depending on size

Rest and Serve (5 minutes)

Remove carefully with tongs (they’ll be extremely hot)
Let rest for 5 minutes to allow steam to finish cooking the interior
Cut open immediately to prevent overcooking

Notes

Storage: Refrigerate cooked sweet potatoes up to 5 days; reheat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes

US substitutions: Replace za’atar with dried thyme + sesame seeds if unavailable at Middle Eastern stores

Family-tested tip: My kids love these with butter and cinnamon – keeps it simple but delicious

Cultural context: This method creates the same crispy-fluffy texture as traditional Tunisian clay oven roasting

Meal prep hack: Cook extra on Sundays for easy weeknight sides all week

Size matters: Choose similar-sized potatoes for even cooking; remove smaller ones first if needed

Equipment Needed:

Air fryer (any size 3-quart or larger)
Kitchen fork
Clean kitchen towel
Small bowl for oil

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Mediterranean Salad recipe, Side Dish
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: Mediterranean-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 medium sweet potato
Calories: 130 kcal
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 295 mg
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg