Q1: Do I absolutely have to prick the sweet potatoes with a fork before air frying?

Yes, this is a very important safety step! As the sweet potato cooks at a high temperature, steam builds up inside. Pricking a few holes in the skin allows that steam to escape safely. If you don't prick the skin, there is a small but real chance that the pressure could build up and cause the potato to burst inside your air fryer, which would create a huge mess.

Q2: How long does it really take to cook a whole sweet potato in the air fryer?

The cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your sweet potato. For a standard, 8-ounce, relatively narrow sweet potato, 35 to 40 minutes at 400°F is a perfect timeframe. If your potato is much larger or rounder, it may need up to 45-50 minutes. The best way to check for doneness is to see if a sharp knife can be inserted into the center with zero resistance.

Q3: Can I cook more than two sweet potatoes at a time in my air fryer?

It depends on the size of your air fryer. The most important rule is to not overcrowd the basket . The potatoes should be in a single layer with some space around them for the hot air to circulate. If the potatoes are packed in too tightly, they will steam instead of roast, and you will not get that signature crispy skin.

Q4: Is it healthier to cook a sweet potato in the air fryer than to bake it in the oven?

The nutritional content of the sweet potato itself will be virtually the same whether you cook it in the air fryer or the oven. The main benefits of using an air fryer are speed and energy efficiency . It cooks much faster and uses less electricity than heating up a large, conventional oven.

Q5: Should I wrap my sweet potatoes in foil when I air fry them?

No, you should not wrap them in foil for this recipe. Wrapping a potato in foil will trap the steam, which will result in a soft, steamed skin rather than the delicious, dry, and crispy skin that the direct, circulating hot air of the air fryer creates.

The Perfect Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes (So Easy!)

A simple and efficient method for cooking whole sweet potatoes using an air fryer. The scrubbed sweet potatoes are coated in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then cooked at a high temperature until the skin is crispy and the inside is perfectly tender and fluffy. They are served like a classic baked potato, split open and topped with a pat of butter and fresh chopped chives.

Author: Grace
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 38 minutes
Total Time: 43 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Two 8-ounce sweet potatoes, scrubbed
2 teaspoons olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Unsalted butter, for serving
Chopped fresh chives, for serving

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Instructions

In a medium bowl, toss the sweet potatoes with the olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and a few grinds of pepper until they are evenly coated.
Place the potatoes in the basket of a 6-quart air fryer.
Cook at 400°F for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through the cooking time. The potatoes are done when the skin is crispy and the inside is tender.
Carefully cut a slit lengthwise along the top of each hot potato. Be mindful of the steam.
Fluff the inside flesh with a fork and season with another pinch of salt.
Top with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of chopped fresh chives before serving.

Notes

Special Equipment: A 6-quart air fryer is specified for this recipe.
Using an air fryer is a quick method that results in a crispy skin, similar to oven-roasting but often faster and with less energy.
Be careful of the hot steam that will be released when you cut open the cooked potatoes.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sweet potato
Calories: 250-320
Sugar: 12-16 g
Sodium: 350-450 mg
Fat: 12-16 g
Saturated Fat: 7-9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35-42 g
Fiber: 6-8 g
Protein: 3-4 g
Cholesterol: 30-35 mg

Find it online: https://www.eatswithsoul.com/air-fryer-sweet-potatoes/