Serves: 4
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Start by preheating your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). This ensures that the sweet potatoes will start cooking immediately and get a nice, even crispness.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Dry them with a towel.
- Cut the sweet potatoes into even chunks or wedges. The size and shape are up to you, but try to keep them uniform to ensure even cooking.
- Season:
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato chunks with olive oil until they are evenly coated.
- Sprinkle paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the coated sweet potatoes. Toss again to distribute the seasonings evenly. For an herbal touch, add chopped fresh thyme or rosemary.
- Cook:
- Arrange the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd the basket to allow air to circulate freely around the sweet potatoes, ensuring they crisp up nicely.
- Cook for about 15-20 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket or use tongs to turn the pieces to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
- Serve:
- Once the sweet potatoes are tender and crispy on the edges, remove them from the air fryer.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy. They are delicious on their own or with a dip like a yogurt sauce or a spicy ketchup.
Tips and Variations
- Seasoning Variations: Feel free to experiment with different spices. Cinnamon or nutmeg can add a sweet, warming touch, while cayenne pepper can bring a bit of heat.
- Cooking in Batches: If you have more sweet potatoes, it’s better to cook in batches than to overcrowd the air fryer. This will ensure all pieces cook evenly and get nicely crisp.
- Storage: Leftover air-fried sweet potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for best texture.
Nutritional Benefits
Sweet potatoes are a fantastic source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, notably vitamin A, which is essential for vision, growth, and immune function. Cooking them in an air fryer reduces the need for excessive oil, making this dish a healthier choice compared to traditional frying.
This air fryer sweet potatoes recipe offers a perfect blend of simplicity and deliciousness, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious food enthusiasts. Enjoy the crisp, delightful texture and the natural sweetness enhanced by subtle spicing that makes each bite a treat.