Introducing the BEST Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes! Just like roasted but faster, these cubes are crisp outside, tender inside, and tossed in the perfect seasoning. Quick and easy!

Photo looking down at an air fryer with sweet potato cubes in the basket
chelsea

author note

The Veggie Side My Kids Always Eat!

These roasted sweet potatoes are one of the most popular recipes on my site, and for good reason—they’re so incredibly flavorful and delicious! They’re the dish that made my kids fall in love with sweet potatoes.

So, I had to turn those same flavors into an air fryer version. Sometimes, it’s just easier to throw something in the air fryer than heat up the oven!

These are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and so convenient!

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Ingredients in this recipe prepped out for easy assembly.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Ingredients

IngredientSwaps or Tips
Sweet PotatoesRed Garnet or Jewel are my top picks. Stick to orange/red skin for creamier texture.
Olive OilAvocado oil works too.
Fine Sea SaltKosher salt in a pinch (use a bit more).
Black PepperFresh cracked pepper = best flavor.
PaprikaSmoked paprika adds a deeper flavor.
Garlic Powder & Onion PowderSkip if you prefer plain roasted cubes.
    Image of sweet potatoes chopped for these Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

    Selecting Sweet Potatoes:

    • Choose orange or red-skinned sweet potatoes for a sweeter, creamier texture.
    • Best varieties for roasting: Red Garnet or Jewel.
    • Pick firm, unblemished sweet potatoes; avoid soft or wet ones.

    Cutting Sweet Potatoes

    1. Peel the potato for optimal flavor and texture.
    2. Cut off the ends. Thinly slice a strip on the bottom for stability on the cutting board.
    3. Slice into½-inch rounds.
    4. Chop rounds into equal ½-inch pieces.
    Images showing the sweet potatoes chopped, prepped, and added to the air fryer for this recipe

    How To Make Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

    1. Prep: Peel and cube sweet potatoes. Smaller cubes cook faster and crisp better.
    2. Season: Toss in a bowl with olive oil and seasonings until well coated.
    3. Cook: Place cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
    4. Air Fry: 10–15 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket halfway through.
    5. Serve: They’re ready when crisp outside and fork-tender inside.

    Quick Tip

    Check out my Air Fryer Guide if you’re new to air frying!

    Storage

    Storing: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge, they’ll last for up to 5 days.

    Reheating: Warm in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until heated through.

    How To Use Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes:

    5 from 2 votes

    Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

    Try these Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes for a fast, crispy treat tossed in perfect seasoning. Just like roasted but quicker and easier!
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings (as a side)

    Video

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    • 1 pound sweet potatoes 3 cups cubed, see note 1
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil see note 2
    • 1-1/4 teaspoons paprika
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

    Instructions 

    • Peel and cut sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes (see note 3). Measure to ensure 3 cups.
    • Add sweet potato cubes to a bowl (not air fryer basket) and drizzle with oil. Toss with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
    • Preheat air fryer to 400℉. If your model doesn’t have a preheat function, run it empty for 3 minutes at 400℉. Spread seasoned sweet potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overlap. (Cook in batches if necessary.)
    • Air fry for 12–16 minutes, shaking halfway (return cubes to an even layer), until tender and slightly crisp with a charred exterior. Add more time if needed for crispiness, checking every 1–2 minutes.
    • Taste and add more salt if desired, then enjoy right out of the fryer!

    Recipe Notes

    Note 1: When selecting sweet potatoes, the best varieties for roasting are Red Garnet or Jewel. Pick firm, unblemished sweet potatoes; avoid soft or wet ones.
    Note 2: Resist the temptation to reduce the oil! It is key to the final texture. Less oil means the potatoes won’t be as crispy.
    Note 3: When cutting sweet potatoes, peel them for optimal flavor and texture. Cut off ends. Thinly slice a strip on the bottom for stability on a cutting board. Slice into 1/2-inch rounds. Chop rounds into equal 1/2-inch pieces.
    Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 132kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 63mg | Potassium: 402mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 16396IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

     

    Meet Chelsea


    Hello, and welcome to Chelsea’s Messy Apron! I’m Chelsea, the recipe developer, food photographer, and writer behind the site. I’m passionate about creating simple, reliable, and delicious recipes that anyone can make.

    Thanks for stopping by—I hope you find something delicious to make!

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    5 from 2 votes

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    3 Comments

    1. candice says:

      5 stars
      tossed mine with a bit of honey and cinnamon while still warm – yum!

      1. Chelsea says:

        Delish! Thanks for sharing!

    2. Adam says:

      5 stars
      As chelsea’s brother in law I can say these sweet potatoes are amazing, and the best part is how easy they are! Love this recipe!