Easy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Recipe – Smoked Paprika & Garlic

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Recipe – Smoked Paprika & Garlic

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for easy, healthy side dishes that don’t require a ton of effort. And honestly? These air fryer sweet potatoes are a total game-changer. They’re perfectly crispy, packed with flavour, and ready in under 30 minutes. I first made these when I was craving something comforting but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, and they’ve been a regular on my table ever since!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. It’s incredibly simple, using just a handful of ingredients you probably already have. The air fryer does all the heavy lifting, giving you beautifully crispy sweet potatoes without all the oil of traditional frying. Plus, the smoked paprika and garlic powder create a flavour combination that’s just… chef’s kiss. It’s a healthy, delicious side that everyone will enjoy!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these amazing air fryer sweet potatoes:

• 500g sweet potato (about 2 medium), peeled and cubed
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because a few little things can make a big difference!

Sweet Potato Varieties – Choosing the Best for Air Frying

There are a few different types of sweet potatoes out there. I find that the orange-fleshed varieties (like Beauregard or Garnet) work best for this recipe. They get beautifully soft and sweet inside while crisping up nicely on the outside. But honestly, any kind will work in a pinch!

Olive Oil – Extra Virgin vs. Other Options

I always reach for extra virgin olive oil for its flavour and health benefits. But if you’re running low, any neutral-flavoured oil like avocado or canola oil will do. Just 1 tablespoon is enough to get things nicely coated.

Smoked Paprika – Exploring Different Types & Heat Levels

Smoked paprika is the star of the show here! It adds a lovely smoky depth that really elevates the flavour. You can find sweet, bittersweet, or hot smoked paprika. I usually go for bittersweet – it’s a nice balance.

Garlic Powder – Fresh vs. Powdered Garlic Considerations

While fresh garlic is amazing, garlic powder is super convenient for this recipe and distributes the flavour really evenly. If you really want to use fresh, I’d recommend about 2-3 cloves, minced very finely.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. First, wash, peel, and cube your sweet potatoes into bite-sized pieces. About 1-inch cubes are perfect.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F) for 5 minutes. This is important for getting that crispy texture!
3. In a mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly coated – nobody wants a bland sweet potato!
4. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. This helps prevent sticking. Then, add the seasoned sweet potato cubes in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket, or they won’t get crispy. You might need to work in batches.
5. Air fry for 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness.
6. Serve warm with lime wedges, cilantro, or your favourite dipping sauce.

Expert Tips

Want to take your air fryer sweet potatoes to the next level? Here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way:

Achieving Maximum Crispiness

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket! A single layer is key. Also, shaking the basket halfway through is essential for even cooking.

Preventing Sticking in the Air Fryer

A light spray of oil in the basket is your best friend. If you’re still having trouble, you can line the basket with parchment paper specifically designed for air fryers.

Adjusting Cooking Time for Different Air Fryer Models

Air fryers can vary, so keep an eye on your sweet potatoes. If they’re not crispy enough after 20 minutes, add a few more minutes until they reach your desired level of crispiness.

Variations

This recipe is super versatile! Here are a few ways to switch things up:

Vegan Adaptation

This recipe is already naturally vegan! Just double-check your dipping sauce if you’re serving with one.

Spice Level Adjustment – Adding Chili Powder or Cayenne Pepper

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. Start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to your liking.

Festival Adaptation – Diwali or Thanksgiving Side Dish

These would be amazing alongside a Diwali feast or a Thanksgiving spread! They add a lovely pop of colour and flavour.

Sweet & Spicy Variation – Adding Maple Syrup & Chili Flakes

My friend Sarah loves adding a tablespoon of maple syrup and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a sweet and spicy kick. It’s delicious.

Serving Suggestions

These sweet potatoes are fantastic on their own, but they also pair well with so many things! Try them with:

• Grilled chicken or fish
• Black beans and rice
• A fresh salad
• Your favourite protein bowl

Storage Instructions

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore some of the crispiness.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What’s the best way to peel sweet potatoes?

I usually use a vegetable peeler, but you can also blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes to make the skin easier to remove.

Can I use other spices instead of smoked paprika?

Absolutely! Cumin, chili powder, or even just regular paprika would work well.

Can I bake these sweet potatoes instead of air frying?

Yes, you can! Bake at 200°C (392°F) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy, but still delicious.

How do I know when the sweet potatoes are perfectly cooked?

They should be tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. You can test for tenderness with a fork.

What dipping sauces pair well with these sweet potatoes?

So many! I love them with a simple yogurt dip, sriracha mayo, or even just a squeeze of lime juice.

Enjoy! I really hope you give this recipe a try. Let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy cooking!