Sweet potato caramelises beautifully in the air fryer, going soft and sweet inside with crisp edges — whether you cube it, cut wedges or bake it whole. Here are all the times in one place.
Key takeaways
Q: How long does sweet potato take in an air fryer?
A: Cubes take 15–18 minutes at 200°C (400°F); wedges 18–22 minutes; a whole sweet potato 35–45 minutes depending on size.
Q: Do you need to peel sweet potato?
A: No — the skin crisps up and holds extra fibre, so a good scrub is all it needs.
Times by cut
| Cut | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cubes (2cm) | 200°C / 400°F | 15–18 min |
| Wedges | 200°C / 400°F | 18–22 min |
| Fries | 200°C / 400°F | 14–18 min |
| Whole (baked) | 200°C / 400°F | 35–45 min |
The recipe
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Ingredients
- 2 sweet potatoes (≈400g)
- 1 tbsp oil
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper
Method
- Scrub and cube the sweet potato (no need to peel).
- Toss with oil and seasoning.
- Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 15–18 minutes.
- Shake halfway for even caramelising.
Tips
- Even cubes cook at the same rate — keep them around 2cm.
- A little cornflour makes fries extra crispy.
- Compare with classic roast potatoes, or see lower-carb swaps in our low-carb recipes.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to soak sweet potato before air frying?
No soaking needed for cubes or wedges. For very crispy fries, a 20-minute soak then thorough drying helps.
Can you cook a whole sweet potato in the air fryer?
Yes — prick it, rub with a little oil and bake at 200°C for 35–45 minutes until soft right through.
Is air fryer sweet potato healthy?
It's high in fibre and beta-carotene, cooked with just a little oil — a nutritious side or base for bowls.