A perfectly baked whole sweet potato made in the air fryer with crispy skin and a soft, fluffy center using just 2 simple ingredients and optional salt.
Scrub the sweet potatoes well under running water to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel.
Using a fork, poke holes all over each sweet potato, covering the top, bottom, and sides generously.
Rub each sweet potato all over with the olive oil. Optionally, sprinkle the coarse salt evenly over the skin of each potato.
Preheat your air fryer to 400º F for about 3 minutes if your model recommends it. Place the sweet potatoes in the basket in a single layer with space between them.
Air fry at 400º F for 35 to 40 minutes, flipping halfway through. Begin checking for doneness at the 30-minute mark by inserting a fork into the thickest part. If it slides in easily, the potato is done. If there is still resistance, continue cooking in 5-minute increments and check again. Larger potatoes may need up to 45 minutes.
Remove from the basket and rest for 2 minutes. Slice open the top, fluff the inside with a fork, and add your favorite toppings.
Notes
Size affects cook time. Medium sweet potatoes (6-8 ounces) cook in about 35 to 40 minutes. Large sweet potatoes can take up to 45 minutes. Choose potatoes that are similar in size if cooking multiple at once, so they finish at the same time.
Check for doneness: The skin will look deeply browned before the inside is fully cooked. Use the fork test to judge doneness, not the color of the skin.
Skip the foil. No foil is needed in the air fryer basket. Foil can block airflow and lead to uneven cooking.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 370º F for 5 to 8 minutes, or microwave in 90-second intervals. To freeze, cool completely, wrap tightly, and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Check the blog post for serving suggestions and answers to top FAQs!