I love how these loaded Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes come out perfectly tender inside with just a hint of crisp on the outside. A little butter, a spoonful of yogurt sauce, and some crunchy radishes make them feel fresh and satisfying.
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Why This Recipe Works
I make these Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes all the time because they’re simple, cozy, and always turn out perfectly. Here’s what makes them special:
- Crispy Outside, Soft Inside: The air fryer gives the sweet potatoes a crisp, salty skin while keeping the inside buttery and tender. It’s the same reason I love making Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer – that perfect texture balance every time.
- Quick and Easy: No need to heat up the oven or wait an hour for dinner. These cook fast, with almost no cleanup, which makes them my go-to side on busy nights.
- Fresh, Creamy Toppings: The yogurt sauce adds a cool, tangy layer that pairs so well with the natural sweetness of the potatoes. A sprinkle of herbs and a few pickled onions make every bite pop.
- Versatile for Any Meal: Serve them as a side, or load them up with your favorite toppings for a full meal.
- Naturally Good: These sweet potatoes don’t need much to shine. A little olive oil, a pinch of salt, and the air fryer brings out their best flavor — simple, wholesome, and always satisfying.
If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and give it a rating. I ❤️ hearing from you!
Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes – The base of this recipe. Choose small or medium sweet potatoes for faster cooking and even texture. Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the tangy yogurt sauce. You can also use yams, Russet, or Yukon gold potatoes if you prefer.
- Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream – The creamy base for the sauce. Greek yogurt gives a tangy, lighter flavor, while sour cream makes it extra rich.
- Lemon Juice – Adds brightness and a little acidity to balance the sweetness of the potatoes and the creaminess of the sauce.
- Smoked Paprika – Brings a subtle smoky flavor that complements the roasted taste of the potatoes. Regular paprika or chili powder can be used instead.
- Green Onions – Add a mild onion flavor and a bit of freshness. Use dried if that’s what you have, or finely chop fresh ones for more color and texture.
- Pickled Onions – Give a tangy, crisp bite that cuts through the creamy and buttery elements. If you don’t have them, any quick-pickled onions will do.
- Fresh Radishes – Thinly sliced radishes add crunch and a peppery note that keeps each bite fresh.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Instructions
- Make the Creamy Yogurt Sauce: Combine Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and green onions in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy. Set aside while the sweet potatoes cook.
- Prep the Sweet Potatoes: Wash and dry the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Rub each one with a little olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt to coat evenly.
- Air Fry the Potatoes: Place the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each one for even cooking. Set the air fryer to 400°F. Cook 12–15 minutes for small potatoes or 30–45 minutes for medium to large potatoes.
- Rest: Remove the sweet potatoes from the air fryer and let them rest for about 5 minutes.
- Slice: Slice each one open and add a pat of butter inside to melt.
- Top & Serve: Spoon the creamy yogurt sauce over the warm potatoes. Add sliced radishes, homemade Pickled Onions, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Serve on their own or alongside your favorite protein or salad.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
Here are some of my favorite substitutions and variations:
- Potato Options: I usually use sweet potatoes, but you can swap in yams, Russets, or Yukon Golds. Just adjust the cooking time based on size and type.
- Sauce Swaps: I love the creamy yogurt sauce, but sour cream, ranch, or even a drizzle of tahini work great too. You can also mix in a little hot sauce for extra kick.
- Topping Ideas: Try topping with black beans, avocado, salsa, or shredded cheese for a heartier meal.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes
Main Dishes
- These Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes make a cozy side for so many meals. We love serving them with Air Fryer Chicken Thighs with Honey Soy Glaze for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special.
- They’re also great next to Air Fryer Peruvian-Style Chicken Drumsticks or a juicy Air Fryer Ribeye Steak. For something lighter, try them with 10-Minute Sweet and Smoky Oven Baked Salmon.
Side Dishes
- If you’re planning a bigger spread, pair these sweet potatoes with other easy sides like Air Fryer Carrots or Crispy Oven Roasted Cabbage Steaks.
- They also go beautifully with Keto Baked Asparagus with Parmesan or Air Fryer Artichoke Hearts with Garlic Aioli for a fresh, veggie-forward meal.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes. You can easily swap sweet potatoes for Russet, Yukon Gold, or even baby potatoes. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and type of potato you use.
Do I need to pierce the sweet potatoes before air frying?
It’s not required for the air fryer, but you can if you prefer. The air fryer circulates heat evenly, so the potatoes cook through without bursting.
Can I make these without the yogurt sauce?
Absolutely. The yogurt sauce adds a nice tang, but you can skip it or replace it with sour cream, ranch, or even a drizzle of tahini. The potatoes are delicious on their own too.
How long do leftovers keep?
Store any leftover sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. The yogurt sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
More Potato Recipes You’ll Enjoy
- Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes – Crispy air fryer potatoes combine golden-brown edges with a fluffy interior. Seasoned with thyme and garlic, they have an unbeatable flavor!
- Air Fryer Potato Wedges – Air Fryer Potato Wedges are a fun and flavorful snack or side dish made from 8 easy ingredients in about 30 minutes.
- Salt Roasted Potatoes with Smoked Garlic Aioli – These Salt Roasted Potatoes are encrusted in kosher salt and rosemary, then baked until buttery, soft, and perfectly seasoned.
- Smashed Fingerling Potatoes – These smashed fingerling potatoes are ultra-crispy, buttery, and creamy. They make the perfect steak side dish or game-day snack.
If you try this Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes recipe, let me know what you think! Rate and review this recipe in the comments below. Don’t forget to take a picture and tag me on Instagram @lenaskitchenblog!
Loaded Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes
Servings: 4
Just in time for summer, these buttery soft Loaded Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potatoes are the perfect side dish for your next barbeque. Ready in under 30 minutes, load them up with fresh veggies and a homemade yogurt sauce for a mouthful of flavor.
Ingredients
Sweet Potatoes
Creamy Yogurt Sauce
- 4 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream
- ½ lemon, juiced
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp sea salt or salt to taste
- 1 tbsp dried or fresh green onions, finely chopped if fresh
Toppings
- Lena's Kitchen Pickled Onions
- fresh radishes, thinly sliced
- fresh herbs, finely chopped
Instructions
Creamy Yogurt Sauce
- Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl and mix. Set aside.
Baked Sweet Potatoes
- Wash and dry the sweet potatoes. Add some olive oil to your hands and rub the potatoes until well coated. Finish with a sprinkle of salt.
- Add the sweet potatoes to the air fryer. Make sure there is space between each one. Turn the air fryer to 400°F. Cook for 12-15 minutes for small, or 30-45 minutes for medium-large size.
- Remove the sweet potatoes when fork tender. Let them rest for 5 minutes, then slice open and add butter to the inside.
- Top the baked sweet potatoes with creamy yogurt sauce, sliced radishes, pickled onions, and fresh herbs. Enjoy with your favorite side of protein, salad, or on their own.
Notes
If you don’t own an air fryer, the sweet potatoes can easily be roasted in an oven. Preheat the oven to 425ºF and prepare the potatoes with a thorough wash and dry. Prick with a fork, rub with olive oil, and season with salt all around the outside. Add the potatoes to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or tinfoil.
Roast small sweet potatoes in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes. Larger potatoes will need 45 to 50 minutes to cook all the way through. Once they’re soft enough for a fork to glide through the thickest part, allow the cooked potatoes to rest on the counter for 5 minutes or until they’re cool enough to handle.
LeAndrea
Delicious! I Love the added tang in the sauce and how east it is to make adaptations/additions to this dish! I added garlic and dill to the sauce since I didn’t have chives. Ate it for dinner and reheated for breakfast the next day!
lena
Wonderful LeAndrea!! I am so so glad to hear that this recipe was enjoyed. Thanks a bunch for making it!
Rodica
Really enjoyed this recipe!
Even my husband loved it and he never was a fan of sweet potatoes before ☺️
Vera
Best sweet potato recipe I have tried! Been eating these on repeat and sharing with family , friends. They are so tasty alone or as a side dish for something from the grill! SO YUMMY! The toppings seal the deal ?
Tiffany Baker
These look amazing!! I can’t wait to try them for dinner this weekend.
dasha
I don’t have air fryer and cooked it in the oven and my family finished it before i could take a decent photo! It’s fantastic – so simple and delicious like all recipes here. And it makes great presentation. Thanks, Lena!
Marcy
This looks amazing gonna make it this week
Victoria
Mmmm. Looks amazing! Off to by an air fryer.