Japanese Sweet Potato Air Fryer Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why soak sweet potatoes before air frying? ›

If you'd like, you can soak the sweet potato slices for 30 minutes up to 2 hours before frying to remove excess starch. Personally, though, going through this step didn't make a real difference for my fries. Peels on or off — it's up to you!

Roasted Japanese Sweet Potatoes: A Classic Delight

A simple drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and some time in the oven result in a comforting dish that's both rustic and refined. The caramelized edges and creamy insides make for an irresistible combination that's perfect as a side or a standalone snack.

Because they're a little drier and starchier than other varieties, Japanese sweet potatoes have a distinct creaminess and a fluffier, lighter texture, a little more like a regular baking potato than a standard orange sweet potato. They also have a particularly sweet yet, subtle flavor compared to many other varieties.

Banish Soggy Sweet Potato Fries.

If your air fryer fries are soggy, it is likely because you over-crowded them in the basket. The sweet potatoes steam when crowded together, instead of air frying. For the best, most crispy results, cook the fries in a single layer so that the air has room to circulate.

Soaking potatoes in water before air frying helps remove excess starch from the surface. This can result in crispier and more evenly cooked potatoes, as excess starch can cause them to stick together or become gummy during the cooking process.

The main reasons to cut the potatoes and pre-soak in water are: To allow the excess starches and sugars to be removed from the outer surface of the fry strips AND to keep the potatoes from browning prematurely from exposure to air. Covering in water helps the potato from turning a dark color.

Are Japanese sweet potatoes healthier than regular sweet potatoes? All varieties of sweet potatoes are good for you but these purple-skin tubers do have higher concentrations of specific vitamins and nutrients.

Yes, you can eat sweet potato skin! It's a great way to reap the nutrition benefits 🙂 Need help using up the rest of the tahini or miso that you purchased for this recipe? Checkout my tahini recipe roundup and my miso recipe roundup for more inspiration!

We eat the skin of Japanese sweet potatoes. That's why it's important to scrub and wash the sweet potatoes well before you bake them. Of course, you can peel it before you eat, but don't forget that the skin has plenty of nutrients!

High fiber content: Japanese sweet potatoes are chock-full of fiber, which is essential for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Fiber also helps keep you feeling full for longer, which can curb overeating and snacking on unhealthy foods.

What is another name for Japanese sweet potatoes? ›

Satsumaimo, or Japanese sweet potato, are everywhere in the fall, from trucks offering freshly roasted yakiimo (baked sweet potatoes) to convenience store treats and your local cake shop.

My go-to way of eating a Japanese sweet potato is slathered with avocado, sprinkled with coarse sea salt, and then topped with steamed greens or broccoli and fresh sunflower sprouts. HEAVEN! But there are so many ways to enjoy this tuber packed with antioxidants, vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium.

Make sure to air-fry potatoes in batches in an even layer so they have the chance to brown (and crisp up) evenly while cooking. Why do my air fryer sweet potato fries turn black? Sweet potatoes contain a higher concentration of sugar than standard potatoes, and caramelize as they cook in the air fryer.

Sweet potatoes take 40 to 50 minutes to bake in the air fryer at 370 degrees F, compared to 50 to 65 minutes (or longer) in the oven (check out How to Bake a Sweet Potato). Use that time to whip up a fast, easy main like Pan Fried Chicken Breast. It's Super Versatile.

The great news about air fryers is that you can use foil along with parchment paper to cook your food in an air fryer. Just remember that if it's safe and effective to use in a conventional oven, it will work just fine in an air fryer.

TIPS & TRICKS to Make this Recipe: The main secrets to achieving that incredible crispy texture, is to soak the cut sweet potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove the starch from the sweet potatoes so they´re not limp & soggy.

This step is commonly missed in making homemade fries, but it might be one of the most important! Soaking your fries in cold water helps remove excess starch, which allows for crispy, golden fries!

Place them in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Allow them to soak, 2 to 3 hours. (You can also stick them in the fridge and let them soak overnight.) When you're ready to make the fries, drain off the water and lay the potatoes on 2 baking sheets lined with paper towels.