Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes | The Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
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Who doesn’t love sweet potatoes? Whether you like them as fries, mashed, baked or in a casserole dish, sweet potatoes are delicious and nutritious. They have become a staple for many people around the world because of their versatility and health benefits. Women, in particular, can benefit from incorporating sweet potatoes into their diets. Here’s an EASY sweet potato recipe that you can start implementing in your weekly meal plan that uses your air fryer. Let’s cook!
How to Make Sweet Potatoes in Your Air Fryer
Have you ever wanted to try using your air fryer more often to prepare easy meals? These sweet potatoes only need a few ingredients and 30 minutes. You will need medium-sized sweet potatoes (adjust the cooking time if smaller or larger), cooking spray, salt, pepper, and butter.
To get started, pre-heat your air fryer to 400 degrees. Spray sweet potatoes with cooking spray and gently place in the air fryer for about 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, flip each potato and continue to air fry for an additional ten minutes.
Spice open and top with butter, salt and pepper. Want more ideas? Try these!
Sweet Potato Topping Ideas
Want to get creative with your sweet potatoes? Try these sweet potato topping ideas!
Savory Toppings
There’s nothing like a savory topping to take your baked sweet potato to the next level. For a classic chili and cheese combo, top the sweet potato with your favorite chili and some cheddar cheese. If you’re a fan of garlic, try topping your sweet potato with softened garlic butter and a sprinkle of herbs. For a Tex-Mex twist, try a combination of black beans, salsa, and some sour cream.
Sweet Toppings
Sweet potatoes also taste great with sweeter toppings. To make a classic cinnamon and sugar combo, mix together ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and two tablespoons of sugar, then sprinkle it over the sweet potato. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can top your sweet potato with marshmallows and chopped pecans. Need a savory-sweet combo? Try topping your sweet potato with maple syrup and some chopped bacon.
Healthy Toppings
Sweet potato is a great food for those looking for a nutritious meal. For a protein-packed topping, try topping your sweet potato with Greek yogurt and some fresh berries. For a veggie-filled combo, try topping the sweet potato with mashed avocado and a fried egg. Or, try a combination of roasted vegetables and hummus.
Vegan and Vegetarian Toppings
Vegan and vegetarian toppings are a great way to enjoy sweet potatoes in a plant-based way. For a vegan-friendly combo, try topping your sweet potato with vegan cheese and avocado. For an even heartier option, top the sweet potato with roasted chickpeas, tahini, and a sprinkle of herbs. If you’re looking for a Mediterranean flavor, try adding some spinach and feta cheese to your sweet potato.
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
Try these sweet potatoes in the air fryer for extra flavor!
Ingredients
- 4 Medium Sized Sweet Potatoes
- Cooking Spray
- Salt
- Pepper
- Butter
Instructions
- Pre-heat air fryer to 400 degrees.
- Spray sweet potatoes with cooking spray.
- Place in air fryer for 20 minutes.
- Flip and continue to air fry for an additional 10 minutes.
- Slice open and top with butter, salt & pepper!
Reasons to Add Sweet Potatoes to Your Diet
Nutrient Dense: Sweet potatoes are nutrient dense, meaning they contain a high concentration of vitamins, minerals, and fiber in fewer calories. This makes them an ideal food choice for weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight. One medium-sized sweet potato contains 3 grams of fiber, which helps keep you feeling full longer after meals. It also contains vitamins A and C, magnesium, and potassium – all essential nutrients for women’s health.
Good for Your Skin: Vitamin A is essential for healthy skin – it helps to keep your skin hydrated and promotes cellular turnover so that your skin looks brighter and more youthful. Vitamin C keeps skin firm by boosting collagen production and reducing wrinkles. Eating sweet potatoes regularly can help keep your skin looking its best!
High in Antioxidants: Sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants such as beta carotene that help protect the body against free radicals that damage cells and cause inflammation throughout the body. Women often struggle with inflammation because of hormonal imbalances or stress levels so boosting their antioxidant intake can be very beneficial. The antioxidants found in sweet potatoes can also help protect against certain types of cancer too!
Sweet potatoes are loaded with essential nutrients that benefit women’s health overall. Their high concentration of vitamins A & C provides anti-aging benefits to your skin while their antioxidant content helps protect against cell damage caused by free radicals. Plus, they’re super versatile so you can enjoy them cooked any way you like! So go ahead—add some tasty (and nutritious!) sweet potatoes to your diet today!
What to Pair Sweet Potatoes With: Entrée Ideas
Sweet potatoes are a delicious, nutritious side dish that can be served with a variety of entrees. Whether you’re creating a comforting dinner meal or an elegant dinner party menu, there’s surely something that pairs well with sweet potatoes. Let’s explore some of the best entrées to serve with your sweet potatoes.
Pork Chops: A classic combination of sweet and savory flavors is found in pork chops and sweet potatoes. Whether you bake them in the oven, pan fry them on the stovetop, or even grill them outdoors for a backyard barbecue, pork chops pair nicely with baked sweet potatoes and provide a balanced meal. Serve your pork chops and sweet potatoes with roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans for added nutrition.
Grilled Salmon: Salmon is an excellent source of healthy fat and omega-3 fatty acids. When paired with roasted sweet potatoes, this meal provides an excellent balance of protein and carbohydrates that can help keep you feeling full longer. Try topping grilled salmon with a simple lemon butter sauce to bring out its natural flavor, then serve it alongside baked sweet potato wedges sprinkled with cinnamon and nutmeg for extra sweetness.
Roast Chicken: A comfort food favorite, roast chicken is always a crowd-pleaser! Roast chicken is also great because it’s easy to customize – add whatever herbs or spices you like to give it your own unique flavor profile! Enjoy roast chicken alongside mashed or baked sweet potatoes for a complete meal that’s both healthy and delicious. For an added kick of flavor, top your mashed sweet potatoes with caramelized onions and herbs before serving them as a side dish!
Tips for Storing and Reheating
Have leftovers from your sweet potato extravaganza? Try storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, place the sweet potato in the microwave for one to two minutes, or until heated through. You can also try incorporating your leftover sweet potatoes into other dishes such hash, omelettes, or casseroles.
Sweet potatoes are an incredibly versatile side dish that goes well with many types of entrées. From classic pork chops to grilled salmon to cozy roast chicken dinners, there’s no shortage of delicious options for pairing your sweet potatoes! Next time you make dinner at home or plan a special occasion menu, consider one of these tasty entrée options when deciding what to serve alongside your freshly baked sweet potatoes!
