I still remember that first whiff of fragrant steam rising as I opened my air fryer’s basket—tender sweet potatoes edged in gold, flecks of melted Parmesan nestled into every crevice. These Parmesan Herb Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes quickly became my midweek go-to. After three rounds of testing, I tweaked the herb ratio and cooking time to achieve the crisp exterior and silky-smooth interior that had eluded me at first.
Why You’ll Love Parmesan Herb Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
- A contrast of crispy edges with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth center
- The nutty tang of freshly grated Parmesan in every bite
- Simple pantry herbs elevate humble sweet potatoes
- Sweet potatoes are naturally rich in beta-carotene and vitamin A
A Little Background
Cold evenings this winter had me experimenting with air-fried sides. On my second batch, I realized that drying the sweet potatoes thoroughly made all the difference—I was finally rewarded with that crackling, golden exterior. These humble tubers date back centuries in Indigenous American cuisine, but my take adds a touch of Italian flair.
Testing Note #1: During prep, I found that leaving the skins on boosts flavor and color, though you can peel them if you prefer a smoother bite.
Key Ingredients for Parmesan Herb Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes: Cubed into 1-inch pieces; for a twist, use yams or butternut squash
- Olive oil: Helps herbs stick and promotes even browning; extra virgin gives richer flavor
- Italian seasoning: Blends rosemary, thyme, oregano; swap in fresh herbs (1 tablespoon) if available
- Garlic powder: Provides depth; onion powder or minced garlic are good substitutes
- Parmesan cheese: ¼ cup finely grated; go for Parmigiano-Reggiano if possible
- Kosher salt: Enhances sweetness; adjust to taste using sea salt
How to Make Parmesan Herb Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Peel (optional) and cut 2 medium sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Pat them completely dry with a clean towel.
- In a large bowl, toss the potato cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt until evenly coated.
- Arrange the cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15 minutes, gently shaking the basket halfway through to promote uniform browning.
- Sprinkle ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese over the hot potatoes, then air fry for 2–3 more minutes until the edges are crisp and the cheese is lightly browned.
- Carefully transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately while they’re still bubbling at the edges.
Testing Note #2: When I peeked at the 10-minute mark, some cubes were browning faster than others—shaking midway is non-negotiable for even crispness.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- If cubes stick together, spread them across two batches rather than overcrowding the basket.
- Drying the potatoes well prevents steam—and ensures the exterior crackles.
- For a smoky kick, swap half the Italian seasoning for smoked paprika.
- To double the recipe, work in two air fryer batches for consistent cooking.
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
Store cooled sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. You can also freeze cooled cubes on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Always discard any leftovers after 4 days to stay safe.
Testing Note #3: I froze a batch and noticed that a quick toss with a teaspoon of oil before reheating revived the edges beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Pair these potatoes with a green salad and grilled chicken for an easy weeknight dinner, or top with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh chives for brunch. They also make a colorful taco filling or a snack alongside creamy hummus.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you make sweet potatoes crispy in an air fryer? Pat the cubes completely dry, don’t overcrowd the basket, and cook at 400°F, shaking halfway through.
- Can I use frozen sweet potatoes in an air fryer? Yes—spread them out in one layer, add an extra 3–5 minutes of cooking time, and shake at the halfway point.
- Do I need to preheat the air fryer? Preheating for about 5 minutes helps lock in crispness by ensuring the basket is hot before you add the potatoes.
- What cheese works best on air fryer sweet potatoes? Parmesan is ideal for its nutty flavor and fine texture, but grated Pecorino Romano or Asiago are good alternatives.
- Can I make this recipe ahead for a party? Yes—air fry as instructed, cool, then reheat in batches at 375°F just before serving to refresh the crisp edges.
- How long do leftover air fryer sweet potatoes last? Store in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container; after that, it’s best to discard them.
Final Thoughts
Turning a simple root vegetable into these Parmesan Herb Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes has become a weekend ritual for me. I love combining them with a bright lemon-yogurt dip or folding into grain bowls. I can’t wait to hear how you personalize this recipe—be sure to share your results below!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Air Fryer No-Knead Bread – practice your air fryer skills alongside these potatoes
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet – extends the same Parmesan-herb vibe into a protein-packed one-pan meal
- Candied Yams – another sweet potato favorite for a sweeter side option
Parmesan Herb Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Mixture
- 2 lb sweet potatoes peeled or unpeeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp kosher salt
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese finely grated
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Peel (optional) and cut the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Pat them completely dry with a clean towel.
- In a large bowl, toss the potato cubes with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and kosher salt until evenly coated.
- Arrange the cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the hot potatoes, then air fry for 2–3 more minutes until the edges are crisp and the cheese is lightly browned.
- Carefully transfer to a serving dish and enjoy immediately while still hot.