Easy Air Fryer Baked Yams Recipe – Quick & Delicious

Air fryers have become one of the most popular kitchen appliances in recent years due to their ability to cook food quickly while retaining flavor and texture. One of the best foods to cook in an air fryer is yams. Air fryer baked yams are an easy, healthy, and delicious side dish that can complement any meal. The air fryer’s circulating hot air helps to cook the yams evenly, resulting in a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender. This recipe offers a simple way to make perfectly baked yams in just a fraction of the time it would take in an oven. Whether you’re preparing them for a holiday dinner, a family meal, or a quick weeknight side dish, air fryer baked yams will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

In this detailed recipe, we’ll cover everything you need to know: from the ingredients and preparation time to nutrition facts and step-by-step instructions for creating these sweet, savory, and satisfying yams.

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Ingredients
To make these air fryer baked yams, you’ll need:

• 2 medium-sized yams (or sweet potatoes)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or coconut oil)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon butter (optional, for extra richness)

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Marshmallows
• Brown sugar
• A dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 140 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 250mg

Note: The nutritional information can vary based on the ingredients and portion sizes used. Optional toppings like marshmallows or syrup will increase the sugar content and calorie count.

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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 25 minutes
Resting Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Cuisines: American
Course: Side Dish
Servings: 2

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Basting brush (optional, for oil)
• Tongs or a fork

Instructions

1. Prepare the Yams
   Begin by washing and scrubbing the yams thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel. Next, use a knife to pierce each yam several times (about 4-5 times) on all sides. This helps steam escape and ensures even cooking.
2. Season the Yams
   Once the yams are cleaned and pierced, rub them with olive oil using your hands or a basting brush. This will help crisp up the skin during the air frying process. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and optional cinnamon over the yams for a simple yet flavorful seasoning. If you want a little sweetness, drizzle some maple syrup or honey over the yams.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
   Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). If your air fryer doesn’t require preheating, you can skip this step. However, preheating will help the yams cook evenly and achieve that crispy skin.
4. Air Fry the Yams
   Place the seasoned yams in the air fryer basket. Be sure to leave some space between them to allow the air to circulate. Air fry at 380°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of the yams. Halfway through the cooking time (around 12 minutes), use tongs to flip the yams for even cooking. The yams are done when the skin is crispy, and a fork easily slides into the center.
5. Rest the Yams
   After air frying, allow the yams to rest for a few minutes. This will help them finish cooking inside and cool down slightly so they can be sliced without being too hot.
6. Optional Toppings and Serving
   Once rested, cut the yams open lengthwise. You can top them with a pat of butter, a sprinkle of brown sugar, chopped nuts, or marshmallows for added flavor and texture. Serve as a savory or sweet side dish to your favorite meals.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Baked Yams

• Size Matters: Try to choose yams of similar size so they cook evenly. Larger yams may need additional cooking time.
• Crispy Skin: If you love crispy skin, consider air frying for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired crispiness. Be careful not to overcook them, or the interior will become too dry.
• Toppings: Experiment with different toppings! You can go classic with a little butter and brown sugar or try something unique like crumbled bacon or a sprinkle of feta cheese for a savory twist.

Why Air Fryer Baked Yams?

• Faster than Oven Baking: Air fryers cook food much faster than traditional ovens. Instead of waiting 45 minutes or more to bake yams, you can have perfectly cooked yams in under 30 minutes.
• Healthy Cooking: Air frying requires little to no oil, so you can enjoy crispy, tender yams without excess fat and calories.
• Versatile: You can make these yams sweet or savory, depending on the toppings and seasoning you choose.

Conclusion

Air fryer baked yams recipe are a quick, healthy, and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. Whether you are preparing a simple dinner side dish or a holiday feast, these yams are easy to make and packed with flavor. By following this simple recipe, you can enjoy perfectly cooked yams with crispy skin and a soft, sweet interior. With the convenience of the air fryer, you can have your yams ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect dish for any busy day.

Enjoy your air fryer baked yams as a delicious side dish or topped with your favorite ingredients for a more decadent treat!

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Ashley Doyle

I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.