Oh, the holidays! That time of year when my kitchen becomes a battlefield of side dishes, and my oven becomes the most overworked appliance in the house. That’s why I fell head over heels for this air fryer sweet potato casserole—it’s my secret weapon for crispy, caramelized perfection without hogging the oven. Seriously, who knew something this good could come together in under 30 minutes? I first tried it last Thanksgiving when I was desperate for space, and now? It’s non-negotiable. The sweet potatoes get impossibly tender inside, the pecan topping turns golden and crunchy, and that cinnamon-brown sugar magic? Pure nostalgia in every bite. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll wonder how you ever survived holiday meals without it.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole
Let me count the ways this recipe will steal your heart (and probably your holiday table):
- Speed demon: Done in 30 minutes flat—no babysitting the oven while juggling five other dishes
- Crispy-to-soft ratio: That pecan-brown sugar crust shatters beautifully over velvety sweet potatoes
- Oven freedom: Frees up precious oven space for your turkey or pies (game changer during holiday chaos)
- Forgiving nature: Even if you forget to shake the basket halfway, it still turns out ridiculously good
- Smell factor: Fills your kitchen with cinnamon-sugar warmth that’ll have everyone hovering nearby
I’m not exaggerating when I say this might become your new holiday MVP—it’s that good.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this cozy, crave-worthy dish:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed (about ½-inch pieces)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for that perfect crispiness)
- 1 tsp salt (don’t skip—it balances the sweetness)
- ½ tsp black pepper (just a pinch for depth)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (pack it in for that caramelized goodness)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans (toast them if you’re feeling fancy)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted (the glue for that crunchy topping)
- ½ tsp cinnamon (because it’s not the holidays without it)
Simple, right? Just a handful of pantry staples for a dish that tastes like it took hours.
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole
Alright, let’s get to the fun part—turning those humble ingredients into the most irresistible side dish you’ll make this season. I promise it’s easier than wrapping presents!
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
First, grab those sweet potatoes and chop them into ½-inch cubes—no need for perfection here, but try to keep them roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Toss them in a big bowl with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. Get in there with your hands (my favorite part!) to make sure every single cube is coated. This oil blanket is what gives them that gorgeous crispy edge later.
Air Frying the Sweet Potatoes
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F—yes, just like preheating an oven! Dump in the potatoes in a single layer (work in batches if your basket is small). Set the timer for 15 minutes, but here’s the secret: at the 7-minute mark, give that basket a good shake. You’ll hear them sizzling and see golden edges starting to form. They’re done when you can easily pierce a cube with a fork but they still hold their shape.
Adding the Topping
While the potatoes cook, mix up the magic: brown sugar, pecans, melted butter, and cinnamon—it’ll look like edible glitter. When the potatoes are tender, sprinkle this goodness evenly over the top. Pop everything back in the air fryer for just 5 more minutes. That’s when the topping turns into a crispy, caramelized crown. (Resist eating it straight from the basket—I’ve learned this the hard way!)
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole
Want to nail this recipe every time? Here are my go-to tricks:
- Cut it right: Keep those sweet potato cubes around ½-inch—too big, and they won’t cook through; too small, and they’ll turn to mush.
- Shake it up: Don’t skip shaking the basket halfway through. It’s the key to even browning and crispy edges.
- Test for doneness: Use a fork to check—soft but not mushy is the sweet spot.
- Toast the nuts: For an extra layer of flavor, toast the pecans in a dry pan before adding them to the topping.
Follow these, and you’ll be the star of the holiday table—guaranteed!
Variations for Your Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole
This recipe is like your favorite sweater—comfortable but easy to dress up! Here are my go-to twists when I’m feeling creative:
- Maple magic: Swap brown sugar for pure maple syrup—just reduce to 3 tbsp so it doesn’t get too sweet
- Marshmallow madness: Toss mini marshmallows on top for the last 2 minutes of cooking (watch closely—they brown fast!)
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne to the topping for a sweet-heat surprise
- Nut-free option: Use toasted coconut flakes instead of pecans for crunch
The beauty? You can mix and match these to make it your own signature dish!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole
This casserole was practically made for holiday spreads! I love pairing it with juicy roasted turkey, glazed ham, or even a simple roast chicken. For vegetarian friends, it’s dreamy alongside stuffed acorn squash or mushroom Wellington. Honestly? I’ve caught myself eating it straight from the air fryer basket—no shame!
Storing and Reheating Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole
Here’s the good news—this casserole keeps beautifully! Just let it cool completely, then stash it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When you’re ready for round two, skip the microwave (it’ll turn the topping soggy) and pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. That pecan crust will crisp right back up like magic!
Nutritional Information for Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole
Just so you know what you’re diving into (not that it’ll stop you from seconds!): Each serving has about 220 calories, 10g fat, and 32g carbs. Remember, these are estimates—your exact numbers might dance a bit depending on your sweet potatoes’ size or how generous you are with that pecan topping!
Common Questions About Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole
We’ve all got burning questions (sometimes literally—more on that below). Here are the answers I’ve discovered through trial and (many) tasty errors:
Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
You bet! Just thaw them completely first—ice crystals make them soggy. Pat them super dry with paper towels before tossing with oil. They might need an extra 2-3 minutes in the air fryer.
How do I prevent burning?
That pecan topping is sneaky! If your air fryer runs hot, tent the basket with foil for the last 3 minutes. Also, keep an eye on it—that sugar goes from golden to “oops” in about 30 seconds. For more tips on air fryer cooking, check out this guide to using an air fryer.
What if my cubes cook unevenly?
Size matters! If you spot some smaller pieces browning too fast, pluck them out early. Next time, aim for uniform ½-inch cubes—I use a ruler when I’m feeling obsessive. Learning about how to cut sweet potatoes evenly can help.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Prep the potatoes and topping separately, then combine and air fry right before serving. The topping stays crunchy that way—no sad, soggy pecans allowed.
Print
30-Minute Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole You’ll Crave
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy air fryer sweet potato casserole with a crispy topping. Perfect for a side dish or holiday meal.
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Air fry for 15 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Mix brown sugar, pecans, butter, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Sprinkle topping over sweet potatoes and air fry for 5 more minutes.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different flavor.
- Add marshmallows for a sweeter version.
- Double the recipe for larger servings.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American