These Air Fryer Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a total game-changer for busy weeknights. They’re crispy on the outside, perfectly tender and fluffy on the inside, and can be stuffed with just about anything your heart desires. Whether you’re going for a hearty protein-packed filling or a lighter veggie-forward version, this recipe is ridiculously easy, fast, and customizable. And the air fryer? It does all the heavy lifting—no oven needed, no long wait times. Just wholesome, cozy, flavor-packed sweet potatoes ready in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Hands-Off: The air fryer cuts the cooking time in half, and most of it is hands-off. Set it, forget it, then stuff it!
- Nutritious and Satisfying: Sweet potatoes are naturally rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. Pair them with your favorite filling for a balanced meal.
- Endlessly Customizable: Whether you’re craving something meaty, cheesy, spicy, or plant-based, you can tailor the stuffing to fit your mood or what’s in your fridge.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Cook the potatoes ahead and stuff them later—great for planning your week’s lunches or dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make the most delicious air fryer stuffed sweet potatoes:
- Sweet Potatoes: Choose medium-sized sweet potatoes that are firm and evenly shaped for even cooking.
- Olive Oil: A light coating helps crisp the skin beautifully in the air fryer.
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- Black Beans: For a protein-packed vegetarian filling. They add creaminess and a nice earthy flavor.
- Corn: Adds a juicy pop of sweetness and texture contrast.
- Red Onion: Offers sharpness and crunch—perfect against the soft sweet potato.
- Avocado: Sliced or mashed, it adds creaminess and healthy fats.
- Shredded Cheese: Melty, gooey goodness. Use cheddar, Monterey Jack, or anything you love.
- Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: Optional, but adds a nice tang and cooling contrast to hot fillings.
- Lime Juice: A quick squeeze wakes up all the flavors.
- Spices: Chili powder, cumin, paprika, or taco seasoning to make the filling bold and punchy.
Variations
Want to switch it up? Here are some delicious twists to try:
- Tex-Mex Style: Add ground turkey or beef with taco seasoning for a heartier meal.
- BBQ Chicken: Mix shredded rotisserie chicken with BBQ sauce, top with cheese and green onions.
- Mediterranean: Fill with hummus, cucumber, olives, and crumbled feta.
- Vegan Delight: Use black beans, quinoa, spinach, and tahini drizzle.
- Breakfast Style: Scramble eggs with spinach and cheese, stuff them into the sweet potato, and top with hot sauce.
How to Make Air Fryer Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes
Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes well. Pat them dry, then pierce each one several times with a fork. Rub them with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt.
Step 2: Cook in the Air Fryer
Place the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket (don’t overcrowd—do them in batches if needed). Air fry at 390°F for about 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the skin is crispy and a knife slides in easily.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
While the potatoes are cooking, mix your chosen fillings in a bowl. For a classic combo, toss black beans, corn, red onion, a bit of lime juice, and seasoning together.
Step 4: Slice and Stuff
Once the sweet potatoes are done, let them cool just a bit, then carefully slice them open lengthwise. Fluff the inside gently with a fork, then pile on the filling.
Step 5: Top and Serve
Add shredded cheese and return to the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to melt. Finish with avocado slices, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and extra lime juice.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Oil: A light rub of olive oil helps the skin crisp up perfectly in the air fryer.
- Choose Similar Sized Potatoes: This ensures they all cook evenly at the same rate.
- Test for Doneness: If the knife doesn’t glide through easily, give them 5 more minutes in the air fryer.
- Load After Cooking: Stuffing the potatoes after they’re fully cooked gives you full control over textures and layers.
- Double the Batch: Cook extra sweet potatoes and refrigerate them for quick meals later in the week.
How to Serve
Stuffed sweet potatoes are incredibly versatile and work as a main or a side dish depending on how you dress them up.
Serve as a Meal
Pair with a crisp green salad or a bowl of soup for a comforting, balanced dinner.
Top it Right
Add fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, a splash of hot sauce, or crunchy toppings like crushed tortilla chips or toasted nuts for extra texture.
Side Pairings
Great alongside grilled meats, baked tofu, or even just a refreshing slaw.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover stuffed sweet potatoes in foil or place them in airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked, unstuffed sweet potatoes. Let them cool, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Add any cold toppings like yogurt or avocado after reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Absolutely! Just bake the sweet potatoes in a 400°F oven for about 45-60 minutes. The skin won’t be quite as crispy, but the flavor and texture will still be fantastic.
What kind of sweet potatoes should I use?
Stick with orange-fleshed varieties like Garnet or Jewel—they’re sweet, creamy, and hold up well in the air fryer.
Can I prep the filling in advance?
Yes! Most fillings can be made 1-2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. This makes assembly even quicker on busy nights.
Are these sweet potatoes good for meal prep?
They’re perfect for it! Cook the sweet potatoes in bulk, store them unstuffed, and then just warm and fill as needed.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a cozy, colorful, and ridiculously simple way to get a satisfying dinner on the table without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re whipping them up for a solo lunch or loading up a tray for the family, they’re endlessly customizable and always comforting. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be surprised how something so easy can taste this amazing!
Air Fryer Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Air Fryer Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a delicious and nutritious meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. These sweet potatoes are crispy on the outside and filled with a savory mixture of black beans, corn, and cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes, then pierce them several times with a fork.
- Rub each sweet potato with olive oil and season with salt.
- Place sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 35-40 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Meanwhile, in a bowl, mix black beans, corn, red onion, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Once sweet potatoes are cooked, let them cool slightly, then slice them open lengthwise.
- Scoop out a small amount of the flesh to make room for stuffing.
- Fill each potato with the bean and corn mixture, then top with shredded cheese.
- Return stuffed potatoes to the air fryer and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted.
- Garnish with cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or yogurt, if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute cheddar with vegan cheese for a dairy-free option.
- Add avocado or salsa for extra flavor.
- To make it spicier, mix in some chopped jalapeños with the filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed sweet potato
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
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