Japanese sweet potatoes have grown in popularity in recent years due to their distinct traits and delectable flavor. They provide a gourmet experience unlike any other, with their brilliant purple or crimson exterior and creamy, sweet flesh. Imagine using the power of an air fryer to take these scrumptious potatoes to a whole new level of crispiness and softness. Try both baked and air fried japanese sweet potato.
In this post, we’ll explore the world of Japanese sweet potatoes and learn about the benefits of cooking them in an air fryer. You’ll not only discover the secret to getting that perfect crispy surface, but you’ll also get the health advantages of air frying, making this a guilt-free pleasure.
What kinds of sweet potatoes are there?
There are different kinds of sweet potatoes, and each has its own unique traits. Here are some popular ones:
Orange sweet potato
They have meat that is orange and are easy to find. They are used a lot in both sweet and savory recipes.
White sweet potatoes have a milder taste than orange sweet potatoes and creamy white flesh. Different recipes work well with them.
Purple sweet potato
They have meat that is bright purple and tastes a little bit sweeter. They look nice and can be used to make both sweet and savory meals.
Japanese Sweet Potatoes
The skin of Japanese sweet potatoes is red or purple, and the inside is sweet and soft. They have their own taste and are known for how good they taste and feel.
How do Japanese sweet potatoes differ from regular sweet potatoes?
Satsumaimo, which is another name for Japanese sweet potatoes, are different from normal sweet potatoes in several ways:
Appearance
The skin of Japanese sweet potatoes is reddish or purple, while the skin of most other sweet potatoes is light brown or orange.
Texture
Compared to regular sweet potatoes, which are usually softer and wetter, Japanese sweet potatoes are thicker and creamier.
Flavor
Japanese sweet potatoes have a strong, naturally sweet flavor with hints of chestnut, while regular sweet potatoes have a more mild, earthy flavor.
Nutritional Value
Both types of sweet potatoes are healthy, but Japanese sweet potatoes tend to have more vitamins and fiber than American sweet potatoes.
Can I use a regular oven instead of an air fryer for Japanese sweet potato?
Yes, you can cook Japanese sweet potatoes in a regular oven instead of an air fryer. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get a similar finish. Place the cooked Japanese sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake them for 30–40 minutes, or until they are soft and cooked all the way through. Flip the sweet potatoes over halfway through baking to make sure they cook evenly. But it’s important to keep in mind that the thickness and crispiness you get from an air fryer may not be the same as what you get from a regular oven.
Health benefits and nutritional value of Japanese sweet potato
Japanese sweet potatoes are not only tasty, but they are also full of vitamins and minerals. They have a lot of fiber, which is good for the digestive system, and vitamins A and C, which are important for a strong defense system. Also, they have potassium, which is an important mineral for keeping the heart and muscles working well.
These sweet potatoes are also full of antioxidants, which help protect the body against oxidative stress and reduce the chance of chronic diseases. Because they have a lower glycemic index than regular sweet potatoes, they are a good choice for people who want to control their blood sugar.
Finding and Choosing Japanese Sweet Potatoes for Air Frying
You can find Japanese sweet potatoes at Asian grocery shops, farmer’s markets, and even in some regular supermarkets. Look for Japanese sweet potatoes with hard, smooth skin when buying them. Avoid ones that have soft spots, mold, or a lot of dents. Choose potatoes that are heavy for their size, as this means they are moist and fresh.
Preparing Japanese Sweet Potatoes for the Air Fryer
Before air cooking, Japanese sweet potatoes need to be properly prepared so that they turn out tasty and perfectly cooked. Let’s talk about how important it is to wash and scrub, how to prepare it in different ways, and how to add seasonings to make it taste better.
Cleaning and washing
It’s important to wash Japanese sweet potatoes well under cool running water before you cook them. Scrub the face gently with a vegetable brush or your hands to get rid of any dirt or debris. This step makes sure the potatoes are clean and improves their general taste and texture.
Methods of preparation:
There are different ways to prepare Japanese sweet potatoes for air-frying, based on what you like and what you want to happen:
Peeling
Use a vegetable knife to peel the potatoes before you slice or cube them if you want a smoother texture. Peeling can also help if your skin is tough or if you want a more even look.
Slicing
One way to air fry is to cut Japanese sweet potatoes into uniform rounds or pieces. Make sure the slices are all about the same thickness, so they cook evenly.
Cubing
You can also cut the sweet potatoes into bite-sized cubes. This method works well when you want to make treats that are easy to eat and have a lot of crispy surface area.
Ideas for Seasoning and Marinades:
Japanese sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and can be made even sweeter with different spices and marinades. Think about the following ideas:
Simple Seasoning
Sprinkle a little salt, black pepper, and olive oil on the sweet potato pieces or cubes. This easy mix brings out the potatoes’ natural flavors.
Sweet and Savory
To make a blend of sweet and savory flavors, sprinkle cinnamon, paprika, and honey or maple syrup over the potatoes before cooking.
Herb-infused
To give the sweet potatoes a fresh and fragrant twist, toss them with a mix of dried herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and garlic powder, and a pinch of sea salt.
Asian-inspired
Toss Japanese sweet potatoes with soy sauce, olive oil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to give them an Asian flavor. This adds flavor and a little bit of heat.
Make sure to change the spices and marinades to suit your own tastes.
Taking the time to carefully wash, scrub, and prepare Japanese sweet potatoes, along with adding the right spices, will bring out their natural flavors and make air-fried food that tastes great.
RECIPE 1: Air Fryer Baked Japanese Sweet Potato
INGREDIENTS
- 3 Sweet potato (optional). You can use more based on air fryer basket size.
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- ½ tbsp Salt
- ¼ tbsp Black pepper
Step-by-step instructions for baking Japanese sweet potatoes in an air fryer are provided below. We’ll go over ideal temperatures and timeframes for cooking, typical problems, and how to get a crisp skin and juicy interior.
Directions on How to Bake Japanese Sweet in Air Fryer
STEP 1: Preheat Air Fryer
To use an air fryer, preheat it. To begin, preheat the air fryer for 2 – 3 minutes at 370 degrees Fahrenheit. The sweet potatoes will finish cooking uniformly and crispier this way.
STEP 2: Clean the Sweet Potato
In order to get the Japanese sweet potatoes ready, wash them thoroughly under running water to get rid of any dirt or debris. To dry them off, use a clean dish towel. It’s up to you whether you want to remove the skin or not. If you want to peel them, you can do it with a vegetable peeler. We didn’t peel the skin off.
STEP 3: Season the Sweet Potato
Put the sweet potato in a basin and season them with salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil. Toss them lightly so that all of the pieces get coated. The flavor can be improved by adding salt, pepper, or any other ingredients you choose.
STEP 4: Transfer the Sweet Potato to Air Fryer Basket
Place the sweet potato slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. To ensure consistent cooking and airflow, don’t pack the basket to capacity. The sweet potatoes may be cooked in several batches if necessary.
STEP 4: Air Frying Time and Temperature
Put the sweet potatoes in the air fryer and cook them for around 20 to 25 minutes at 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on the size and thickness of the sweet potato chunks, the cooking time may change. Halfway through cooking time, stir the sweet potato cubes around to ensure even browning.
Step 5: Check in Between if Sweet Potato is Cooked
After 15 min of cooking time, check to see if the sweet potatoes are done. Put a skewer or a fork through the center of a sweet potato chunk. The sweet potatoes are done when they are soft when pierced with a fork. If not, give it a couple more minutes in the oven. In our case, we cooked for 20 minutes at 370-degree Fahrenheit.
Baked Japanese Sweet Potato in Air Fryer
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 3 Sweet potato
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- ½ tbsp Salt
- ¼ tbsp Black pepper
Instructions
- To use an air fryer, preheat it. To begin, preheat the air fryer for 2 – 3 minutes at 370 degrees Fahrenheit. The sweet potatoes will finish cooking uniformly and crispier this way.
- In order to get the Japanese sweet potatoes ready, wash them thoroughly under running water to get rid of any dirt or debris. To dry them off, use a clean dish towel. It's up to you whether you want to remove the skin or not. If you want to peel them, you can do it with a vegetable peeler. We didn't peel the skin off.
- Put the sweet potato in a basin and season them with salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil. Toss them lightly so that all of the pieces get coated. The flavor can be improved by adding salt, pepper, or any other ingredients you choose.
- Place the sweet potato slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. To ensure consistent cooking and airflow, don't pack the basket to capacity. The sweet potatoes may be cooked in several batches if necessary.
- Put the sweet potatoes in the air fryer and cook them for around 20 to 25 minutes at 370 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on the size and thickness of the sweet potato chunks, the cooking time may change. Halfway through cooking time, stir the sweet potato cubes around to ensure even browning.
- After 15 min of cooking time, check to see if the sweet potatoes are done. Put a skewer or a fork through the center of a sweet potato chunk. The sweet potatoes are done when they are soft when pierced with a fork. If not, give it a couple more minutes in the oven. In our case, we cooked for 20 minutes at 370 degree Fahrenheit.
RECIPE 2: Japanese Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer
Direction on How to Fry Japanese Sweet Potato in Air Fryer
STEP 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to the suggested temperature, which is usually around 400°F (200°C) for 2 – 3 minutes.
STEP 2: Clean the Sweet Potato
Clean the Japanese sweet potatoes well by running cool water over them and gently scrubbing the skin to get rid of any dirt or waste. Use a paper towel or cotton cloth to dry them off.
STEP 2: Cut the Sweet Potato
Cut the sweet potatoes into thin pieces that look like French fries. If you cut the slices thinner, they will be crispier.
STEP 3: Season the sweet Potato
Season the Japanese sweet potato thin pieces using olive oil, salt and black pepper.
STEP 4: Placing Sweet Potato in Air Fryer Basket
Place the prepared seasoned sweet potato fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving enough room between them for hot air to flow.
STEP 5: Time and Temperature
Cook the sweet potatoes in the air fryer for 10 to 12 minutes at 370 degrees Fahrenheit, shaking or turning the basket halfway through. Cooking time will depend on how thick the sweet potatoes are and how crisp you want them to be.
Put a fork or knife into the middle part of the sweet potatoes to see if they are done. They should be soft and easy to cut through.
If you want them to be even crispier, you can air fry them for a few more minutes while keeping a close eye on them to make sure they don’t burn.
When the sweet potatoes are done the way you like, carefully take them out of the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Japanese Sweet Potato Fries in Air Fryer
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 4 Sweet Potato
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- ½ tbsp salt
- ¼ tbsp black pepper
Instructions
- Start by preheating your air fryer to the suggested temperature, which is usually around 400°F (200°C) for 2 – 3 minutes.
- Clean the Japanese sweet potatoes well by running cool water over them and gently scrubbing the skin to get rid of any dirt or waste. Use a paper towel or cotton cloth to dry them off.
- Cut the sweet potatoes into thin pieces that look like French fries. If you cut the slices thinner, they will be crispier.
- Season the Japanese sweet potato thin pieces using olive oil, salt and black pepper.
- Place the prepared seasoned sweet potato fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving enough room between them for hot air to flow.
- Cook the sweet potatoes in the air fryer for 10 to 12 minutes at 370 degrees Fahrenheit, shaking or turning the basket halfway through. Cooking time will depend on how thick the sweet potatoes are and how crisp you want them to be.
- Put a fork or knife into the middle part of the sweet potatoes to see if they are done. They should be soft and easy to cut through.If you want them to be even crispier, you can air fry them for a few more minutes while keeping a close eye on them to make sure they don't burn.
Things to keep in mind while using air fryer
- Don’t add water to air fryer. Check: Can you put water in an Air Fryer?
- Don’t put plastic plate in air fryer. Check: Can you put plastic in an air fryer?
- Don’t put paper plate in air fryer. Check: Can you put paper plate in an air fryer?
- Never use wax paper in air fryer. Check: Can You Put Wax Paper in an Air Fryer?
- You can put aluminum foil in air fryer. Check: Can You put Aluminum Foil in an Air Fryer?
- You can also use parchment paper in air fryer. Check: Can You Put Parchment Paper in an Air Fryer
- Things you shouldn’t cook in air fryer. Check: 10 Things You Shouldn’t Cook in Air Fryer
Different ways to cook Japanese sweet potato and their pros and cons
Potatoes that are already cut up:
Pros: The inside is soft and tender, and you don’t have to do much to prepare it.
Cons: Cooking might take longer than with other ways, and there’s less surface area for crispiness.
Slices or Wedges
Pros: The outside is crispy and the inside is soft, and it cooks pretty fast.
Cons: It takes more time to get ready to cut into even pieces.
Fries
Pros: It cooks faster and crispier because it has more surface area.
Cons: It needs to be cut perfectly to cook evenly, and smaller slices can get too crispy or even burn if they aren’t watched closely.
How to get different crispiness and texture levels for sweet potato in air fryer
Cut down on the cooking time and temperature a little for a softer grain with a little crunch.
Before you air fry the sweet potatoes, lightly coat them with a small amount of oil or cooking spray. This will give them a golden and crispy outside.
Soak sliced sweet potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes before air-frying them to make them extra crispy. Before cooking, drain them and pat them dry well.
Try out different herbs and spices to give your air-fried Japanese sweet potatoes more taste and texture.
Don’t put too many things in the air fryer basket, or the food won’t cook evenly and won’t be as crispy. If you need to, cook the sweet potatoes in batches.
By using these cooking methods and tips, you’ll be able to make Japanese sweet potatoes that are perfectly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside. Try out different flavors and textures by using different spices and cooking ways.
What are some popular dipping sauces for sweet potato fries?
There are many wonderful sauces that go well with sweet potato fries. Here are some well-liked choices:
Mixing mayonnaise and sriracha sauce together makes a spicy and smooth dip called Sriracha Mayo.
Chipotle Aioli is a smoky and tangy dip made from mayonnaise, chopped garlic, chipotle pepper, and lime juice.
Honey Mustard: Mix honey and Dijon mustard in equal parts to make a sweet and spicy sauce.
For Garlic Parmesan Dip, mix together melted butter, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian spice. This makes a tasty and cheesy dip.
Spicy Ketchup: Mix standard ketchup with hot sauce or chili powder to make it spicier.
Can I freeze air-fried sweet potatoes for later use?
Yes, you can save sweet potatoes that have been air-fried for later use. Let the cooked sweet potatoes cool down totally before putting them in a container or freezer bag that won’t let air in. Put the container in the fridge and write the date on it. Air-fried sweet potatoes that have been frozen can be warmed in the air fryer or oven until they are crisp and hot.
Are there any specific nutritional benefits from air-frying sweet potatoes?
When compared to standard deep-frying, air-frying sweet potatoes has some health benefits. Air-frying uses little or no oil, which lowers the amount of calories and fat in the dish as a whole. This way of cooking sweet potatoes helps keep the fiber, vitamins, and minerals that are already in them. Also, air-frying makes the sweet potatoes crispier while keeping all of their healthy nutrients.
Can I use air-fried Japanese sweet potatoes in desserts?
Absolutely! Japanese sweet potatoes that have been fried in the air can be a great addition to treats. Because they are naturally sweet and creamy, they can be used in many ways. You can make sweet potato pie, sweet potato cakes, or even a sweet potato filling for desserts by mashing them. Try out different treat recipes and add Japanese sweet potatoes that have been air-fried for a unique and tasty twist.
Are air-fried foods healthier than deep-fried foods?
Most people think that foods that are air-fried are better than foods that are deep-fried. Air-frying uses little or no oil, which lowers the number of calories and fat in the dish as a whole. It gives the food the same crispy structure as deep-frying, but it soaks up a lot less oil. Also, with air cooking, you don’t have to put food in hot oil, which can be good for your heart health. But it’s important to remember that the healthiness of foods that are air-fried also depends on the products used and the way they are cooked. For a balanced and healthy diet, it’s important to choose whole, lightly processed ingredients and watch your portion sizes.