Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes and Onions

Ingredients

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled or unpeeled and cut into small cubes
• 1 large yellow onion, cut into wedges or thick slices
• 1½ tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• A pinch of chili flakes, optional

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

1. Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water. Peel them if desired, or leave the skin on for extra texture and nutrients. Cut them into evenly sized cubes, approximately ½ to ¾ inch thick. Keeping the pieces similar in size helps them cook evenly and develop golden edges.
2. Pat the sweet potato cubes dry with a clean kitchen towel. Removing excess moisture helps them roast rather than steam inside the air fryer.

Step 2: Prepare the Onion

1. Peel the onion and cut it into thick wedges or slices. Avoid slicing it too thinly because thin onion pieces may soften or brown too quickly during cooking.
2. Yellow onions work especially well because they become naturally sweet and tender when cooked. Red onions can also be used for a slightly sharper flavor and a beautiful pop of color.

Step 3: Season the Vegetables

1. Place the sweet potato cubes in a large mixing bowl. Add the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning.
2. Toss everything together until the sweet potatoes are evenly coated. Add the onion pieces and gently mix again, making sure the vegetables receive a light coating of oil and seasoning.
3. If you enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of chili flakes. For a brighter flavor, you can also add a small amount of lemon zest after cooking.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for approximately 3 minutes, if your model requires preheating.
2. Preheating helps the sweet potatoes begin cooking immediately and encourages a lightly crisp exterior. Some air fryers do not require preheating, so follow your appliance’s instructions when necessary.

Step 5: Air Fry the Sweet Potatoes

1. Arrange the seasoned sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket in a relatively even layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket because too many vegetables can trap steam and prevent proper browning.
2. Cook at 380°F (193°C) for approximately 8 minutes. Open the basket and shake it gently or turn the sweet potatoes with a spatula.
3. Add the seasoned onion wedges, then continue cooking for another 7–12 minutes. Shake the basket once or twice during the remaining cooking time.
4. The sweet potatoes should become golden brown on the outside and tender in the center, while the onions should soften and develop lightly browned edges. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of the vegetables and your air fryer model.

Step 6: Check for Doneness

1. Pierce a sweet potato cube with a fork. It should slide in easily without the center feeling hard. The outside should have some golden color, and the onions should be tender with lightly caramelized edges.
2. If the vegetables need more time, continue cooking in 2-minute increments until they reach your preferred texture.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Transfer the cooked sweet potatoes and onions to a serving bowl. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and, if desired, a little extra black pepper or chili flakes.
2. Serve immediately while the edges are still warm and lightly crisp. For additional flavor, finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a light drizzle of balsamic glaze.

Nutrition

Calories: 160 kcal · Protein: 2 g · Fat: 5 g · Carbohydrates: 27 g Dietary · Saturated Fat: 0.7 g · Fiber: 4 g · Sugar: 7 g · Sodium: 320 mg