Blooming Sweet Potato

Ingredients

The Sweet Potato Base

• 2 medium sweet potatoes (round and uniform shape works best for blooming)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted avocado oil (or melted butter)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar (optional, for extra caramelization)

Seasoning Blend

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, accentuates sweet notes)
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Garnishes & Toppings (Optional)

• 2 tbsp crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped
• Drizzle of honey or spicy hot honey

Instructions

1. Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly under cold running water. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Slice off a very thin strip along the bottom of each potato so they sit flat on your cutting surface.
2. Pro Tip: To make slicing easy without tearing the flesh, microwave the whole sweet potatoes for 3 to 4 minutes . They should be slightly softened on the outside, but still firm in the center. Allow them to cool for 2 minutes before handling.
3. Place two chopsticks or wooden spoon handles flat on either side of the sweet potato to act as knife stops.
4. Make vertical slices down the length of the potato about $1/4$ -inch apart, stopping when your knife hits the chopsticks (do not cut all the way through the base). Turn the potato 90 degrees and repeat the cuts across the width to form a grid/checkerboard pattern. Gentle pressure will allow the sections to fan out slightly like flower petals.
5. Preheat your air fryer to $380^\circ\text{F}$ ( $193^\circ\text{C}$ ) for 3 minutes.
6. Whisk together the olive oil, maple syrup, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously coat the sweet potatoes, ensuring the seasoned oil mixture gets deep into the cuts and between every petal.
7. Place the sweet potatoes carefully into the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they do not crowd each other.
8. Air fry at $380^\circ\text{F}$ ( $193^\circ\text{C}$ ) for 20 to 25 minutes . At the 12-minute mark, check on them and lightly brush with any leftover oil or melted butter to prevent drying out. The potatoes are done when the outer edges are crispy and deep golden-brown, and the center is soft when pierced with a fork.
9. Transfer the blooming sweet potatoes onto a serving dish. While hot, top with crumbled goat cheese, freshly chopped parsley, and a drizzle of hot honey or extra maple syrup if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 260 kcal — · Protein: 3 g 6% · Fat: 14 g 18% · Carbohydrates: 32 g 12% Dietary · Saturated Fat: 2 g 10% · Fiber: 5 g 18% · Sugar: 10 g — · Sodium: 340 mg 15%