Japanese Sweet Potato Air Fryer (Easy and Sweet!)

Japanese sweet potatoes, also known as Satsumaimo, are a staple in Japan and have gained popularity worldwide. They have reddish-purple skin and white flesh, offering a unique flavor. Japanese sweet potatoes are often praised for their smooth and creamy texture when cooked.

The flavor of Japanese sweet potatoes is generally sweet, with some varieties having a unique nutty or chestnut-like undertone. The sweetness can intensify when the sweet potatoes are cooked, especially when roasted or baked. Further more, Japanese sweet potatoes are used in various dishes in Japanese cuisine. They can be prepared in savory and sweet dishes, including roasted sweet potatoes and sweet potato tempura, or as an ingredient in soups and stews.

Selecting the perfect Japanese sweet potato is the key to achieving the best flavor and texture in your dishes. Here are some tips on how to choose the perfect Japanese sweet potato:

Varieties: Japan has several varieties of sweet potatoes, each with its unique flavor and texture. Common varieties include Satsumaimo, Beni Haruka, and Murasaki. Choose one based on your preference for sweetness, starchiness, and color.

Appearance: Look for Japanese sweet potatoes with smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid those with cuts, bruises, or soft spots, as these may indicate spoilage.

Texture: Gently squeeze the sweet potato to check for firmness. It should feel dense and not too soft. Avoid any that feel mushy or have a spongy texture, as these may be overripe.

Size, shape, and weight: Choose sweet potatoes that are uniform in size for consistent cooking. Smaller sweet potatoes are often sweeter, while larger ones may have a starchier texture. Heavier sweet potatoes tend to be moister and have a better texture.

Smell: While Japanese sweet potatoes don't have a strong aroma, a musty or off-putting smell may indicate spoilage.

By paying attention to these factors, you can choose the perfect Japanese sweet potato for your recipes.

Japanese sweet potatoes: I used four of them for this recipe. You can make less or more depending on your needs and modify the amount of oil accordingly. Japanese sweet potatoes are typically in season during the fall and winter months. You can get it here at your local Asian grocery store in the US.

Vegetable oil: You can also use olive oil and avocado oil as a substitute, ensuring a delicious flavor while keeping things on the healthier side.

Wash the Japanese sweet potatoes. In a large mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato pieces with a small amount of vegetable oil or use a cooking spray. This helps the potatoes crisp up during the air-frying process. Ensure the sweet potatoes are coated evenly with the oil. This step is important for achieving a delicious flavor in every bite.

Poke holes over the entire surface of each Japanese sweet potato. Make sure to space the holes evenly. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Different models may have varied settings, so check your manual for the best results. Place the marinated sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding for optimal crispiness.

Cook the sweet potatoes in the air fryer until they achieve a crispy exterior, about 40 minutes. Periodically check and shake the basket to ensure even cooking. Check the sweet potatoes for doneness after 40 minutes. They should be tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. You can continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes if needed. (The cooking time may vary based on your air fryer model and the size of the sweet potato.)

Once done, remove them from the air fryer. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Seasoning (Optional):

If desired, toss your favorite seasonings onto the sweet potatoes. Common choices include a pinch of sea salt, sesame seeds, lime juice, garlic powder, black pepper, maple syrup, chili powder, miso paste, or even a touch of cinnamon for a sweet version. Add a dollop of vegan butter for extra richness if desired.

Using an air fryer to prepare Japanese sweet potatoes opens up many possibilities. Here are a few ideas for air fryer Japanese sweet potato recipes:

Air fryer sweet potato fries: Cut Japanese sweet potatoes into fry-like shapes, coat them in olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Air fry until they turn to crispy fries.

Cinnamon-sugar sweet potato chips: Slice Japanese sweet potatoes thinly, toss them in a bit of oil, and sprinkle with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Air fry until the chips are crispy and caramelized.

Savory miso-glazed sweet potato cubes: Cube the sweet potatoes into small cubes and toss them in a mixture of miso paste, soy sauce, and a bit of sesame oil. Air fry until the sweet potatoes are tender and have a savory glaze.

Sweet potato tempura: Slice Japanese sweet potatoes thinly, dip them in a tempura batter (made with flour, cornstarch, and cold water), and air fry until crispy.

Honey glazed sweet potato wedges: Cut Japanese sweet potatoes into wedges, toss them in a mixture of honey, soy sauce, and a bit of ginger, and air fry until caramelized and tender.

Sweet potato hash browns: Grate Japanese sweet potatoes and squeeze out excess moisture. Mix with beaten eggs, salt, and pepper. Form into patties and air fry until golden brown. Great for breakfast or brunch!

Japanese sweet potato nachos: Slice sweet potatoes into rounds and air fry until crispy. Top with shredded cheese, diced avocado, scallions, and a drizzle of spicy mayo for a unique twist on nachos.

Sweet potato Katsu: Breaded and air-fried sweet potato slices can be served as a plant-based alternative to traditional pork katsu. Serve with a side of tonkatsu sauce.

Feel free to get creative with seasonings and toppings to suit your preferences. 🙂

Air-fried Japanese sweet potatoes can be a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. Here are some tips to achieve the perfect result:

Pat dry: After washing, pat the sweet potatoes dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Removing excess moisture will help them crisp up in the air fryer.

Single layer: Arrange the sweet potato pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to uneven cooking.

Monitor for doneness: Keep an eye on the sweet potatoes to prevent overcooking. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while tender on the inside.

Serve immediately: Enjoy your air-fried Japanese sweet potatoes immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat the leftovers in the air fryer for a few minutes until warm or your desired texture.

Air fryer Japanese sweet potato fries are an easy and delicious way to enjoy this unique variety of sweet potatoes. Whether you serve it as a delicious side dish or a main course, they are a great addition to any meal. Happy air frying!

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