If you love sweet potatoes and crave a fun twist, these Air Fryer Blooming Sweet Potatoes are a must-try! Beautifully crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and drizzled with your favorite toppings, they’re an impressive side dish or snack that looks fancy but is secretly so simple to make.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it turns a humble sweet potato into a show-stopping centerpiece with barely any effort. Slicing the potato “bloom” style means every bite gets crispy edges and soaks up all the butter, spices, and toppings. Plus, the air fryer makes them faster and easier than oven-baking — perfect for busy nights or holiday tables when the oven is already full!
Another reason I adore these blooming sweet potatoes is how customizable they are. Keep it classic with butter and herbs, go sweet with cinnamon and maple syrup, or get savory with cheese, bacon bits, or a drizzle of garlic butter. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients Needed
You don’t need much to make these gorgeous sweet potatoes — just a few pantry staples:
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2 medium sweet potatoes (orange-fleshed varieties work best)
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2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika or cinnamon (depending on your flavor preference)
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Optional toppings: sour cream, chopped herbs, grated cheese, bacon bits, maple syrup, honey, or a sprinkle of brown sugar
How to Cook Blooming Sweet Potatoes in the Air Fryer
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Wash and Prep: Scrub the sweet potatoes clean and pat them dry.
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Make the “Bloom” Cuts: Place a sweet potato on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, make thin slices across the top, stopping about ½ inch from the bottom so the potato stays connected. Think of it like a Hasselback potato but with deeper cuts for a blooming effect.
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Season: Gently fan out the slices and brush melted butter or olive oil all over the potato, making sure it gets between the cuts. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and your chosen spices.
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Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the sweet potatoes in the basket, cut side up. Air fry for 20–25 minutes, checking for tenderness. Larger potatoes may need up to 30 minutes.
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Finish: When the potatoes are crispy outside and tender inside, remove them carefully. Add your favorite toppings — a dollop of sour cream, a drizzle of maple syrup, extra butter, shredded cheese — whatever you love!
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot and crispy!
