Candied sweet potatoes take about 18 minutes in the air fryer at 380°F (195°C) — 10 minutes with butter and salt, then 6–8 more with brown sugar and cinnamon so it caramelizes instead of burning. Marshmallows are optional, and they go on last, in a dish.
Candied sweet potatoes are pure Thanksgiving nostalgia — buttery, sweet, warm with cinnamon. This air fryer version takes about 18 minutes and gives you something the classic casserole doesn’t: caramelized, slightly crispy edges on every cube. Top with toasted marshmallows if that’s how your family does it.
Why make them in the air fryer?
The oven version usually bakes for 45 minutes or more. The air fryer roasts the cubes fast, so the outsides caramelize while the insides stay soft and creamy. And again: one less dish in the oven.
How to cut sweet potatoes safely
Sweet potatoes are hard and slippery. Peel them, then cut a thin slice off one side so it sits flat on the board. Cut into slabs, then sticks, then 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. A sharp knife is safer than a dull one.
Read next: Crispy Air Fryer Roast Potatoes
The trick: sugar goes in halfway
If you toss raw sweet potatoes in brown sugar and air fry them for 18 minutes, the sugar burns and turns bitter before they’re cooked. So:
- First 10 minutes: butter, oil and salt only. They start to soften and brown.
- Last 6–8 minutes: add the butter-sugar-cinnamon mix. It melts into a sticky glaze without burning.
Marshmallows: do it the safe way
Mini marshmallows are light, and air fryer fans are strong. Loose marshmallows can fly up into the heating element. Always put the potatoes in a small baking dish first, use a low temperature (320°F / 160°C), and only cook for 1–2 minutes while you watch.
Serving ideas
- On the Thanksgiving table next to the air fryer turkey breast
- With Christmas honey glazed ham — sweet with salty is a perfect match
- As a weeknight side with crispy chicken tenders
Storing and reheating
Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes (without marshmallows — add fresh ones at the end).
Air Fryer Candied Sweet Potatoes
Buttery, cinnamon-brown sugar sweet potatoes with caramelized edges, made in the air fryer in about 18 minutes. Add toasted marshmallows for the full Thanksgiving classic.
You'll need: Air fryer · 7-inch (18 cm) baking dish (only for the marshmallow version)
Ingredients
US cups and spoons with metric in brackets (1 US cup = 240 ml). A bigger batch may need two rounds in the basket: keep it to one layer.
Instructions
- Cut evenly. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes so they cook at the same speed.
- Coat. Toss the cubes with the oil and half the melted butter, plus the salt.
- Air fry. Spread in the basket and cook at 380°F (195°C) for 10 minutes. Shake.
- Candy them. Mix the rest of the butter with the brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Tip the potatoes into a bowl, toss with the mixture, and return to the basket.
- Finish. Air fry 6–8 minutes more, until fork-tender with sticky, caramelized edges.
- Marshmallow version (optional). Move the potatoes to a small baking dish that fits your basket, top with pecans and marshmallows and air fry at 320°F (160°C) for 1–2 minutes, watching closely, until puffed and golden.
Notes
- Why add the sugar halfway: brown sugar burns at air fryer temperatures if it goes in at the start.
- Marshmallows in the air fryer: always use a dish, keep the temperature low and stay close. The fan can lift loose marshmallows into the heating element.
- Australia: use orange-fleshed sweet potato (kumara). Gold sweet potato works too but is less sweet.
- Make ahead: cook through step 3 up to 1 day ahead. On the day, toss with the sugar mix and finish (add 2 minutes).
Air fryers vary by brand and size: start checking 2–3 minutes early. Recipe from shakethebasket.com/air-fryer-candied-sweet-potatoes/
FAQ
Do I need to peel sweet potatoes for the air fryer?
For this candied version, yes — peeled cubes soak up the butter and sugar better. For savory cubes you can leave the skin on.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes (yams)?
Yes. Drain and pat them very dry, toss with the butter and sugar mix and air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking once.
How do I keep them from getting mushy?
Cut cubes no smaller than 1 inch, don't overcrowd the basket, and stop cooking as soon as a fork slides in easily.
