As if the humble jacket potato wasn’t already versatile enough, you can elevate it even further by switching to sweet potatoes, which add a natural sweetness and a nutritional boost to the dish. Not only are sweet potatoes packed with vitamins and fiber, but by cooking them in the air fryer, you can cut down on both cost and cooking time. The air fryer ensures that the sweet potatoes come out perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining tender and fluffy on the inside. This method is much quicker than using the oven, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a quick weekend lunch.
The tuna and bean salad topping gives this dish a fresh, summery feel that is perfect for warmer days. The hearty combination of protein-rich tuna and fiber-filled beans creates a satisfying, balanced meal that can keep you full for hours. The addition of zingy lemon juice brightens up the dish, making it even more refreshing. If you’re enjoying it outdoors, pairing this meal with a cold glass of Pimm’s or your favorite non-alcoholic beverage makes for the ideal summer dining experience.
What I love about this recipe is its flexibility. It’s easy to adjust depending on what you have on hand or to accommodate dietary needs. Whether you want to swap out the beans for chickpeas, add a different protein, or even use a different dressing, this dish is incredibly adaptable.
I had the pleasure of cooking this air fryer sweet potato with tuna & bean salad with Alexis Conran on the Channel 5 TV show Air Fryers: Do You Have The Right One?, first aired on March 20th, 2024. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favourite.
PREP 5 minutes
COOK 45 minutes
SERVES 2 people
KIT you will need an air fryer.
Ingredients for air fryer sweet potato
2 sweet potatoes
1 can of mixed beans
1 can of tuna in spring water
The juice of 1 lemon
Seasoning
A handful of fresh parsley leaves
2 tablespoons of quark soft cheese
A handful of salad topping pea shoots
A dash of extra light olive oil
Method
To start making this air fryer sweet potato with a bean salad, begin by prepping your sweet potatoes. First, rub each one with a little oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Use a fork to pierce each potato a few times; this helps the steam escape as they cook, preventing them from bursting. Once seasoned, set your air fryer to 190°C and wrap each sweet potato individually in foil to lock in moisture and ensure they cook evenly. Place the wrapped sweet potatoes in the air fryer and cook for around 35 minutes. Keep in mind, depending on the size of your potatoes, you may need to cook them for a little longer, so it’s always good to check their tenderness with a fork. The inside should be soft and fluffy when done.
While the sweet potatoes are cooking, prepare the bean and tuna salad. Drain your tin of mixed beans and tuna thoroughly before adding them to a bowl. Mix them together, then add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a tangy kick and half of the chopped parsley for a burst of freshness. Season the mixture to taste with salt and pepper, ensuring that the flavours are well balanced.
After the sweet potatoes have cooked for 35 minutes, carefully remove the foil and return them to the air fryer for another 10 minutes, allowing them to crisp up. Be sure to turn them halfway through the cooking time for an even finish.
Once the sweet potatoes are ready, slice them open and serve them with a dollop of soft quark cheese. Spoon the bean and tuna salad over the top, then scatter the remaining parsley and some pea shoots for an extra layer of freshness. Enjoy this healthy meal as a lunch or light dinner.
Tips for Air Fryer Sweet Potato
Air fryer baked sweet potatoes are a fuss-free, flavour-packed side or base for your favourite toppings. They cook faster than in the oven and come out perfectly fluffy inside with crisp, caramelised skins. Here’s how to get the best results every time:
1. Choose medium-sized potatoes
Go for evenly-sized sweet potatoes (around 200–300g each) so they cook through evenly. Avoid overly large ones unless you’re slicing them.
2. Wash and dry thoroughly
Give them a good scrub to remove any dirt, then dry completely. Damp skins can steam rather than crisp.
3. Pierce with a fork
Just like in the oven, poke the sweet potatoes a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.
4. Rub with oil and salt
A light coating of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt enhances the flavour and helps create that irresistible crispy skin.
5. Preheat the air fryer
Set your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) and preheat for 2–3 minutes for even cooking from the start.
6. Cook time matters
Air fry whole sweet potatoes for 35–45 minutes depending on size, turning halfway. They’re ready when a knife slides in easily.
7. Slice and fluff
Once cooked, slice open immediately and fluff the insides with a fork to release steam and keep them light and fluffy.
7. Add toppings
Sweet or savoury, it’s up to you! Try butter and cinnamon, Greek yoghurt and honey, or sour cream and chives for a savoury twist.
9. Make ahead
Air fryer sweet potatoes reheat well! Cook in advance and warm them up when needed – perfect for meal prep.
Similar recipes
If you love this comforting air fryer sweet potato, you might also like my easy air fryer potato soup recipe.
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