If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to frying your yams, then cooking them in an air fryer might be the perfect solution. Not only does this cooking method give you a crispy and delicious result, but it also cuts down on excess oil and calories. Whether you’re a fan of sweet potato fries or mashed yams, the air fryer can help you achieve that golden and mouthwatering texture with ease.

The process of cooking yams in an air fryer is simple and straightforward. All you need are a few basic ingredients and an air fryer to get started. Whether you want to enjoy the yams as a snack, a side dish, or part of a main course, the air fryer can deliver consistent and satisfying results every time.

By using an air fryer, you can achieve a healthier version of your favorite yam dishes without sacrificing taste or texture. The air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food, which creates a crispy exterior while locking in moisture. So, no matter if you prefer your yams thinly sliced, diced, or whole, the air fryer can handle them all.

So, if you’re ready to take your yam game to the next level and experience the wonders of air frying, keep reading. In this article, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of cooking yams in an air fryer, as well as provide some delicious recipe ideas to get you started.

Prepare the yams

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Before cooking yams in an air fryer, you need to properly prepare them. Follow these steps:

  1. Choose the right yams

    Look for yams that are firm and free from blemishes or soft spots. Opt for medium-sized yams as they will cook more evenly.

  2. Wash and peel the yams

    Rinse the yams under cool water to remove any dirt or debris. Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. Make sure to remove all the brown outer layer.

  3. Cut the yams into fries or cubes

    Decide how you would like to cook your yams in the air fryer. You can cut them into fries or cubes. If you choose fries, aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch. If you prefer cubes, aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

  4. Soak the yams in water

    Place the cut yams in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for about 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch and allows for a crispier texture when air fried.

  5. Pat dry the yams

    After soaking, remove the yams from the water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help achieve a crispy texture.

Now that your yams are prepared, they are ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Follow the specific recipe or cooking instructions for best results.

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Peel and cut the yams

Preparing yams for cooking in an air fryer is a simple process that starts with peeling and cutting the yams into the desired size and shape.

Here are the steps to peel and cut the yams:

  1. Start by washing the yams under running water to remove any dirt or impurities.
  2. Using a sharp knife, carefully peel the skin off the yams. Make sure to remove all the skin, as it can become tough and chewy when cooked.
  3. Once the yams are peeled, rinse them again to remove any remaining dirt or debris.
  4. Next, decide how you want to cut the yams. You can cut them into thick slices, thin rounds, or even cube them for a different texture.
  5. Regardless of the shape you choose, try to keep the pieces relatively uniform in size so they cook evenly in the air fryer.
  6. If you’re cutting the yams into slices or rounds, a thickness of about 1/4 inch works well. For cubes, aim for a similar size.
  7. Place the cut yams in a bowl and toss them with a little olive oil or your preferred cooking oil to help them crisp up in the air fryer.

That’s it! Your yams are now peeled and cut, ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Proceed to the next step in your recipe to continue the cooking process.

Season the yams

Once the yams are sliced and ready for cooking, it’s time to season them. This step is crucial for adding flavor to your air-fried yams.

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Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and dried thyme. Mix well to create a seasoning blend.

Drizzle the seasoning mixture over the sliced yams, making sure to coat each piece evenly. You can use your hands or a brush to ensure that the seasoning is spread evenly.

Let the seasoned yams sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the slices.

This seasoning blend provides a perfect combination of savory, smoky, and herby flavors that complement the natural sweetness of the yams.

Once the yams are seasoned, they are ready to be air fried. Make sure to preheat your air fryer to the recommended temperature before cooking.

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Add your favorite spices

One of the great things about cooking yams in an air fryer is that you can easily customize the flavor by adding your favorite spices. Whether you prefer a savory or sweet flavor, there are endless possibilities for seasoning your yams.

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If you enjoy a savory taste, try adding spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper. These spices will add a nice kick to your yams and complement their natural sweetness.

For those who prefer a sweeter flavor, you can opt for spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice. These warm and aromatic spices will bring out the natural sweetness of the yams and make them taste even more delicious.

To add the spices, simply toss the yam slices or cubes with the desired amount of seasoning in a bowl before placing them in the air fryer basket. Make sure to coat the yams evenly for a balanced flavor.

Remember, you can always adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with different combinations and find your perfect flavor profile!

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Cooking process

To cook yams in an air fryer, follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

2. Wash and peel the yams. Cut them into uniform pieces, about 1 inch thick.

3. Place the yam pieces in a bowl and drizzle them with a tablespoon of olive oil. Toss well to coat the yams evenly.

4. In a separate bowl, combine your desired seasonings. You can use a mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, or any other seasonings you prefer.

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5. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the yams and toss them again to ensure that they are evenly coated.

6. Arrange the seasoned yams in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow for proper air circulation.

7. Cook the yams in the preheated air fryer for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

8. Once the yams are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, remove them from the air fryer.

9. Let the cooked yams cool for a few minutes before serving.

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10. Serve the yams as a side dish or use them as a base for other recipes, such as salads or mashed yams.

Enjoy your delicious air-fried yams!

Preheat the air fryer

Before you start cooking your yams in the air fryer, it’s important to preheat it. This step ensures that the air fryer reaches the desired temperature, which is crucial for achieving crispy and evenly cooked yams.

Here’s how you can preheat your air fryer:

  1. Plug in your air fryer and set the temperature to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Allow the air fryer to preheat for approximately 5 minutes. This time may vary depending on the make and model of your air fryer.
  3. During the preheating process, you can prepare your yams by washing them thoroughly and cutting them into desired shapes and sizes.
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Once the preheating is complete, you’re ready to start cooking your yams in the air fryer. Remember to carefully place the yams in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.

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Preheating the air fryer is a simple yet essential step that helps to achieve the best results when cooking yams. Enjoy your deliciously crispy air-fried yams!

Place the yams in the air fryer

Once you have prepared your yams by peeling and cutting them into your desired size and shape, it’s time to place them in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to the recommended temperature, usually around 400°F (200°C).

Take the prepared yams and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this can result in unevenly cooked yams. If necessary, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.

If desired, you can lightly coat the yams with a small amount of oil or cooking spray to help them crisp up and prevent them from sticking to the air fryer basket. However, this step is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a lighter version of yams.

Once the yams are placed in the air fryer, close the basket and set the cooking time according to your recipe or personal preference. Generally, yams will take around 15-20 minutes to cook in an air fryer, but this can vary depending on the size and thickness of the yam slices.

While the yams are cooking, it’s a good idea to periodically shake or flip them to ensure even browning and cooking. This will help to achieve a crispy exterior and tender interior.

Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the yams from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula. Place them on a serving plate or tray and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your deliciously cooked yams!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15-20 minutes
Total Time 25-30 minutes

Q&A

Can you cook yams in an air fryer?

Yes, you can definitely cook yams in an air fryer.

How long does it take to cook yams in an air fryer?

It usually takes about 20-25 minutes to cook yams in an air fryer.

What temperature should I set the air fryer to cook yams?

You should set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) to cook yams.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer before cooking yams?

Yes, preheating the air fryer for a few minutes before cooking yams is recommended to ensure even cooking.