Airfryer Sweet Potato Casserole

Name: Airfryer Sweet Potato Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; Salt to taste; 1/2 cup chopped pecans; 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Highlighted under: Healthy Living Recipes

I absolutely love making this Airfryer Sweet Potato Casserole when the weather gets cooler. It’s a comforting dish that brings a bit of sweetness to the table without being overwhelming. The air fryer cooks the sweet potatoes to perfection, retaining their natural moisture while creating a subtly crisp topping. I enjoy adding a hint of spice with cinnamon and a touch of maple syrup, which elevates the flavors beautifully. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, and I truly believe everyone will enjoy it.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-07T17:58:28.113Z

Creating the Airfryer Sweet Potato Casserole was an experience filled with delightful experimentation. I initially wondered how the air fryer would affect the traditional baking process, and to my surprise, the sweet potatoes turned out incredibly tender while the topping stayed wonderfully crisp. I made sure to mash the sweet potatoes before combining them with the spices and syrup, which helped to infuse all the flavors seamlessly.

One aspect I found particularly helpful was ensuring that the sweet potatoes are evenly sliced to guarantee consistent cooking. I also discovered that a sprinkle of pecans on top just before serving added an irresistible crunch. This has now become a go-to dish for my family gatherings, showcasing the fabulous way air frying can transform comfort food!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Sweet and savory flavors that dance on your palate
Quick and easy preparation thanks to the air fryer
Perfect for family gatherings or holiday celebrations

Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes

When selecting sweet potatoes for this casserole, aim for large, firm ones with smooth, unblemished skin. Varieties such as Garnet or Jewel offer a perfect sweetness and are commonly available. If you're looking for a more complex flavor, consider trying Japanese sweet potatoes; they have a nuttier profile and a drier texture that still works beautifully in this dish.

The way you prepare your sweet potatoes can significantly impact the final dish. Peeling and dicing them uniformly ensures even cooking, leading to a smoother and creamier mash. If you prefer a bit of texture in your casserole, you can leave some larger chunks to chew on, but ensure that the smaller pieces get fully tender in the boiling water.

Perfecting the Topping

The combination of melted butter and pecans creates a deliciously crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sweet potato base. For a variation, you can substitute almonds or walnuts for the pecans based on your preference or dietary needs. Nut allergies can be accommodated by using toasted oats combined with melted butter instead—this will provide that desired crunch without the allergens.

To further elevate the texture, consider adding a sprinkle of brown sugar to the topping before air frying. This will caramelize slightly and add an extra layer of sweetness, producing a beautifully golden crust. Keep an eye on it while cooking, as the air fryer can create a quick and crispy finish that can go from perfect to burnt in minutes.

Serving and Storing Tips

This casserole is excellent when served warm, but it can also be made ahead for convenience. If you’re prepping in advance, assemble the dish without baking it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before air frying to ensure even cooking.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to restore some crispiness. I recommend adding a little extra butter on top before reheating to maintain moisture. This dish also freezes well! Just cool completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer for that fresh, crispy texture.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients before you start cooking:

Ingredients

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Salt to taste
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons butter, melted

With these ingredients ready, you're set to prepare an amazing casserole!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Airfryer Sweet Potato Casserole:

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

In a pot of boiling water, cook the diced sweet potatoes for about 10 minutes until they are fork-tender. Drain and allow to cool slightly.

Make the Sweet Potato Mixture

Mash the cooked sweet potatoes in a bowl, then mix in the maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt until smooth.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.

Assemble the Casserole

Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in a baking dish. Drizzle melted butter over the top and sprinkle with chopped pecans.

Cook in Air Fryer

Place the dish in the preheated air fryer and cook for 25 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.

Serve and Enjoy

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors!

Enjoy this delicious casserole with your loved ones!

Pro Tips

Try adding mini marshmallows on top during the last 5 minutes of cooking for an extra touch of sweetness.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to lighten up this recipe, Greek yogurt can serve as an excellent substitute for some or all of the butter. It adds creaminess and a bit of tang that enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes. Use approximately 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt for every 2 tablespoons of butter you replace.

For a dairy-free version, consider using coconut oil instead of butter. It pairs well with the sweet flavors of the dish and will still give you that rich texture. Just melt it alongside the pecans to maintain an even distribution over the sweet potato mash.

Flavor Variations

To add a unique twist, you can incorporate different spices such as cardamom or ginger into the sweet potato mixture for a warm flavor. A pinch of cayenne can also spice things up if you enjoy a savory note. Experimenting with the spices allows you to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

Another way to enhance the taste is by drizzling a little extra maple syrup or honey before serving. This added sweetness can balance the spices used and gives a lovely finish to the warm casserole. For a fun presentation, consider garnishing the top with freshly chopped mint or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your sweet potatoes appear too watery after mashing, try draining any excess moisture before mixing in the spices and syrup. Using a potato ricer can also help achieve that fluffy texture without incorporating too much water. It's all about achieving that perfect consistency while keeping the delightful sweetness.

For those who find their casserole is not getting crispy enough, increase the air fryer temperature to 375°F (190°C) during the last few minutes of cooking. Just monitor it closely, as higher temperatures can quickly turn a beautiful golden topping to overdone. A spritz of cooking spray can aid in achieving a crispier finish as well.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it in the air fryer when ready to serve.

→ Can I use regular potatoes?

While sweet potatoes are recommended, you can use regular potatoes but the flavor and texture will differ.

→ How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.

→ Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, substitute butter with a vegan alternative and it will still taste delicious!