Potatoes are the first thing that comes to mind when people think of fries. If you want to switch things up, however, you might want to consider sweet potatoes as an alternative. By learning how to air fry Japanese sweet potato, you can whip up a delicious side dish or snack in no time!
Air-fried Japanese sweet potato is great to eat on its own but can also be a mouthwatering treat when you mix it in a salad or bowl. While you can prepare a classic recipe, you can also be as inventive as possible, adding novel ingredients to level up sweet potatoes.
Read on and I will share how to make Japanese sweet potatoes like a pro. With an air fryer, it will only take a few minutes.
What Makes Japanese Sweet Potatoes Different?
Known as satsumaimo in Japanese, Japanese sweet potato is a starchy and sweet root vegetable. The skin is reddish-purple while its flesh is white to pale yellow. While it is originally from South and Central America, it is often associated with Japanese dishes, hence the name.
While the color is the first thing that you will notice, another thing that differentiates it from other sweet potatoes is its texture. It is lighter, resulting in creamy and fluffy flesh, which contributes to a different kind of eating experience. The flavor is sweet but not overwhelming.
If you are looking for a healthy treat, it is hard to go wrong with Japanese sweet potatoes. Like cauliflower rice, Japanese sweet potatoes will make a guilt-free treat you can make in the air fryer. It is low in sodium and fat-free. It is also a great choice of dietary fiber and complex carbohydrates. This is a good option for people who want to lose weight.
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Air Fry Japanese Sweet Potato
One thing I love the most about sweet potatoes is that it is a versatile ingredient. There are plenty of creative ways to turn it into a delicious dish in an air fryer. Below, I will walk you through two of the best recipes worth trying.
1. Simple Japanese Sweet Potato Fries
You can never go wrong with classics! As such, a great way to enjoy Japanese sweet potatoes is to turn them into fries. They have a nice crisp on the exterior while inside, they are sweet and tender.
Ingredients
- 4 small or 2 medium Japanese sweet potato fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Sea salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Start by putting the sweet potatoes in a bowl with cold water. Let the sweet potatoes rest for half an hour.
- Drain and pat the sweet potatoes with paper towels until dry.
- Put the potato wedges in a bowl. Add olive oil, ground mustard, garlic mustard, sea salt, and pepper. Mix until the sweet potatoes are coated.
- Put them in an air fryer and cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Next, flip the sweet potatoes and air fry them again for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the air fryer and serve with your favorite dip.
2. Hasselback Japanese Sweet Potato
For something more unique, this is a great choice. Hasselback refers to a cooking technique wherein sweet potatoes or similar ingredients are thinly sliced in even layers not all the way through the back. It has a stuffing or topping to make it more flavorful.
Ingredients
- Japanese sweet potato
- Avocado oil
- Miso paste
- Butter
- Sour cream
- Furikake
- Green onion
Instructions
- Start by cutting the sweet potato. Cut in 1/8-inch width while leaving the ¼-inch bottom unsliced.
- Brush with avocado oil. If the latter is unavailable, any kind of neutral oil will do.
- Put the sweet potato in an air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and cook.
- In a small bowl, mix the miso paste, butter, sour cream, furikake, and green onion.
- Once the sweet potato is cooked, take it out of the air fryer and top it with the mixture you have earlier whisked.
Tips and Tricks When Air Frying Japanese Sweet Potatoes
Cooking Japanese sweet potatoes in an air fryer does not have to be difficult. Here are some tips that can turn you into a pro.
Do Not Remove the Skin
While personal preferences can differ, I suggest that you leave the skin on before air-frying Japanese sweet potatoes. This will not only help in retaining its form, but it can also add crispness. Plus, it is packed with healthy nutrients that will make sweet potatoes a great addition to your diet.
Provide Sufficient Space
Like when cooking anything else in an air fryer, overcrowding is a big no. Arrange the Japanese sweet potatoes in such a way that there is enough space. Do not stack them as well. This will ensure proper heat circulation and that all parts are cooked evenly. If you are cooking for a big group, it is best to air fry in batches instead of trying to fit everything at the same time in the air fryer basket. Or better yet, invest in a 10-quart air fryer if you want to always cook more at a time.
Whip a Dip
Make Japanese sweet potatoes even more delicious by whipping your choice of dip. Ketchup may be the default choice for some, but you can be more creative. Experiment with the use of various herbs and spices, such as nutmeg, rosemary, clove, chili pepper, garlic, and cinnamon.
What to eat it with
You can eat air fryerd Japanese sweet potato as a main dish but to make it wholesome I would recommend some protein that goes perfect with it.
Since it is a special side dish why don’t you choose some special kind of meat like a veal cutlet. Or maybe some quail? But if you are vegan a delicious air fried seitan wings could be the perfect choice for you.
Conclusion
Learning how to air fry Japanese sweet potatoes is a great way to level up your cooking skills. From simple fries to delicious Hasselback sweet potato, you can experiment with different ways to create something inventive!
It goes great with another Japanese delicacy, air fryed edamame! Try them out too. Or fry them togehter using a dual basket air fryer.
