Airfryer Sweet Potato Casserole

Name: Airfryer Sweet Potato Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/2 cup pecans, chopped; 1/4 cup flour; 1/4 cup melted butter

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making this Airfryer Sweet Potato Casserole, especially when the weather starts to cool down. The combination of sweet potatoes with the crunch of the topping creates a delightful dish that is not only visually appealing but also bursting with flavor. The air fryer method enhances the texture, giving the sweet potatoes a creamy inside while achieving a beautiful golden crust. It's become one of my favorite comfort foods, and I find myself making it for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or even just a cozy night in.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-07T21:14:28.433Z

When I first experimented with this Airfryer Sweet Potato Casserole, I was on a quest for a quicker version of the classic baked recipe. The air fryer not only sped up the cooking time, but it also gave the sweet potatoes a wonderful caramelized flavor. I learned that par-cooking the sweet potatoes before fully baking them in the air fryer was the key to achieving that perfect creamy texture while keeping the topping delightfully crunchy!

This dish has transformed my holiday meals and gatherings. I tried adding a sprinkle of cinnamon and nutmeg, which elevated the flavor profile significantly. The air fryer circulates hot air efficiently, so I found that cooking it in batches helped me achieve even better results. Now, it's a go-to recipe that impresses guests and satisfies everyone's taste buds.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Perfectly balanced flavors of sweet and savory
Crunchy topping that complements the creamy filling
Quick and convenient air fryer cooking method

Getting the Right Texture

Achieving the perfect texture for your sweet potatoes is crucial to the success of this casserole. It's essential to cook the sweet potatoes until they are fork-tender, which usually takes about 10 minutes of boiling. This ensures they mash smoothly and combine well with the other ingredients, creating a creamy filling. If you overcook them, they’ll become too watery and may result in a runny casserole, so keep a close watch.

When mashing the sweet potatoes, I recommend using a potato masher for a rustic texture. If you prefer a silkier consistency, a hand mixer can speed things up. Just remember not to over-mix; you want a creamy filling without whisking air into it, which can change the texture.

The Importance of the Topping

The pecan topping is a standout feature of this casserole, providing a lovely crunch that balances the creamy sweet potatoes. Chopping the pecans coarsely (not finely) allows for the crunch to remain prominent. Mixing them with flour and melted butter creates a crumbly texture that will brown beautifully in the air fryer. If you prefer, you can substitute with walnuts or add oats for extra texture and flavor.

Keep an eye on the topping as it cooks; it should be golden brown and fragrant. If you notice it browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning while the sweet potatoes finish cooking. This method also helps in ensuring that the sweet potato mix heats through evenly.

Storing and Serving Suggestions

This sweet potato casserole can be made ahead and is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the sweet potato mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember that the topping is best added just before cooking to maintain its crunchiness. For leftovers, make sure to store any uneaten casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to 4 days.

Reheating is simple; just pop it back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore the crisp topping. If you're planning to serve this dish at family gatherings or holidays, consider doubling the recipe. It’s easy to scale up, and you can use a larger air fryer or cook in batches for larger crowds.

Ingredients

Sweet Potato Casserole

4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
1/4 cup flour
1/4 cup melted butter

Preparation Steps

Instructions

Cook the Sweet Potatoes

Place the diced sweet potatoes in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for about 10 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.

Prep the Mixture

In a large bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes. Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well until smooth and creamy.

Prepare Topping

In a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans, flour, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly.

Assemble and Cook

Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly in the air fryer basket. Top with the pecan mixture. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, drizzle some additional maple syrup on top before serving.

Ingredient Insights

Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, including vitamins A and C, which contribute to the dish's natural sweetness and creamy texture. Selecting firm, vibrant sweet potatoes is key. Avoid any with soft spots or blemishes to ensure your base is both tasty and healthy.

Maple syrup is a fantastic addition, enhancing the dish's sweetness while adding a unique flavor profile. If you're looking to adjust the sweetness or flavor, feel free to swap it out for agave syrup or honey, but be cautious with the quantity as these alternatives might be sweeter. Always taste your mixture before cooking!

Potential Issues and Fixes

One common issue is the filling becoming too watery, which can result from overcooking the sweet potatoes or not allowing adequate cooling time. To fix this, you can incorporate a bit more flour into the filling to absorb excess moisture—start with a tablespoon at a time. Alternatively, you can use a thicker binder, like cornstarch, if you prefer a gluten-free option.

If your topping isn't getting as golden as you'd like, ensure the air fryer basket isn't overcrowded. Air circulation is crucial for even cooking. If you're cooking multiple batches, keep the cooked batches warm in an oven set to low heat while you finish the others.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Yes, but reduce the cooking time as they are already soft.

→ What can I substitute for pecans?

You can use walnuts or almonds as a substitute.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure you use gluten-free flour in the topping.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture the night before and air fry it just before serving.