I love how my air fryer transforms ordinary sweet potatoes into something extraordinary. These Parmesan Herb Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes deliver crispy edges and tender centers with minimal effort. The combination of Italian herbs and nutty parmesan creates a savory twist that elevates this humble root vegetable into a side dish that steals the show at dinner.

Making sweet potatoes in the air fryer cuts cooking time in half compared to traditional oven methods. I’ve tested countless variations, and this parmesan herb version consistently delivers restaurant-quality results. The key lies in getting the right thickness for each round and ensuring every piece gets properly coated with oil and seasonings.

What makes this recipe special is how the parmesan creates a golden, crispy coating while the herbs add aromatic depth. The natural sweetness of the potatoes balances beautifully with the salty, umami-rich cheese. Each bite offers multiple textures – from the caramelized exterior to the fluffy interior.

I started making these when I needed a quick side dish that felt more elevated than basic roasted vegetables. The air fryer’s circulating heat creates edges that are impossibly crispy while keeping the centers perfectly tender. Unlike traditional roasting, there’s no need to flip or rotate the rounds during cooking.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just six ingredients and fifteen minutes of cooking time, you can create a side dish that pairs well with almost anything. I’ve served these alongside grilled chicken, roasted pork, and even as part of a vegetarian spread.

INGREDIENTS TO MAKE SWEET POTATOES IN THE AIR FRYER

2 medium-large sweet potatoes
2 tablespoons avocado oil
1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup grated parmesan or pecorino romano cheese

HOW TO MAKE AIR FRYER SWEET POTATOES

Start by washing your sweet potatoes thoroughly under cold running water. I use a vegetable brush to scrub away any dirt since we’re leaving the skin on. Pat them completely dry with paper towels.
Using a sharp knife, slice each sweet potato into rounds approximately 1/8 inch thick. Consistency matters here – uneven pieces will cook at different rates. I find it helpful to cut one potato at a time, placing the finished rounds into a large mixing bowl.
In a separate small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients together first, then add the grated parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
Drizzle the avocado oil over the sweet potato rounds. Using your hands or a large spoon, toss the potatoes until every piece is lightly coated with oil. This step is crucial for achieving crispy edges and preventing sticking.
Add the parmesan herb mixture to the bowl with the oiled sweet potatoes. Toss everything together until each round is evenly coated with the seasoning blend. Make sure to get into all the crevices and edges.
Arrange the seasoned sweet potato rounds in your air fryer basket or on the trays if you have an oven-style model. Work in a single layer without overlapping pieces. Depending on your air fryer size, you might need to cook in batches.
Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 15 minutes. The edges should be golden brown and crispy, while the centers remain fork-tender. There’s no need to flip the rounds during cooking – the air fryer’s circulation handles both sides evenly.
Remove the sweet potatoes immediately after cooking and serve while they’re hot. The contrast between the crispy exterior and creamy interior is best enjoyed right away.

TIPS FOR THE BEST AIR FRIED SWEET POTATOES

Choose sweet potatoes that are similar in size for even cooking
Don’t skip the oil – it’s essential for achieving crispy edges
Cut rounds to a consistent thickness using a ruler if needed
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which leads to uneven cooking
Preheat your air fryer for 2-3 minutes before adding the sweet potatoes
Use freshly grated parmesan for better flavor and texture than pre-grated
Pat sweet potatoes dry after washing to help seasonings adhere better

HOW TO SERVE AIR FRYER SWEET POTATO ROUNDS

These parmesan herb sweet potatoes work beautifully as a side dish for roasted meats, grilled fish, or barbecue. I often serve them alongside simple proteins like baked chicken or pan-seared salmon where their rich flavor can shine.

For a vegetarian main course, I arrange them over a bed of arugula with a drizzle of balsamic glaze. They also make an excellent addition to grain bowls with quinoa or farro.

During the holidays, these sweet potatoes offer a modern twist on traditional sides. They pair wonderfully with turkey, ham, or roasted vegetables. The crispy texture provides a nice contrast to softer holiday dishes.

For casual meals, I sometimes serve them as an appetizer with a simple dipping sauce made from Greek yogurt mixed with fresh herbs. They’re also delicious crumbled over salads or incorporated into Buddha bowls.

STORAGE TIPS KEY RECIPE TIPS

Store leftover sweet potato rounds in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. While they’re best enjoyed fresh, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore some crispiness.

I don’t recommend freezing these sweet potatoes as the texture changes significantly once thawed. The parmesan coating doesn’t hold up well to freezing and reheating.

For meal prep, you can wash and slice the sweet potatoes up to two days ahead. Store the rounds in cold water in the refrigerator to prevent browning. Pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.

The seasoning mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to one week. Having it ready makes the cooking process even quicker on busy weeknights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of cheese instead of parmesan? Yes, pecorino romano works wonderfully and provides a slightly sharper flavor. Aged cheddar or gruyere also work well, though they’ll change the overall taste profile.

What if my sweet potatoes are different sizes? Adjust the cooking time accordingly. Smaller rounds will need 12-13 minutes, while larger ones might need 17-18 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part.

Can I make these without oil? Oil is really important for achieving crispy edges and helping the seasonings stick. You could try using cooking spray as a lighter alternative, but the results won’t be quite the same.

How do I know when they’re done? The edges should be golden brown and crispy, while the centers feel tender when pierced with a fork. The parmesan should look toasted and fragrant.

Can I double this recipe? Absolutely! Just make sure to cook in batches if your air fryer can’t accommodate all the rounds in a single layer. Overcrowding will result in uneven cooking.