Crispy, crunchy, and lightly sweet, these Air Fryer Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes make an ideal side. The sweet potatoes are air-fried until the edges are crisp and the centers tender, then tossed in a warm maple-butter glaze with toasted pecans for a balanced mix of textures and flavors.
Sweet potatoes signal the arrival of cooler weather: hearty, nutritious, and adaptable. Roasted, mashed, or air-fried, they bring natural sweetness and a satisfying texture to any meal.
This recipe uses the air fryer for speed and a perfectly crisp exterior. Once cooked, the cubes are coated in a buttery maple glaze and combined with crunchy pecans and fresh thyme for an elegant, crowd-pleasing side.
Sweet potatoes keep well in the pantry, so it’s easy to have them on hand. With a few pantry staples—butter, maple syrup, and pecans—you can pull this dish together quickly.
Sweet potatoes vs yams?
Although often confused, sweet potatoes and yams are distinct. Sweet potatoes are starchy root vegetables with varieties that range from deep orange to pale flesh. They are sweeter and moister than white potatoes and work well roasted, mashed, or fried.
True yams are a different species: typically larger, starchier, and paler. They’re less sweet than sweet potatoes but can also be roasted, fried, or mashed. The two are sometimes mislabeled in stores, which has caused long-standing confusion.
Ingredients
- Sweet potato: About 2 cups, cubed small (one large sweet potato). Peeling is optional.
- Oil spray: Lightly coat the cubes with oil from a spray bottle to encourage crisping.
- Butter: Salted or unsalted, 2 tablespoons. Adjust added salt if using salted butter.
- Maple syrup: 2 tablespoons of real maple syrup for caramelized sweetness.
- Pecans: 1/2 cup chopped pecans for crunch.
- Sea salt: To taste; any salt can be used if sea salt isn’t available.
- Thyme: Fresh thyme for garnish and a herbaceous note. Dried herbs can be substituted if needed.
How To Make Air Fryer Pecan Sweet Potatoes
First: Peel if desired, then cut the sweet potato into small, evenly sized cubes. Place the cubes in the air fryer basket and lightly spray with oil—use a sprayer rather than pouring oil.
Second: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, shaking or turning once halfway through so they brown evenly. Remove and set aside.
Third: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and stir in the maple syrup. Add the chopped pecans and a pinch of sea salt, tossing to coat and warm the nuts.
Fourth: Add the air-fried sweet potato cubes to the skillet and gently toss until the maple-butter fully coats them.
Fifth: Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh thyme, and serve warm.
RECIPE TIP
Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform cubes so they cook at the same rate and crisp evenly.
Variations of maple sweet potatoes
These sweet potatoes are delicious as written, but you can customize them:
- Cinnamon: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon to the maple-butter for a warmer, sweeter profile. Combine with nutmeg or allspice for more depth.
- Red chili flakes: Add a pinch or more for a gentle heat that balances the sweetness.
- Cumin: Stir in 1 teaspoon ground cumin for an earthy, savory note.
- Smoked paprika: A small amount adds smoky complexity.
- Nut-free: Substitute toasted pumpkin seeds for pecans to make the dish nut-free while keeping crunchy texture.
Storage
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispness; the microwave will warm them but won’t keep the exterior crisp.
Leftovers can also be frozen for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What to serve with maple pecan sweet potatoes?
These sweet potatoes pair well with roasted or roasted-and-herbed poultry, simple weeknight chicken, or as part of a festive meal. A crisp green salad complements the sweetness, and baked apples or a simple dessert finishes the meal nicely.
Looking for more sweet potato recipes?
- Brown Butter Sage Sweet Potato
- Sea Salt Sweet Potato Steak Fries
- Sweet Potato Quinoa Boat
- Paleo Sweet Potato Pancakes
If you tried this recipe, please consider leaving a star rating and share how it went in the comments—thank you!
Air Fryer Maple Pecan Sweet Potatoes
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Ingredients
- 1 lg sweet potato 2 cups, cubed small
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 cup pecans chopped
- sea salt
- fresh thyme
Instructions
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Cut sweet potato into small cubes. Place them in the air fryer and lightly spray with oil (use a sprayer, don’t pour oil).
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Cook in the air fryer at 375°F for 20 minutes, tossing halfway through. Set aside.
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Melt butter in a skillet and stir in maple syrup. Add pecans and a pinch of sea salt, coating the nuts in the maple-butter.
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Add the sweet potatoes to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the maple-butter.
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Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with fresh thyme, and serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
