Air Fryer Mashed Sweet Potato

Last Updated on January 29, 2025 by Betty Davies
Making mashed sweet potatoes in the air fryer is such a fuss free and easy method, and the results are super tasty! Whole sweet potatoes are air fried, so there’s no peeling needed, and the flesh is mashed with melted garlic butter for a subtle but delicious flavor.

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Get the most delicious mashed sweet potatoes in less time, and with less fuss, with the help of your trusty air fryer! If you are looking to add some more veggies to your plate, this simple recipe is an easy way to do it!
The soft baked sweet potato flesh is mashed with melted garlic butter, and the result is a delicious vegetable side dish that can be served with all of your favorite mains.
Be sure to try my Sweet Potato Cakes and Whipped Sweet Potatoes too!
Why you will love this recipe!
- Minimal prep: I love a side dish that requires little work! No peeling needed and all of the cooking time is hands off, leaving you to get on with the main dish.
- Family friendly: This sweet potato mash is great for the whole family, my 18 month old devours this, and Mom and Dad love it too!
- Versatile: This recipe can be served with so many main dishes, and it’s easy to make your own by adding different seasonings.
- Make ahead: Leftovers reheat really well!
- Dietary info: This air fryer mashed sweet potato recipe is gluten-free and vegetarian.

Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes
- Butter: This recipe uses salted butter.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper and garlic powder.
How to make sweet potato mash in the air fryer
Be sure to scroll down for the full recipe!
- Air fry the whole sweet potatoes til tender (photo 1).
- Melt the butter with the seasonings (photo 2).
- Scoop out the flesh of the sweet potatoes and pour over the melted butter (photo 3).
- Mash (photo 4).

Recipe Variations
This air fryer mashed sweet potato recipe is easy to make your own by using different seasonings or adding other ingredients. Try adding some cooked bacon or grated parmesan, or add in some paprika or chili flakes.
Check out these mashed potato recipes for more inspiration!
Serving Suggestions
This is a super versatile side dish, and will work well with meat, seafood and vegetarian dishes. It definitely wouldn’t be out of place on your Thanksgiving table either! Try serving it alongside some of these favorite main dishes:

Make Ahead, Storage and Reheating
This is a great make ahead side dish! It will keep well for 3 to 4 days covered in the fridge. Reheat it in a pot on the stovetop on a low heat, stirring frequently so that it doesn’t stick.
You can also freeze the mashed sweet potato for up to 6 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can make regular mash in the air fryer, but the cooking times are different. Check out this recipe for air fryer mashed potato.
I don’t always pierce the skin of the sweet potatoes – mainly because I forget! They’ve never exploded for me, but it definitely doesn’t hurt.
Sure! Just swap out the butter for your favorite plant based alternative.
The number one reason for me is that you don’t have to peel them! Air frying rather than oven baking is also a quicker method, and boiling them in water can lead to water logged and soggy mash. Air fried mash turns out great every time!

I love this hassle free air fryer mashed sweet potato recipe! The hands off cooking method allows you to get on with the rest of dinner, and best of all, there’s no peeling! The garlic butter adds a delicious subtle flavor and the natural sweetness of the vegetable shines through.
Recipe notes and Tips
- The cooking times will vary depending on the size and shape of your sweet potato. Rounder, thicker ones will require more time, but longer thinner ones will take less.
- The flesh of the sweet potatoes should be tender when you insert a knife.
- There is no need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe.
- Melting the butter allows it to incorporate with the sweet potato more easily.
- Once mashed, check and adjust seasoning to suit your individual taste.
More Sweet Potato Recipes
- Sweet Potato Stacks
- Baked Sweet Potato Slices with Paprika
- Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Fondant Sweet Potatoes

Air Fryer Mashed Sweet Potato
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1lb / 450g each)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- pinch black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Place the sweet potatoes in the air fryer. Cook at 370F / 190c for 35 to 45 minutes. The flesh of the potatoes should be tender when cooked – test with a knife.2 large sweet potatoes
- Place the butter and seasonings in a small pot on the stovetop and place on a low heat to melt the butter.2 tablespoons butter, ¼ teaspoon salt, pinch black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Carefully scoop out the flesh of the cooked sweet potatoes into a large bowl. They will be very hot, so use an oven glove. Discard the skins.
- Pour the melted butter over the sweet potato and mash together.
- Serve with fresh parsley garnish if desired.
Notes
-
- The cooking times will vary depending on the size and shape of your sweet potato. Rounder, thicker ones will require more time, but longer thinner ones will take less.
- The flesh of the sweet potatoes should be tender when you insert a knife.
- There is no need to preheat the air fryer for this recipe.
- Melting the butter allows it to incorporate with the sweet potato more easily.
- Once mashed, check and adjust seasoning to suit your individual taste.
- Nutritional values are an estimate.