Easy Baked Sweet Potato Halves in Oven or Air Fryer
This Baked Sweet Potato Halves recipe is my go-to for crispy edges, creamy centers, and all the natural sweetness of a whole sweet potato in half the time. Whether on a sheet pan or in an air fryer, it’s the perfect side or main dish, pairing with your favorite protein, toppings, or savory flavors. Simple and delicious!
When it comes to a sweet potato recipe that’s as simple as it is satisfying, this one tops my list. Whether you’re baking them on a sheet pan or popping them into an air fryer to save time, these sweet potato halves deliver everything you want: crispy edges, creamy centers, and all the natural sweetness of a whole sweet potato, but in half the time. Sweet potatoes are easily my favorite vegetable, and this is my favorite way to prepare them—perfect as a main dish or a side.
They pair beautifully with your favorite protein, and you can load them up with all your favorite toppings, from savory herbs to a dollop of sour cream. The crispy skin locks in all the flavor, making it irresistible whether you’re leaning into savory flavors or keeping it simple. This recipe is a go-to in my kitchen for its versatility, easy prep, and foolproof results every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Sweet Potato Recipe
- Faster Than Whole Sweet Potatoes: Cut them in half, and they cook in half the time!
- Perfectly Crispy and Soft: Crisp edges with fluffy insides, every time.
- Simple Ingredients: Just a sweet potato, olive oil, and sea salt – no fuss!
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Easily bake them in an oven or air fryer.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is everything you need to make the best sweet potatoes:
Sweet Potato: You can use all varieties of sweet potatoes. Swap with yam or even russet potato for a different flavor and texture.
Light Olive Oil: Use avocado oil, melted coconut oil, or butter for extra richness.
Coarse Sea Salt: Substitute with flaky sea salt, kosher salt, or a pinch of regular table salt.
How to Make My Protein Baked Sweet Potato Recipe
The instructions are also repeated in the recipe card at the bottom of this blog post.
Step 1: Bake your Sweet Potato
Rinse and dry a sweet potato. Cut it in half and spread 1/2 teaspoon of light olive oil on the flesh side of both halves. Lightly sprinkle with coarse sea salt
HOW TO BAKE SWEET POTATO HALVES IN THE OVEN:
Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place sweet potatoes flesh-side-down on the baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes or until fork tender.
HOW TO BAKE SWEET POTATO HALVES IN THE AIR FRYER:
Place the sweet potatoes flesh-side-down on a piece of parchment paper and cut the parchment paper about 1 inch wider than the sweet potatoes. (If you have too much excess parchment paper, the blowing air in the air fryer will blow the paper edges over the sweet potatoes.) Air fry at 380°F for 25-30 minutes or until fork tender.
Expert Recipe Tips
Cut Evenly for Consistent Cooking: Ensure both halves are the same thickness to cook evenly.
Don’t Skip the Parchment: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Check Early: Air fryer times can vary, so check for doneness a few minutes early.
Add Flavors Post-Bake: Drizzle with honey, sprinkle with cinnamon, or add a dollop of sour cream after cooking.
Delicious Serving Suggestions
- Top with Green Onions and Butter: Add a sprinkle of fresh green onions and a little butter for a savory twist on sweet taters.
- Pair with a Yummy Sauce: Drizzle with tahini, spicy aioli, or garlic yogurt sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve with Pasta Dishes: These sweet potato halves are a great side dish for creamy or tomato-based pasta dishes.
- Make a Sweet Potato Casserole: Mash the leftovers and turn them into a creamy, herby casserole topped with breadcrumbs or nuts.
- Roast with Brussels Sprouts: Serve alongside roasted brussels sprouts for a perfectly balanced side dish.
- Sprinkle Fresh Herbs: Finish with chopped parsley, cilantro, or chives to brighten the flavors and add a pop of color.
- Reinvent Leftover Sweet Potatoes: Cube the leftovers and toss them into a salad or grain bowl for an easy next-day meal.
Do you love sweet potatoes? Check out more of my easy and nutritious sweet potato recipes:
- Easy Crispy Parmesan Sweet Potato Stacks Recipe
- 3-Ingredient Sweet Potato FlatBread Buns Recipe
- Chocolate Sweet Potato Smoothie High-Protein
- Lighter Crispy Loaded Sweet Potato Fries
- Sweet Potato Chocolate Pudding with Cottage Cheese
Easy Baked Sweet Potato Halves in Oven or Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1 sweet potato
- 1 teaspoon light olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 2 pinches salt
Instructions
- Rinse and dry a sweet potato. Cut it in half and spread 1/2 teaspoon of light olive oil on the flesh side of both halves. Lightly sprinkle with coarse sea saltBAKE IN THE OVEN METHOD:Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place sweet potatoes flesh-side-down on the baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes or until fork tender.BAKE IN THE AIR FRYER METHOD: Place the sweet potatoes flesh-side-down on a piece of parchment paper and cut the parchment paper about 1 inch wider than the sweet potatoes. (If you have too much excess parchment paper, the blowing air in the air fryer will blow the paper edges over the sweet potatoes.) Air fry at 380°F for 25-30 minutes or until fork tender.
Video
Yummm! I baked these in the air fryer and then topped them with a little butter and honey. I hadn’t thought of cutting them in half first. Brilliant 🙂
Hi Lainy, thank you so much for the review! I’m so glad you enjoyed them 🙂
I hope you enjoy this easy recipe for baked sweet potato halves with crispy edges and a smooth center 🙂