Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (uniform in size for even cooking)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Cooking oil spray (avocado or olive oil)
- Optional garnish: Chopped pecans or a drizzle of maple syrup
Instructions
- Start by washing your sweet potatoes thoroughly. To make them “smashable,” you need to soften them first. You can either boil them in a large pot of water for about 15-20 minutes until fork-tender or prick them with a fork and microwave them for 5-7 minutes. You want them soft enough that a knife slides in easily, but not so mushy that they fall apart completely.
- Once the potatoes are cool enough to handle, slice them into thick rounds, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Place the rounds on a flat surface or directly into your air fryer basket lined with parchment paper. Use the bottom of a heavy glass or a potato masher to gently press down on each slice until it is about 1/2 inch thick. The edges should spread out and look jagged; those jagged edges will become the crispiest parts!
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter (or oil), brown sugar, cinnamon, sea salt, and nutmeg. Use a pastry brush to generously coat the top of each smashed potato with the sugar mixture. For extra crispiness, give the tops a quick spritz of cooking oil spray over the sugar layer. This helps the sugar caramelize without burning too quickly.
- Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes. Check them halfway through; they are done when the edges are dark golden brown and crispy to the touch. If you want them even crunchier, add another 2 minutes of cook time.
- Carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer using a spatula. Transfer them to a serving platter while they are still hot. For the ultimate viral look, top them with a sprinkle of extra sea salt, chopped toasted pecans, or a tiny drizzle of maple syrup. Serve immediately while the exterior is at its peak crunchiness.
- Cook Time: 35 minutes