Growing up in Egypt, sweet potatoes were one of my favorite winter treats. My mom would roast them in the oven, and we would enjoy them warm, soft, and naturally sweet. To this day, the smell of roasted sweet potatoes takes me right back to those cozy winter days.
Although baking is still my favorite way to cook sweet potatoes, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy them! Whether you're short on time, preparing sweet potatoes for a holiday casserole, or simply looking for an easy side dish, I'll show you how to cook sweet potatoes in the oven, air fryer, microwave, Instant Pot, slow cooker, and on the stovetop, with cooking times and tips for perfectly tender results.
Jump to:
- How Long Does It Take to Cook Sweet Potatoes?
- Amira's Tip:
- How to choose the best sweet potatoes
- How to Cook Sweet Potatoes (6 Easy Ways)
- How to Cook Sweet Potatoes in the Oven
- How to Cook Sweet Potatoes in the Slow Cooker
- How to Cook Sweet Potatoes in the Instant Pot
- How to Cook Sweet Potatoes in the Air Fryer
- How to Boil Sweet Potatoes
- How to Cook Sweet Potatoes in the Microwave
- Which Is the Best Way to Cook Sweet Potatoes?
- Recipes to Make with Cooked Sweet Potato
- More Vegetable Sides
- You'll also like
How Long Does It Take to Cook Sweet Potatoes?
The cooking time depends on the size of your sweet potatoes and the cooking method you choose. For this guide, small sweet potatoes weigh up to 8 oz/ 225 g, medium sweet potatoes weigh more than 8 oz and up to 12 oz/340 g, and large sweet potatoes weigh more than 12 oz/340 g.
Here's a quick guide to help you decide which method works best for you. These are starting ranges for medium sweet potatoes.
| Cooking method | Approximate time |
| Oven, whole | 45-60 minutes at 400°F/200°C |
| Air fryer, whole | 30–45 minutes at 400°F/200°C |
| Microwave, whole | 5–12 minutes |
| Instant Pot, whole | 15–30 minutes at high pressure, plus release |
| Slow cooker, whole | 6–8 hours on low |
| Boiling, cubed | 12–20 minutes |
| Boiling, whole | 30–50 minutes |
Amira's Tip:
No matter which method you choose, the easiest way to tell if your sweet potato is done is to insert a fork or the tip of a knife into the thickest part. It should slide in easily without resistance.
How to choose the best sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes vary widely in shape, size, and color, but this guide is tested on the orange fleshed sweet potatoes that you can find at most American grocery stores.
What to look for
Pick sweet potatoes that are firm and feel heavy for their size. The skin should be smooth, without soft spots, mold, or deep cracks. Try to choose ones of similar size so they finish cooking at the same time.
Common varieties
- Beauregard: One of the most widely available types. Its orange flesh turns soft and sweet when cooked, making it a good choice for baking, boiling, and mashing.
- Garnet: Has reddish purple skin and deep orange flesh. Moist and sweet, it’s especially good roasted or used in casseroles.
- Jewel: Another popular orange fleshed option, with a sweet flavor and tender texture.
- Japanese: Purple skinned with pale flesh. It’s denser and a little drier than the orange varieties, with a chestnut like sweetness when roasted.
My recommendation
Go with medium, orange fleshed sweet potatoes, particularly if this is your first time making the recipe.
How to Cook Sweet Potatoes (6 Easy Ways)
Ingredients
- 4 medium sweet potatoes (approximately 2 lb / 900 g total)
Instructions
Oven Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F/200°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes, then pat them dry. Pierce each potato several times with a fork. Or, using a sharp knife, cut a slit in the middle.
- Arrange the sweet potatoes on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
- Bake for 45-60 minutes, depending on their size, until a fork slides easily into the thickest part.
Slow Cooker Method
- Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes, then place them in the slow cooker. There is no need to dry, peel them or add water.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, depending on their size.
- Check that the sweet potatoes are completely tender before removing them.
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/200°C, if needed.
- Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes, pat them dry, and pierce them several times with a fork. Or, using a sharp knife, cut a slit in the middle.
- Arrange them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space for air to circulate.
- Air fry for 30-45 minutes, turning halfway through if needed, until completely tender.
Instant Pot Method
- Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of water into a 6-quart Instant Pot and place the trivet inside.
- Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes, then arrange them on the trivet.
- Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing. Pressure cook on high for 15–30 minutes, depending on the size of the sweet potatoes.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
- Check for tenderness before serving.
Boiling Method
- Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into evenly sized 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes.
- Place the cubes in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them by about 1 inch (2.5 cm).
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 12–20 minutes, or until fork-tender.
- Drain well and use as desired.
Microwave Method
- Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes, then pierce them several times with a fork. Or, using a sharp knife, cut a slit in the middle.
- Place one medium sweet potato on a microwave safe plate.
- Microwave on high for 5 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Continue cooking in 1 minute increments until fork tender, about 5-12 minutes total, depending on size and microwave wattage. Repeat with remaining potatoes or cook multiple potatoes in batches, adjusting the time as needed.
Notes
- Cooking times: Times are estimates for medium sweet potatoes. Larger potatoes will take longer, while smaller ones may cook faster.
- Choosing sweet potatoes: Look for firm sweet potatoes with smooth skin and no soft spots. Choose similar sized potatoes for even cooking.
- How to check for doneness: Insert a fork or the tip of a knife into the thickest part. It should slide in easily without resistance.
- For the best flavor: Oven-roasting is my favorite method because it brings out the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- For mashed sweet potatoes: Boiling works well, but make sure to drain the potatoes thoroughly to avoid watery mashed potatoes.
- Storage: Refrigerate cooked sweet potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Cool completely, then freeze cooked sweet potato flesh or mash in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months for best quality.
Nutrition
How to Cook Sweet Potatoes in the Oven
Baking is my favorite way to cook sweet potatoes! The oven brings out their natural sweetness and gives them a wonderfully soft and creamy center.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F/200°C. Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes well, then pat them dry. Pierce each potato several times with a fork to allow steam to escape.
- Arrange them on a baking sheet and bake for 45–60 minutes, depending on their size. They're ready when a fork or knife slides easily into the thickest part.
- Slice them open and enjoy with a little butter, cinnamon, or your favorite toppings.
How to Cook Sweet Potatoes in the Slow Cooker
The slow cooker is perfect for busy days when you want to get the sweet potatoes cooking and forget about them for a few hours. It's especially handy during the holidays when your oven is already full.
- Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes, then place them in the slow cooker. There's no need to dry them or add water.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, depending on their size. They're done when completely tender and easily pierced with a fork.
How to Cook Sweet Potatoes in the Instant Pot
The Instant Pot is a convenient way to cook sweet potatoes in a fraction of the time as the oven and the result is creamy and soft.
- Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes well then pierce several times with a fork. Pour 1 cup of water into a 6 quart Instant Pot and place the trivet inside. Arrange the sweet potatoes on top of the trivet.
- Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on high for approximately 15–30 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes.
- Allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure. Check for tenderness with a fork. If the center is still firm, cook for a few more minutes.
How to Cook Sweet Potatoes in the Air Fryer
The air fryer is a great alternative to the oven, especially when you're cooking just one or two sweet potatoes. You'll get a tender, creamy center with a slightly crisp skin.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C, if your model requires preheating. Wash and scrub the sweet potatoes, pat them dry, and pierce them several times with a fork.
- Place them in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each potato for air to circulate. Cook for 30–45 minutes depending on their size, turning halfway through if needed.
- Check with a fork to make sure they're tender all the way through before serving.
How to Boil Sweet Potatoes
Boiling is one of the easiest ways to prepare sweet potatoes when you need a soft, tender texture for mashing, casseroles, or soups. It is also a convenient option when your oven is busy, especially during the holidays.
- Wash and peel the sweet potatoes, then cut them into evenly sized 1 inch (2.5 cm) cubes. Place them in a large pot and add enough cold water to cover them by about an inch.
- Bring to a boil over medium high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 12–20 minutes, or until fork tender.
- Drain well and serve as desired. If you're making mashed sweet potatoes, let them sit in the warm, drained pot for a minute or two to help excess moisture evaporate.
How long to boil sweet potatoes
The time needed to boil sweet potatoes depends on whether you're cooking them whole or cutting them into smaller pieces.
- 1-inch cubes: About 12–20 minutes.
- Large chunks: About 20–25 minutes.
- Whole medium sweet potatoes: About 30–50 minutes, depending on their size.
Start checking a few minutes before the suggested time. Sweet potatoes are ready when a fork slides easily through the center without resistance.
How to Cook Sweet Potatoes in the Microwave
When you need a sweet potato in a hurry, the microwave is your best friend. You won’t get the caramelized flavor of oven sweet potatoes, but you can have a soft, tender one ready in just minutes.
- Wash and scrub a medium sweet potato, pat it dry, and pierce the skin several times with a fork.
- Place it on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 5 minutes, turning it halfway through. Continue cooking in 1 minute increments until the center is completely tender. Keep in mind that a large sweet potato may take 10 to 12 minutes or longer depending on your microwave’s wattage.
- Let it rest for a couple of minutes then check that the center is tender before slicing it open.
Which Is the Best Way to Cook Sweet Potatoes?
The best cooking method really depends on how you plan to enjoy your sweet potatoes.
- For the sweetest flavor: I love roasting them in the oven. The long cooking time brings out their natural sweetness and gives them that wonderful soft, almost caramelized texture.
- For a quick lunch or side dish: The microwave is the easiest option when you only need one or two sweet potatoes.
- For a slightly crisp skin: Try the air fryer. It gives you a tender center without having to heat up the whole oven.
- For mashed sweet potatoes: Boiling is convenient, especially when you're making a big batch, although roasting gives you a more concentrated sweet potato flavor.
- For holiday meal prep: The slow cooker is handy when you need to free up oven space for the rest of your meal. You can cook up to two stacked layers of sweet potatoes at once.
- For hands off cooking: The Instant Pot is another convenient option, especially when preparing several sweet potatoes at once.
Recipes to Make with Cooked Sweet Potato
- Sweet Crunch Potato Casserole
- Sweet Potato Cookies
- Frozen Sweet Potato Fries in the Air Fryer
- Cracker Barrel Sweet Potato Casserole
- Whipped Sweet Potatoes
- Candied Sweet Potatoes
More Vegetable Sides
- How to Make Mirepoix
- Freeze Roasted Vegetables
- Oven Roasted Eggplant Slices
- Fire Roasted Tomatoes
- Smashed Broccoli
- Air Fryer Frozen Broccoli
- Air Fryer Frozen Asparagus
You'll also like
Would you like to save this post?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Leave a Reply