Airfryer Sweet Potato Casserole

Name: Airfryer Sweet Potato Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup milk; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp nutmeg; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 large eggs; 1 cup pecans, chopped; 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 tsp cinnamon

Highlighted under: Sweet Ending Recipes

I absolutely love making this Airfryer Sweet Potato Casserole during the fall. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and savory, and using the air fryer cuts down on cooking time without sacrificing flavor. The creamy sweet potatoes are topped with a crunchy pecan streusel that provides the perfect contrast. I remember the first time I served it at a family gathering; everyone couldn’t get enough and kept asking for the recipe! It’s become a staple at our holiday dinners and a cozy dish for chilly evenings.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-07T22:50:28.041Z

When I first decided to try making a sweet potato casserole in the air fryer, I was skeptical. I was worried about whether it would achieve that rich, creamy texture I love. However, after experimenting with different techniques, I've come to appreciate how quickly the air fryer cooks the sweet potatoes while still making them incredibly tender.

One tip that really made a difference for me was the addition of a dash of cinnamon to the sweet potato mix. It elevates the flavors and adds a warm, comforting note that pairs perfectly with the pecan topping. Now, this dish never fails to impress!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Irresistibly creamy sweet potatoes with a hint of vanilla
Crunchy pecan topping adds delightful texture
Quick and easy to prepare using an air fryer

Understanding Sweet Potatoes

When selecting sweet potatoes for this casserole, look for ones that are firm and free of blemishes. Varieties such as Garnet or Jewel, with their vibrant orange flesh, will provide the best sweetness and creaminess. I recommend storing them in a cool, dark place to ensure they maintain their texture and flavor until you're ready to use them. If you find your sweet potatoes are too starchy, they can end up dense; choose medium-sized ones for better results, as they'll cook more uniformly.

Cooking sweet potatoes can be done in various ways, but boiling makes mashing them easier and quicker. Boil them just until fork-tender—overcooking can lead to a watery mixture that won’t hold up well in the casserole. Another option is to roast the cubes instead, which caramelizes their natural sugars and enhances their sweetness. If you decide to roast, watch for golden edges before removing them from the oven.

Mastering the Topping

The pecan topping is where this casserole truly shines, adding a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sweet potatoes. Make sure to chop the pecans to ensure evenly distributed bites throughout the casserole. If you prefer a nut-free option, you can substitute with sunflower seeds or even crushed graham crackers for a sweet crunch. Just keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly, but the texture will still be satisfying.

To achieve that perfect crispness on the pecan topping, don’t skip the step of mixing it thoroughly with the melted butter. This helps distribute the fat evenly, creating an irresistible, slightly caramelized layer. Keep an eye on it as it air-fries; if you notice it browning too quickly, you can tent the casserole with foil to prevent burning while the sweet potatoes continue to cook through.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving your Airfryer Sweet Potato Casserole can be a delightful experience—pair it with savory dishes like roasted turkey or glazed ham for a flavor explosion. It also works wonderfully as a side with spice-rubbed proteins, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley can brighten up the presentation. Consider it a great centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table; its vibrant color and texture will draw everyone’s attention.

If you have leftovers, storing this casserole is straightforward. Allow it to cool fully before transferring it to an airtight container; it can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions; just be aware that the texture may change slightly upon reheating. To reheat, place it in the air fryer at 300°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps retain the crunchy topping while ensuring the sweet potatoes don’t dry out.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to whip up your Airfryer Sweet Potato Casserole:

For the Casserole

4 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
2 large eggs

For the Topping

1 cup pecans, chopped
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Make sure you have everything on hand before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious casserole:

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

In a large pot, boil the cubed sweet potatoes for about 15 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.

Mash and Mix Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, milk, melted butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and eggs. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Prepare the Topping

In another bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, oats, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and cinnamon until combined.

Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the sweet potato mixture into an air fryer-safe dish. Evenly spread the topping over the sweet potato mixture.

Air Fry

Place the dish in the air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 25 minutes or until the topping is golden and crispy.

Let the casserole cool slightly before serving for the best texture!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavor boost, try adding marshmallows on top of the pecan mixture before air frying for a sweet twist!

Ingredient Variations

This recipe is quite versatile, allowing you to make adjustments based on your dietary preferences. For a dairy-free version, substitute the milk with almond or coconut milk and use a vegan butter alternative. When preparing for a gluten-free meal, ensure that the rolled oats and flour are labeled gluten-free, as cross-contamination can happen during processing.

Adding spices can elevate the flavor profile even further. Consider incorporating ginger or allspice along with the cinnamon and nutmeg for added warmth. Some people even enjoy a touch of maple syrup or honey in the sweet potato mixture, which can enhance sweetness without adding more sugar.

Scaling the Recipe

If you're looking to serve a larger group, this recipe can easily be scaled. Simply double or triple the ingredient quantities, ensuring your air fryer’s capacity can accommodate the larger dish. For best results, you may need to cook the casserole in batches or use a larger air fryer basket if you have one available.

Conversely, if you're cooking for one or two, you can reduce the quantities while following the same cooking times. Just make sure to keep an eye on the casserole as it cooks—smaller portions may be done a few minutes sooner, so check for that golden topping at the 20-minute mark.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find your topping isn’t getting crispy enough, there are a couple of things you can do. First, ensure that you’ve mixed enough melted butter with the topping ingredients to help achieve that caramelization. If all else fails, give it a quick broil under your oven’s heating element for a minute or two—just watch closely to prevent burning.

In case your sweet potato mixture turns out too watery, you can thicken it by adding a bit of cornstarch or flour. Mix it separately with a bit of the sweet potato mixture until smooth before incorporating it back in. This will ensure a creamy texture without compromising flavor.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use canned sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can use canned sweet potatoes. Just drain them well and mash before mixing with the other ingredients.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or microwave.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sweet potato mixture and topping a day in advance. Store separately in the fridge and assemble just before air frying.

→ Is there a gluten-free option for the topping?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.