Meet your new favorite way to eat a sweet potato—crisp on the edges, meltingly soft inside, and kissed with buttery caramel sweetness. These blooming beauties are part side dish, part dessert, and completely irresistible.
Ingredients
2 medium sweet potatoes
1–2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon sugar (or more, to taste)
Butter and honey, for serving
Instructions
- Scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. Using a sharp knife, make thin crosswise cuts along each potato, stopping about ¼ inch from the bottom so the slices remain attached.
- Brush each potato generously with olive oil, allowing it to seep between the slices. Sprinkle with salt, cinnamon, and sugar to coat evenly.
- Place the sweet potatoes in the microwave and cook for about 5 minutes, until they’re fork-tender but still hold their shape.
- Transfer the potatoes to the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and caramelized. As they cook, the slices will fan out into beautiful crisp petals.
- Serve warm, topped with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey.
Tips for Perfect Blooming Potatoes
- Choose evenly sized sweet potatoes so they cook uniformly.
- To make slicing easier, place a wooden spoon handle along both sides of the potato to prevent cutting all the way through.
- For extra caramel flavor, use brown sugar instead of white sugar.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the potatoes soggy.
Serving Suggestions
These blooming sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or holiday meals. They’re also delicious on their own as a sweet-savory snack or topped with chopped nuts and a dollop of whipped cream for dessert.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these without an air fryer?
Yes. You can bake them in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 25–30 minutes, or until crisp and golden.
Q: Do I have to microwave them first?
The microwave step helps soften the potatoes so they cook evenly in the air fryer. If you skip it, increase air frying time by about 5 minutes.
Q: Can I use yams instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes, though yams are denser and may take slightly longer to cook.
Q: How can I make them even sweeter?
Add a sprinkle of brown sugar before air frying, or drizzle maple syrup instead of honey after cooking.
Conclusion
These Blooming Sweet Potatoes are a stunning twist on a classic favorite—crispy on the outside, tender at the core, and full of warm, caramelized flavor. Whether served as a side dish for dinner or a cozy sweet treat, they’re proof that a simple ingredient can turn into something extraordinary with a little creativity and an air fryer’s magic touch.