Sweet potatoes have a way of turning ordinary meals into something a little more special, especially when they’re transformed into noodles and crisped up in the air fryer. This dish strikes a balance between tender inside and crispy edges, making it an addictive side or a base for sauces that deserve some extra attention.
I remember the first time I tossed those spiralized noodles into the air fryer basket—I was a bit unsure if they’d hold their shape or get soggy. Halfway through, the kitchen filled with that warm, smoky aroma of paprika and garlic powder, and I couldn’t resist sneaking a quick taste, even though they weren’t quite done. That moment, with my fingers slightly sticky from olive oil and the noodles just starting to turn golden, felt like a small victory. I wasn’t exactly timing everything perfectly, but that’s part of the charm. The edges crisped up in an uneven, rustic way that made each bite a little surprise.
- They offer a delightful contrast of textures: crispy outside, tender inside, which keeps you reaching for more.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or tricky ingredients, just straightforward flavors and a quick air fryer session.
- This recipe fits nicely into lunch or dinner plans, offering a veggie-forward dish that feels a bit indulgent without any guilt.
- Because of the air fryer’s limited basket size, you might need to cook in batches, which gives you a moment to plan your sauce or sides.
Even if you haven’t mastered spiralizing yet, this recipe is forgiving. The noodles don’t have to be perfect to taste great. And if you’re worried about leftovers, they reheat nicely, maintaining that crispiness with a quick touch in the air fryer.
PrintAir Fryer Sweet Potato Noodles
Delicious and healthy air fryer sweet potato noodles that are crispy on the outside and tender inside. Perfect as a side dish or a base for your favorite sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2
Ingredients
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Using a spiralizer, create noodles from the peeled sweet potatoes.
Place the sweet potato noodles in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
Sprinkle garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the noodles.
Toss the noodles gently to evenly coat them with the oil and seasonings.
Place the seasoned sweet potato noodles in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
Remove the noodles once they are tender and slightly crispy on the edges.
Serve immediately as a side dish or with your favorite sauce.
Don’t worry about fancy equipment—if you have a spiralizer and an air fryer, you’re almost there. I usually use a simple bowl to toss the noodles with oil and spices, and the whole process barely takes more than 25 minutes. Serving these alongside a hearty protein or drizzled with a tangy sauce opens up a lot of possibilities. Sometimes I sneak in a bit of chili powder for an extra kick, or swap smoked paprika for curry powder when I’m feeling adventurous. I haven’t tested all these variations extensively, but that’s the joy of cooking—you get to experiment.
FAQ
Can I make these without a spiralizer? You can try thinly slicing sweet potatoes into strips, but the texture might vary. Spiralizing just helps get that noodle feel.
How do I keep the noodles crispy? Avoid overcrowding the basket and shake midway through cooking; the air fryer’s hot air works best when it can circulate freely.
Can I prepare these ahead of time? You can pre-season and store the raw noodles briefly, but they’re best cooked fresh for crispiness.
Give this a spin next time you crave something crispy but wholesome. You might be surprised how quickly it becomes a go-to side or base for your meals. Save it, print it, cook it—and enjoy that satisfying crunch.