Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Medallions Ready in 20 Minutes
Imagine biting into perfectly crispy air fryer sweet potato medallions with a golden exterior and tender, creamy center. These little rounds of heaven are ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep work. Fun fact: sweet potatoes were one of the first vegetables grown in space!
This recipe transforms simple sweet potatoes into an irresistible side dish that’ll have your family asking for seconds. Much like our popular air fryer Brussels sprouts, these medallions prove that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. Get ready to discover your new favorite weeknight side dish!
What Are Air Fryer Sweet Potato Medallions?
Ever wonder why we call them medallions instead of just sweet potato rounds? Well, doesn’t “medallions” sound so much fancier? These beautiful coin-shaped slices earn their elegant name from their uniform, circular shape that resembles decorative medals.
They’re essentially sweet potatoes sliced into even rounds, seasoned to perfection, and crisped up in your air fryer until they’re golden and caramelized. As the saying goes, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and these medallions are your golden ticket! Ready to create some magic in your kitchen?
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Sweet Potato Medallions Recipe
The Perfect Crispy-Tender Balance
These air fryer sweet potato medallions deliver the ultimate texture combination. The outside gets wonderfully crispy and caramelized while the inside stays perfectly soft and creamy. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by that signature sweet potato smoothness. The air fryer works its magic by circulating hot air around each medallion, creating that coveted golden-brown exterior without deep frying.
Budget-Friendly Family Favorite
Making air fryer sweet potato medallions at home costs a fraction of what you’d pay at restaurants. A single large sweet potato (usually $1-2) yields enough medallions to serve 3-4 people as a side dish. Compare that to $8-12 for a similar portion at most restaurants! You control the quality of ingredients, the amount of oil, and the seasoning intensity. Plus, sweet potatoes are available year-round, making this recipe accessible anytime.
Customizable Seasoning Options
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Start with a simple base of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then customize to your heart’s content. Try cinnamon and brown sugar for a sweet version, paprika and garlic for savory spice, or rosemary and parmesan for an herby kick. Each seasoning combination creates a completely different flavor profile. Similar to our air fryer zucchini chips, these medallions serve as a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or creating a show-stopping side dish for dinner guests, these medallions adapt beautifully to any occasion.
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Medallions
Quick Overview
These air fryer sweet potato medallions are incredibly simple to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights. The natural sweetness of the potatoes caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer, creating a flavor that’s both rich and satisfying. The crispy edges contrast perfectly with the creamy interior, offering restaurant-quality results at home.
Time Breakdown:
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 people
Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Sweet Potato Medallions
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1.5 pounds total)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: fresh herbs for garnish (parsley, thyme, or rosemary)
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (for sweet version)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for sweet version)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for spicy kick)
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for savory version)
Step-by-Step Instructions
How do you prepare the sweet potatoes?
Start by washing your sweet potatoes thoroughly under cold running water. Use a vegetable brush to scrub away any dirt, as you’ll be leaving the skin on for extra nutrients and texture. Pat them completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so this step is crucial.
Trim off both ends of each sweet potato. Using a sharp knife, slice the sweet potatoes into even rounds, approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Consistency is key here – uniform slices ensure even cooking. If your medallions are different thicknesses, the thinner ones will cook faster and might burn while the thicker ones are still cooking.
How do you season the medallions?
Place all your sweet potato medallions in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over them, making sure every piece gets coated. Use your hands or a large spoon to toss the medallions gently, ensuring the oil covers all surfaces evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture over the oiled sweet potato medallions. Toss again thoroughly, making sure each medallion is evenly coated with the spices. Don’t rush this step – proper seasoning distribution makes all the difference in the final flavor.
How do you cook them in the air fryer?
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. This ensures the cooking chamber is at the right temperature from the start, promoting even browning.
Arrange the seasoned sweet potato medallions in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping or stacking them, as this prevents proper air circulation and results in uneven cooking. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches. Overcrowding is one of the most common mistakes people make with air fryers.
Cook for 8 minutes, then carefully open the air fryer and flip each medallion using tongs or a spatula. This ensures both sides get that beautiful golden-brown color. Close the air fryer and cook for an additional 7-8 minutes, checking around the 6-minute mark for your preferred level of crispiness.
How do you know when they’re done?
Your air fryer sweet potato medallions are ready when they’re golden brown on both sides with crispy, caramelized edges. Insert a fork into the thickest medallion – it should slide in easily without resistance. The edges should be slightly darker and crispy, while the center remains tender and soft. If they need more time, cook in 2-minute increments until they reach your desired crispiness.
Transfer the cooked medallions to a serving plate. If desired, garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy for the best texture and taste.
What to Serve Air Fryer Sweet Potato Medallions With
These versatile medallions pair beautifully with numerous main dishes and sides:
Protein Pairings:
- Grilled or baked chicken breasts with herb butter
- Pan-seared salmon with lemon dill sauce
- Roasted pork tenderloin with apple glaze
- Grilled steak with chimichurri
- Turkey meatloaf with tangy glaze
Vegetable Sides:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon
- Sautéed green beans with almonds
- Fresh garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Roasted asparagus with parmesan
- Steamed broccoli with garlic butter
Perfect for Bowls: Create nourishing grain bowls by adding these medallions to quinoa or brown rice with roasted chickpeas, fresh greens, avocado, and tahini dressing. They also work wonderfully in breakfast hash bowls with scrambled eggs and sautéed vegetables.
Holiday Dinner Addition: These medallions make an excellent alternative to traditional candied yams during Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. They’re lighter, less sweet, and appeal to both kids and adults.
Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Sweet Potato Medallions
How can you ensure even cooking?
The key to perfectly cooked medallions is uniform thickness. Use a ruler if needed to measure your slices, or invest in a mandoline slicer for perfectly consistent rounds every time. If you accidentally cut some thinner pieces, remove them a few minutes early to prevent burning.
What’s the secret to maximum crispiness?
Don’t skip the preheating step – a hot air fryer from the start creates immediate searing, which locks in moisture while crisping the exterior. Also, avoid using too much oil. While it seems counterintuitive, excess oil can actually make them soggy rather than crispy. Two tablespoons for two pounds of sweet potatoes is the perfect ratio.
Can you use different types of sweet potatoes?
Yes! Orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (what most Americans call yams) work beautifully and are naturally sweeter. White or Japanese sweet potatoes create a less sweet, more savory result with a fluffier texture. Purple sweet potatoes add stunning color and contain more antioxidants, though they’re slightly drier.
How do you prevent sticking?
Even with oil, sweet potatoes can stick to air fryer baskets due to their natural sugars. Line your basket with perforated parchment paper designed for air fryers, or spray the basket lightly with cooking spray before adding the medallions. Never use regular parchment paper without holes, as it blocks air circulation.
What if you don’t have an air fryer?
You can achieve similar results in a conventional oven. Preheat to 425°F (220°C), arrange medallions on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer, and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy but will still be delicious.
How can you boost the flavor?
Try brushing the medallions with maple syrup during the last 2 minutes of cooking for a glossy, caramelized finish. Fresh herbs added after cooking provide bright flavor without burning. A squeeze of lime juice with chili powder creates a spicy-tangy combination that’s absolutely addictive.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper Storage Methods:
Allow your cooked air fryer sweet potato medallions to cool completely to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming in the storage container, which would make them soggy. Transfer the cooled medallions to an airtight container, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days. The medallions will lose some crispiness during storage, but they’ll still taste great and can be re-crisped when reheating.
Freezing Instructions:
For longer storage, freeze the cooked medallions for up to 2 months. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2 hours). This prevents them from freezing into one clump. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
Alternatively, you can freeze uncooked seasoned medallions using the same method. This creates a convenient freezer stash for quick side dishes. Cook directly from frozen, adding 3-4 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating for Best Results:
The air fryer is your best friend for reheating. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cook refrigerated medallions for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and re-crisped. Frozen medallions need 8-10 minutes.
If you don’t have an air fryer available, use your oven at 375°F (190°C) on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it makes them mushy and removes any remaining crispiness.
Meal Prep Strategy:
These medallions are excellent for meal prep. Prepare a double or triple batch at the start of the week. Store in individual portions for easy grab-and-go sides with lunch or dinner. They’re perfect for adding to grain bowls, salads, or breakfast scrambles throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to peel sweet potatoes before air frying?
No, you don’t need to peel sweet potatoes for this recipe. The skin becomes wonderfully crispy in the air fryer and contains additional fiber and nutrients. Just make sure to scrub them thoroughly before slicing. However, if you prefer peeled medallions or have tough, blemished skin, feel free to peel them first.
Why are my sweet potato medallions not crispy?
The most common reasons are overcrowding the air fryer basket, using too much oil, or not drying the medallions properly after washing. Make sure to cook in a single layer with space between pieces, use just enough oil to lightly coat them, and pat them completely dry before seasoning. Also ensure your air fryer is properly preheated.
Can I make these without oil?
Yes, but they won’t be as crispy. For oil-free medallions, use a light spray of cooking spray or skip it entirely. Increase the cooking time slightly and expect a softer texture. The natural sugars will still caramelize, providing flavor, but the crispy edges won’t be as pronounced.
What’s the best thickness for cutting sweet potato medallions?
The ideal thickness is 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Thinner medallions (1/4 inch) cook faster and get crispier but can burn more easily. Thicker medallions (1/2 inch) stay creamier inside but take longer to cook and may not crisp as much. Quarter-inch thickness offers the best balance for most people.
Can I cook different types of potatoes this way?
Absolutely! Regular russet potatoes, Yukon gold, red potatoes, and purple potatoes all work beautifully with this method. White potatoes are less sweet and may need an extra minute or two of cooking time. Adjust seasonings based on the potato variety – white potatoes pair better with savory seasonings.
How many sweet potatoes do I need per person?
Plan on half to three-quarters of a large sweet potato per person as a side dish. If serving as the main vegetable or for particularly hearty appetites, increase to one full sweet potato per person. A large sweet potato typically weighs 8-10 ounces and yields about 10-12 medallions.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You can slice and season the medallions up to 4 hours in advance. Store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container until ready to cook. The oil prevents oxidation and browning. However, they’re best cooked just before serving for optimal crispiness. Don’t cook them ahead, as they lose texture when stored after cooking.
What air fryer temperature is best for sweet potatoes?
400°F (200°C) is the sweet spot for sweet potato medallions. This temperature is hot enough to create crispy edges and caramelization without burning the natural sugars. Lower temperatures result in softer, less crispy medallions. Higher temperatures risk burning the outside before the inside cooks through.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/4 recipe) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145 |
| Total Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 310mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Vitamin A | 180% DV |
| Vitamin C | 25% DV |
| Calcium | 3% DV |
| Iron | 4% DV |
Note: Nutrition information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are nutritional powerhouses packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They’re an excellent source of vitamin A (from beta-carotene), which supports eye health, immune function, and skin health. The fiber content aids digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels despite their natural sweetness.
These root vegetables also contain vitamin C, potassium, and manganese. The antioxidants in sweet potatoes, particularly in purple varieties, have anti-inflammatory properties. When cooked in the air fryer with minimal oil, they remain a nutrient-dense, wholesome food that fits into various dietary patterns including vegan, vegetarian, paleo, and Whole30 diets.
Final Thoughts
Air fryer sweet potato medallions prove that simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. This recipe requires minimal prep, uses basic pantry seasonings, and delivers consistent, restaurant-quality results every single time. The versatility means you can serve them at casual weeknight dinners or dress them up for holiday gatherings.
The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability. Make them sweet with cinnamon and maple syrup for a dessert-like side, or go savory with garlic and herbs for a sophisticated accompaniment to grilled proteins. Each variation is equally delicious and takes the same amount of time to prepare.
Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, these sweet potato medallions will quickly become a staple in your cooking rotation. They’re the perfect introduction to cooking sweet potatoes in new ways and demonstrate how air fryers can create healthier versions of our favorite foods without sacrificing taste or texture.
So grab those sweet potatoes, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to experience crispy, caramelized perfection. Your family will thank you, your taste buds will celebrate, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t try this sooner. Happy cooking!
