Sweet potato casserole is one of those dishes that just makes it feel like Thanksgiving. It’s an iconic side dish, though there’s still a lot of debate among family members on whether you need it or not! This air fryer sweet potato casserole bakes up in just 15 minutes, so I say it’s a keeper!
This simple recipe uses mostly pantry ingredients to make a warm, comforting casserole that’s great for fall, winter, Thanksgiving, and other holiday meals!
Thanks to the air fryer, you can cut cooking time down to just 15 minutes! Plus, it leaves the oven open for roasting a turkey, ham, or any other dish you’re making.
You can adjust this casserole in a variety of different ways, making it sweet, savory, or somewhere in between. Whether you top it with classic marshmallow or some crunchy pecans, you can’t go wrong!
If you’re team sweet, make sure to check out my recipe for Air Fryer Candied Yams as well. They’re a nice alternative if you don’t want a casserole, while still satisfying your sweet tooth!
Ingredients List
40-ounce can cut sweet potatoes (in water)
¼ cup butter, melted
¼ cup brown sugar
2 Tbsp maple syrup
2 Tbsp heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Topping:
½ cup chopped pecans
2 cups marshmallows (about 16 regular size)
Special Equipment Note: You’ll need an oven safe pan such as a casserole dish that fits in your air fryer’s basket or on the rack. I use two small casseroles because I have a Ninja Dual Zone, but one larger dish is fine if you have a single basket model.
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
You can also use canned sweet potatoes in syrup, but I’d omit or at least reduce the brown sugar in this case. Alternatively, swap in freshly cooked, mashed sweet potatoes (about 3 cups)
The heavy cream can be swapped for evaporated milk or omitted entirely for a less creamy version
I know that mini marshmallows are the classic, but I use the large ones simply because they don’t fly around as easily in the air fryer. If you do use minis, press them into the base so they hopefully stay put. You may also use marshmallow fluff as an alternative!
Mix ins: Some optional mix-ins include raisins, dried cranberries, diced pineapple, or additional pecans mixed in with the sweet potatoes. These can offer variation in both texture and flavor!
Step By Step Preparation
Mash your sweet potatoes using a fork or potato masher
Add all ingredients aside from the toppings to the potatoes and stir to combine
Spread the sweet potato mixture into a greased casserole dish (or whatever similar dish you’re using) and place it into the air fryer
Cook on the air fry setting for 12 minutes at 350°F
Add the pecans and marshmallows to the top, then return to the air fryer for about 2-3 minutes, until the marshmallows are lightly brown and gooey
Serve hot with your favorite entree!
What to Serve With Sweet Potato Casserole
Roasted chicken
Fried chicken
Turkey
Ham
Pork chops
Pulled pork
Beef roast
Meatloaf
Salmon
Mahi mahi
Cod
Brussels sprouts
Collard greens
Green beans
Carrots
Asparagus
Green salad
Tomato salad
Fried okra
Mac and cheese
Corn casserole
Deviled eggs
Applesauce
There are a variety of great options to serve alongside sweet potato casserole, whether it’s a regular meal or Thanksgiving dinner!
Can I Use Canned Sweet Potatoes for the Casserole in the Air Fryer?
Absolutely! Canned sweet potatoes are perfect for sweet potato casserole. Just drain and mash them and they are ready to use.
Alternatively, though, you may use freshly cooked, peeled, and mashed sweet potatoes instead. Canned just saves a lot of preparation time.
What’s the Recommended Seasoning for Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole?
Traditionally, sweet potato casserole is seasoned with cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar.
However, you can add other spices, such as nutmeg, ginger, or allspice. Maple syrup or honey can add a different flavor element as well. Experiment to find your favorite combination!
Can I Prepare the Casserole Ahead of Time and Air Fry It Later?
Yes, assemble the casserole in advance, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, and air fry when ready to serve.
You can even measure out the topping ingredients ahead of time, but don’t add them to the top of the casserole until the end of the cooking process.
What Temperature and Time Settings Are Ideal for Air Frying Sweet Potato Casserole?
For sweet potato casserole, set your air fryer to 350°F (177°C). Cook for 10-12 minutes until it’s heated through.
Then, add your pecans and marshmallows and toast them, about 3 minutes additionally, for a total of about 15 minutes of cooking time.
How Can I Make the Sweet Potato Casserole in the Air Fryer Dairy Free?
To make your sweet potato casserole dairy free, omit the cream and use a non-dairy butter alternative.
For a vegetarian option, omit the marshmallows and only add pecans to the top. Feel free to toss the pecans in a little additional brown sugar and butter for sweetness and caramelization.
Can I Add Marshmallows to the Sweet Potato Casserole in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can add marshmallows to sweet potato casserole in the air fryer. However, the mini marshmallows tend to get blown off easily. Use larger size marshmallows, or a coating of marshmallow fluff for better results.
Also make sure to gently push the marshmallow into the sweet potato mixture, which helps to hold it in place.
Is It Possible to Make a Smaller Batch in the Air Fryer?
Yes, one of the great things about air fryer cooking is that it’s ideal for smaller batches. As written, this recipe should give you around 6 servings.
However, it can easily be doubled or halved for larger or smaller batches! Just use a smaller pan for a halved recipe, or cook in two batches if you’re doubling and can’t fit it in your air fryer all at once.
Can I Reheat Leftover Sweet Potato Casserole in the Air Fryer?
Absolutely! Reheat leftover sweet potato casserole at a lower temperature of 325°F for around 5 minutes, or until warmed through. The exact time will depend on the size of your portion.
If the topping starts to overbrown, cover it with a piece of foil.
Recipe Pro Tips
I do not preheat my air fryer for this recipe. However, if you do, you can shave about 2 minutes off the base cooking time on average
This recipe was made in a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer. Cooking times may vary slightly with different air fryers, and with different size pans. Adjust as needed, or to your personal preferences!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover sweet potato casserole wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For long term storage, assemble, wrap, and freeze prior to baking for up to 3 months
To reheat, place a portion in the air fryer (use a small oven safe dish or a piece of foil to hold it) for about 5 minutes at 325°F, or until warmed through. Exact time will vary based on the size of your piece
This sweet potato casserole is creamy, decadent, and a perfect fall casserole option. Whether you’re serving it up for dinner or as part of your Thanksgiving feast, it’s sure to be a hit!
Thanks to the air fryer, this classic side dish is ready in just 15 minutes of cooking time, plus it keeps the oven available for a larger roast (or whatever main course you’re working on).
Using canned sweet potatoes cuts the preparation time down even more, but you can always cook your own if you prefer. One thing I love about this dish is that you can make it in advance and stick it in the fridge, and just cook when you’re ready. So simple!
Pair it with your favorite vegetables, and don’t forget the Air Fryer Cornbread Dressing for another popular side option for Thanksgiving!
Easy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole (With Marshmallows)
This easy air fryer sweet potato casserole needs just 15 minutes to cook, and uses mostly pantry ingredients. It’s the perfect side for fall, Thanksgiving, or any holiday!
Casserole dish (or similar oven safe dish that fits in your air fryer)
Ingredients
40Ouncecan cut sweet potatoes(in water)
¼Cupbutter(melted)
¼Cupbrown sugar(unpacked)
2Tbspmaple syrup
2Tbspheavy cream
1Tspvanilla extract
1Tspsalt
1Tspcinnamon
½Tspblack pepper
Topping
½Cupchopped pecans
2Cupsmarshmallows(about 16 regular size)
Instructions
Mash your sweet potatoes using a fork or potato masher
40 Ounce can cut sweet potatoes
Add all ingredients aside from the toppings to the potatoes and stir to combine
¼ Cup butter, ¼ Cup brown sugar, 2 Tbsp maple syrup, 2 Tbsp heavy cream, 1 Tsp vanilla extract, 1 Tsp salt, 1 Tsp cinnamon, ½ Tsp black pepper
Spread the sweet potato mixture into a greased casserole dish (or whatever similar dish you’re using) and place it into the air fryer
Cook on the air fry setting for 12 minutes at 350°F
Add the pecans and marshmallows to the top, then return to the air fryer for about 2-3 minutes, until the pecans are toasted and the marshmallows are gooey
½ Cup chopped pecans, 2 Cups marshmallows
Serve hot with your favorite entrée!
Notes
You can also use canned sweet potatoes in syrup, but I’d omit or at least reduce the brown sugar in this case. Alternatively, swap in about 3 cups of freshly cooked, mashed sweet potatoes
The heavy cream can be swapped for evaporated milk or omitted entirely for a less creamy version
I know that mini marshmallows are the classic, but I use the large ones simply because they don’t fly around as easily in the air fryer. If you do use minis, press them into the base so they hopefully stay put. You may also use marshmallow fluff as an alternative!
I do not preheat my air fryer for this recipe. However, if you do, you can shave about 2 minutes off the base cooking time on average
This recipe was made in a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer. Cooking times may vary slightly with different air fryers, and with different size pans. Adjust as needed!
Store leftover sweet potato casserole wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For long term storage, assemble, wrap, and freeze prior to baking for up to 3 months
To reheat, place a portion in the air fryer (use a small oven safe dish or a piece of foil to hold it) for about 5 minutes at 325°F, or until warmed through. Exact time will vary based on the size of your piece
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any additions or swaps, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
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I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
