Brown Sugar Butter Sweet Potato Wedges
Brown sugar sweet potato wedges are an easy side dish with crispy caramelized edges, tender centers, and a buttery brown sugar glaze. Made in the air fryer with a touch of cinnamon and salt, they're the perfect sweet-and-savory side for pork, chicken, or an easy weeknight dinner.
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar for finishing, optional
- 1 teaspoon melted butter for finishing, optional
- 1 Partially cook the sweet potatoes.
Wash and dry the sweet potatoes, then pierce each several times with a fork. Microwave for about 3 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should begin to soften but still be firm enough to cut without falling apart.
- 2
Cut into wedges.Allow the sweet potatoes to cool for a few minutes. Cut each potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 3–4 thick wedges.
- 3
Air fry.Arrange the wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little room between them for the hot air to circulate.
Air fry at 380°F for 18–22 minutes, carefully turning them about halfway through.
Because the sweet potatoes were partially cooked in the microwave, you're mainly looking for browned edges and a tender center rather than trying to cook them completely from raw.
- 4
Make the brown sugar butter.Combine the melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and a small pinch of black pepper.
- 5
Season the wedges.When turning potatoes, brush or drizzle the remaining brown sugar butter over the wedges. Return them to the air fryer just until the butter is bubbling and the brown sugar begins to caramelize.
- 6
ServeServe immediately. For sweeter wedges, finish with a light sprinkle of brown sugar and a small drizzle of melted butter while they're still hot.
NoteDon't over-microwave the potatoes. They should only be partially cooked. If they become completely soft, they'll be difficult to cut and may fall apart in the air fryer.
For crispier wedges: Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook them in batches if necessary.
Using foil: If lining the air fryer with foil, poke plenty of holes in it so air can circulate. Always make sure the food is weighing down the foil before turning on the air fryer.
Watch the brown sugar: Sugar can burn at high temperatures, which is why most of the caramelization happens toward the end of cooking.
For a sweeter version: Increase the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons and omit the black pepper.
For a more savory version: Keep the brown sugar at 1 tablespoon and add an extra pinch of salt and black pepper. This version pairs especially well with pork.
Looking for another easy side? Try pairing these wedges with one of our Quick & Easy.
How to Make It Gluten-Free
This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Check the labels on your butter, brown sugar, and spices if you need to avoid potential cross-contamination.
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