How to Bake a Sweetpotato

Sweetpotatoes are one of those simple ingredients that never disappoint. These tender, naturally sweet tubers are affordable, easy to find year-round, and last ages in your pantry. But one of the best and easiest ways to enjoy them is by baking. Learning how to bake a sweetpotato is the key to unlocking their soft, caramelised centres and crisp, golden skins. 

Whether you’re wondering how long to bake a sweetpotato or curious about how long to cook sweetpotato in the oven for that perfect texture, this guide will cover everything you need to know. From prep tips to serving ideas, you’ll be ready to make perfectly baked sweetpotatoes every time. 

When it comes to cooking sweetpotatoes, there are plenty of options, boiling, microwaving, air frying, but nothing brings out their natural sweetness quite like baking. Baking slowly transforms the humble sweetpotato into something rich, caramelised, and perfectly tender all the way through. It deepens the flavour, brings out the sweetness, and gives you that golden, slightly crisp skin that other cooking methods can’t match. 

To explore more ways to cook sweetpotatoes, head to our Cooking Tips page. 

Before you learn how to bake a sweetpotato, proper prep makes all the difference. Start by washing each sweetpotato thoroughly under cool running water, since the skin gets beautifully crisp in the oven, you’ll want it clean and free of dirt.  

Gently pat them dry, then use a fork to poke several small holes around each one. This helps steam escape as they cook, preventing any splitting or sogginess. For extra flavour, rub the skins with a little olive oil and a pinch of salt before baking. It not only helps the skin crisp up but also adds a subtle savoury edge that balances their natural sweetness. 

Did you know the skin of a sweetpotato actually holds most of the nutrients? It’s packed with fibre, vitamins and minerals, so leaving the skin on not only adds texture but also boosts the nutritional benefits. To learn more about why sweetpotatoes are so good for you, head over to our Nutrition Page. 

Now that your sweetpotatoes are ready, it’s time to bake. Preheat your oven to 180°C,  this temperature helps the potatoes cook evenly while developing that sweet, caramelised flavour. Place them directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup. Wondering how long to bake a sweetpotato? Depending on their size, they usually take about 45 to 60 minutes to become perfectly tender. You’ll know they’re done when a fork or knife slides in easily and the natural sugars start to bubble out of the skin. If you’ve ever asked yourself how long to cook sweetpotato in oven for the best texture, the answer is simple: until they’re soft, golden, and smell irresistible. 

If you’re short on time or want a slightly crispier skin, an air fryer is a great way to bake sweetpotatoes. Start by prepping your sweetpotatoes the same way as you would for the oven: wash, dry, and poke a few holes with a fork. Lightly rub them with oil and a pinch of salt for extra flavour. Preheat your air fryer to 180°C, then place the sweetpotatoes in the basket, making sure they’re not touching. Cook for about 35-45 minutes, turning them halfway through so they bake evenly. You’ll know they’re done when a fork slides easily into the centre, just like with the oven method. Using an air fryer is a quicker alternative that still brings out the natural sweetness and creamy texture of the potato. 

Once your sweetpotatoes are baked to perfection, the fun part begins – serving them! Baked sweetpotatoes are incredibly versatile and pair with both sweet and savoury toppings. If you’re in the mood for  a hearty main dish, try our Baked Sweetpotato, Chorizo and Rocket for a quick and nutritious meal, or our Salsa and Guacamole Stuffed Sweetpotatoes for a wholesome side dish. However, you serve them, baking brings out the best of their naturally rich, sweet flavours.  

Baking a sweetpotato is one of the simplest ways to enjoy this versatile tuber. Knowing how to bake a sweetpotato properly ensures that you’ll end up with a perfectly soft inside and, if you like, a slightly crisp, flavourful skin that’s packed with nutrients. Remember, leaving the skin on not only adds texture but also boosts the fibre, vitamins, and minerals you get from each potato, so it’s worth taking that extra prep step. 

Timing is key when baking sweetpotatoes. For the oven, most medium-sized sweetpotatoes take about 45-60 minutes, while larger ones may need closer to an hour. Air fryers can reduce the cooking time to 35-45 minutes. No matter which method you use, to check if it is baked properly with a fork or knife is the best way to ensure the potato is soft and fully cooked. Once baked, sweetpotatoes are a blank canvas for whatever you want to top them with. You can keep it simple with butter and a pinch of salt, or create a hearty, savoury meal.

The beauty of baked sweetpotatoes lies in their simplicity, versatility, and nutritional value. They’re easy to store, they last a long time, and they’re versatile. By following these steps, you’ll always know how long to bake a sweetpotato or how long to cook sweetpotato in the oven, ensuring a consistently delicious result everytime.