How to Make Delicious Roasted Sweet Potatoes at Home

Roasted sweet potatoes are a delicious and comforting treat, especially popular during the cold winter months. Their naturally sweet flavor and warm aroma make them a favorite snack for all ages. If you follow the simple methods below, you can easily prepare perfectly roasted sweet potatoes right at home—no charcoal or firewood needed!

Why Homemade Roasted Sweet Potatoes Are So Good

Traditionally, Vietnamese people prefer roasting food over charcoal or wood fires because of the distinctive smoky aroma these methods create. However, not every household today has access to coal or wood stoves. The good news is that you can still make mouthwatering roasted sweet potatoes using common kitchen appliances such as an air fryer, rice cooker, oven, or even a microwave.
These modern methods not only make the process easier but also prevent the potato skins from burning black. The result? Sweet, fragrant potatoes with soft flesh and lightly crisped skins—no waste, no mess.

How to Choose the Best Sweet Potatoes

To get the best flavor and texture, choose medium-sized sweet potatoes. If they’re too large, they may take too long to cook and may not roast evenly. After washing them thoroughly, soak the potatoes in diluted salt water for 10–15 minutes to remove dirt and bacteria. Trim both ends of each potato so they fit more neatly into your cooking appliance.

Sweet potatoes come in many varieties—purple, orange (honey), Japanese, and white.

• Honey sweet potatoes are ideal for roasting because they caramelize beautifully and turn soft and moist.

• Japanese or purple sweet potatoes tend to be drier and fluffier, perfect for those who prefer a crumbly texture.

Avoid any potatoes with dark spots, mold, or a sour, musty odor—these are signs that the potatoes have spoiled.

Roasting Sweet Potatoes in a Rice Cooker

After washing, use a fork or toothpick to poke small holes around each potato. This allows heat to circulate and helps the potatoes cook evenly.

If you have a high-end rice cooker with a bake or grill setting, simply select that option and wait until the potatoes are tender.
If you’re using a regular rice cooker, brush a small amount of cooking oil onto the bottom of the pot, place the potatoes inside, and press the “Cook” button. When the cooker switches to “Warm”, check the potatoes with a chopstick—if it slides in easily, they’re ready. If you prefer a slightly crisp skin, press “Cook” once more to brown them lightly.

Roasting Sweet Potatoes in an Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F) for a few minutes. Then lower the temperature to 160°C (320°F) and place the sweet potatoes inside. Roast for 15 minutes, flip them, and cook for another 15 minutes.
Depending on the size and moisture content of the potatoes, you may need to extend the cooking time by 5–10 minutes. When done, the skin should be slightly wrinkled and the inside soft and sweet with a subtle caramel aroma.
👉 Tip: For an extra smoky flavor, lightly coat the potatoes with honey before the final 5 minutes of roasting.

Roasting Sweet Potatoes in the Microwave

Wash and dry the sweet potatoes, then pierce them several times with a fork or skewer to prevent them from bursting during heating. Wrap each potato in a damp paper towel—this helps retain moisture and results in a tender, creamy texture.
⚠️ Do not use aluminum foil in the microwave, as it can cause sparks and fire.

Place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and cook on high power for 8–10 minutes, depending on their size. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. Once done, let them rest for a few minutes before serving—they will continue to cook slightly from residual heat.

Roasting Sweet Potatoes in a Conventional Oven

If you own an oven, preheat it to 180°C (356°F) for about 5 minutes. Line a baking tray with parchment paper, arrange the potatoes evenly, and bake for 20 minutes. Flip the potatoes and continue baking until they become soft and slightly caramelized.
For a richer aroma, you can brush them lightly with olive oil before baking. The result is golden, fragrant sweet potatoes that are perfect for serving with tea, coffee, or as a healthy snack.

Enjoying Your Homemade Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Roasted sweet potatoes are not just tasty—they’re also packed with nutrients such as fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. Eating them warm on a cool evening brings comfort and warmth to your body.

You can enjoy them plain, or pair them with butter, honey, or coconut milk for extra flavor. Whether you’re making them for your family, as a cozy afternoon snack, or to impress guests, these easy roasting methods will help you create perfect sweet potatoes every time.