Air Fryer Japanese Sweet Potato (Murasaki)

This air fryer Japanese sweet potato recipe is one of my favorite ways to cook Murasaki sweet potatoes. The skins turn lightly crisp while the inside becomes unbelievably creamy—almost custard-like—with a natural sweetness that tastes like dessert without adding sugar. No foil, no boiling, no extra steps. Just simple, cozy perfection straight from the air fryer.

If you enjoy easy, hands-off air fryer recipes like this, you’ll also love this Air Fryer Twice Baked Potatoes recipe. Now for the Japanese sweet potatoes you’ve been waiting for!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Video Instructions
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• Instructions
• Pro Cooking Tips
• FAQs
• Air Fryer Japanese Sweet Potato (Murasaki)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Custardy-soft centers: Murasaki sweet potatoes cook up incredibly creamy inside—almost like baked custard.
• Crisp, flavorful skins: The air fryer crisps the skins beautifully without drying the inside.
• Minimal ingredients: You really don’t need much—these potatoes shine on their own.
• Hands-off cooking: Once they’re in the air fryer, there’s nothing else to do.
• Versatile: Perfect as a snack, side dish, or easy meal prep staple.

Video Instructions

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Japanese Murasaki sweet potatoes: These are naturally sweeter and drier than orange sweet potatoes, with a nutty, chestnut-like flavor. If you looking for something new to try, you can swap these with Korean sweet potatoes (goguma), Hannah sweet potatoes, or orange sweet potatoes (shorter cook time).
• Salt: Brings out the natural sweetness. You can use flaky sea salt or skip entirely if you prefer them plain. 
• Black pepper: Adds subtle warmth. If you want a sweeter version, I’ve found that cinnamon works really well for a change in taste. 
• Optional toppings: Butter, honey, sesame seeds, miso butter, or even cinnamon sugar—these potatoes handle both sweet and savory beautifully.

Instructions

Step 1 – Prep the Sweet Potatoes

Wash and scrub the Murasaki sweet potatoes well, then pat them completely dry. Rub each potato lightly with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Step 2 – Air Fry Until Tender

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the sweet potatoes in the basket with space between them—don’t overcrowd. Air fry for 35–45 minutes, flipping halfway, until the skins are crisp and a fork slides in easily.
Note: Larger potatoes may need up to 55 minutes.

Step 3 – Serve

Slice open lengthwise and fluff the centers with a fork. Top with butter, honey, sesame seeds, miso butter, or keep them simple and enjoy as-is.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Choose similar-sized potatoes: I always try to match sizes so they cook evenly—mixed sizes can lead to uneven doneness.
• Skip the foil: Foil traps steam. I’ve tested the fryer Japanese sweet potato recipe both ways, and unwrapped potatoes are noticeably sweeter and crispier.
• Be patient: If they’re still firm, they’re not done yet. Murasaki potatoes need time to fully soften inside.
• Miso butter upgrade: One of my favorite toppings is 1 tablespoon butter mixed with 1 teaspoon white miso—simple and very Japanese.
• Fluff the center: Breaking up the inside with a fork makes them extra creamy and helps toppings melt evenly.