Name: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecans
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 2 large sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream; 2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt; For the Topping:; 1/2 cup chopped pecans; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon cold butter, cubed

Ingredients

Scale

2 large sweet potatoes (peeled and cubed)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup whole milk or heavy cream
2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
For the Topping:
1/2 cup chopped pecans
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cold butter, cubed

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Instructions

Step 1: Soften the Sweet Potatoes: Place your peeled and cubed sweet potatoes into a pot of boiling water. Cook them for about 10 to 12 minutes until they are fork-tender. Drain the water thoroughly. Alternatively, you can steam them or even air fry the cubes at 380°F for 15 minutes until soft. Transfer the softened potatoes to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Mash and Season the Base: Add the melted butter, milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and salt to the sweet potatoes. Use a potato masher or an electric hand mixer to blend everything until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a bit of texture, leave a few small chunks. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or spices to your liking.
Step 3: Prepare the Pecan Streusel: In a small separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans, brown sugar, and flour. Use a fork or your fingers to work the cold, cubed butter into the mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. This creates that signature crunchy topping that balances the soft potatoes.
Step 4: Air Fry the Casserole: Grease an air-fryer-safe baking dish or several individual ramekins that fit inside your air fryer basket. Spread the sweet potato mixture evenly into the dish. Sprinkle the pecan topping generously over the top. Place the dish into the air fryer basket. Set the temperature to 330°F (165°C) and cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Watch closely in the last few minutes to ensure the pecans brown but do not burn.
Step 5: Plating and Serving: Carefully remove the hot dish from the air fryer using oven mitts or tongs. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the topping to set and become extra crispy. Serve warm as a side dish to roasted chicken, turkey, or pork chops.

Cook Time: 40 minutes