Boston Market Sweet Potato Casserole (Copycat)

Creamy mashed sweet potatoes, warm cinnamon, and a buttery brown-sugar streusel — this Boston Market Sweet Potato Casserole copycat tastes just like the restaurant favorite, and it bakes up perfectly in the air fryer. Portion it into ramekins for adorable mini sweet potato casseroles, or make one full dish. Either way, it’s the holiday side everyone reaches for first.

If you love easy Boston Market copycats, try my Air Fryer Boston Market Meatloaf and Air Fryer Boston Market Chicken Pot Pie, or browse my full roundup of Easy Copycat Boston Market Recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tastes like the restaurant — rich, sweet, and velvety, with that signature crunchy topping.
• Air fryer fast — no need to heat a full oven; it’s ready in about 35 minutes start to finish.
• Make-ahead friendly — prep the components a day early and bake when you’re ready.
• Perfect for portioning — spoon it into ramekins for individual mini casseroles, great for a crowd or controlled servings.
• Holiday-ready — an ideal side for turkey, ham, or roast chicken at Thanksgiving and Christmas.

What Is Boston Market Sweet Potato Casserole?

Boston Market’s sweet potato casserole is a beloved side dish built on smooth, buttery mashed sweet potatoes sweetened with brown sugar and warm spices, then finished with a crumbly streusel topping. This homemade copycat recreates those flavors with simple pantry ingredients — and uses the air fryer to get the top golden and bubbling without tying up your oven on a busy cooking day. If you want a slightly different take, my classic Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole is another reader favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the sweet potatoes:

• Sweet potatoes: peeled and cut into 1-inch pieces so they boil evenly.
• Unsalted butter: for richness; unsalted lets you control the salt.
• Light brown sugar: that classic caramel sweetness.
• Heavy cream: makes the mash silky and smooth.
• Kosher salt: balances the sweetness.
• Pure vanilla extract: rounds out the flavor.
• Ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg: warm, cozy spice.

For the streusel topping:

• All-purpose flour: the base of the crumble.
• Old-fashioned rolled oats: not instant; they add texture.
• Light brown sugar: sweetens and helps the topping crisp.
• Unsalted butter: binds the streusel into clumps.
• Chopped pecans: for that signature crunch (see notes for swaps).
• Ground cinnamon: ties the topping to the filling.
• Mini marshmallows (optional): for a sweeter, classic finish.

How to Make Boston Market Sweet Potato Casserole in the Air Fryer

Step One — Prep. Lightly spray your ramekins (or a small air-fryer-safe casserole dish) with cooking spray. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into 1- to 2-inch pieces for even cooking.

Step Two — Boil and mash. Add the sweet potatoes to a saucepan, cover with water, and boil until fork-tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Drain well, then mash with a potato masher until smooth. (Short on time? You can also cook them ahead using my guide to reheating sweet potatoes in the air fryer.)

Step Three — Make the filling. Fold the butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, salt, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg into the warm mash until creamy and combined. Spoon into the prepared ramekins, dividing evenly.

Step Four — Add the streusel. In a bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, melted butter, pecans, and cinnamon until crumbly. Sprinkle over each ramekin. (Add marshmallows now if using.)

Step Five — Air fry. Place the ramekins in the air fryer basket and cook at 300°F for 10 to 15 minutes, until the topping is golden and set. If the top browns too fast, tent loosely with foil.

Step Six — Rest and serve. Let the casseroles rest a few minutes so they set up, then serve warm.

Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Casserole

• Choose firm, smooth sweet potatoes — avoid soft spots or blemishes for the best texture.
• Boil until truly fork-tender so the mash is lump-free.
• Mash thoroughly — use a ricer for an ultra-smooth, restaurant-style finish.
• Adjust the sweetness to taste by adding more or less brown sugar.
• Don’t skip the streusel — it’s the textural contrast that makes the dish.
• Watch the topping in the air fryer; it browns faster than in an oven.
• Let it rest before serving so the casserole sets and serves cleanly.

Variations

Oven option: No air fryer? Bake at 350°F for about 20–25 minutes.

Pecan-free: Swap pecans for chopped walnuts, or leave them out.

Marshmallow lovers: Top with mini marshmallows for a sweeter, gooey finish.

Lighter version: Use Greek yogurt in place of heavy cream and cut the brown sugar, or swap in maple syrup. For an even lighter side, try my Air Fryer Weight Watchers Sweet Potatoes.

Storage and Reheating

Let the casserole cool completely before storing to prevent condensation. Transfer to an airtight container (or cover the dish tightly) and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.

To reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven or air fryer for about 10 minutes, or microwave individual ramekins in 30-second bursts until heated through.

To freeze: Assemble without baking, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Make It Ahead

Prep the mashed sweet potato filling and the streusel separately up to a day in advance. Store both in the fridge, then assemble and air fry just before serving so the topping stays crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned sweet potatoes instead of fresh? Yes — drain them very well first to avoid a watery casserole.

How can I make this casserole healthier? Reduce the brown sugar or use maple syrup, and swap Greek yogurt for the heavy cream.

Can I make it ahead of time? Absolutely. Prep the filling and topping separately, refrigerate, and combine before baking.

What can I use instead of pecans? Chopped walnuts work well, or skip the nuts entirely. Marshmallows are a sweet alternative.

How long do leftovers keep? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days; reheat before serving.

Can I freeze it? Yes — freeze assembled but unbaked for 2 to 3 months, then thaw overnight before baking.

More Sweet Potato & Air Fryer Recipes to Try

• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole
• Longhorn Steakhouse Sweet Potato Recipe
• Air Fryer Steakhouse Sweet Potato
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Home Fries
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips
• Air Fryer Sweet Potato Nachos
• Air Fryer Steakhouse Potatoes
• Air Fryer Chicken Wings