Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole (Easy + Quick)

Air fryer sweet potato casserole gives you the rich, creamy classic — golden marshmallows, buttery pecans, warm cinnamon — in about half the time and without tying up your oven. This is the holiday side dish you reach for when every burner is busy and the turkey owns the oven, and it’s easy enough to make on a regular weeknight too.

In one bowl you mash sweet potatoes with brown sugar, butter, and vanilla, fold in pecans, crown it with mini marshmallows, and let the air fryer do the rest in roughly 10 minutes. Below you’ll find the full recipe, plus ingredient swaps, make-ahead tips, and answers to the questions readers ask most.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole

• Easy to customize. Go all marshmallow, all pecan streusel, or both.
• It’s fast. Start to finish in about 32 minutes, versus 45–60 in the oven.
• It frees up your oven. A lifesaver on Thanksgiving and Christmas when oven space is gold.
• One bowl, simple steps. Mash, mix, top, air fry. No fussy layers.
• Crispy top, creamy center. The air fryer toasts the marshmallows and pecans beautifully.

If you love easy air fryer holiday recipes, pair it with Air Fryer Cornish Hen, Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin, or Air Fryer Rosemary Garlic Smashed Potatoes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient earns its place in this air fryer sweet potato casserole:

• Sweet potatoes: the creamy base. Roast, boil, or microwave until fork-tender.
• Unsalted butter, melted: richness and a silky texture.
• Brown sugar: sweetness plus that caramel, molasses depth.
• Vanilla extract: rounds out the warm flavors.
• Diced pecans: nutty crunch in the mix and on top.
• Ground cinnamon: cozy, classic warmth.
• Kosher salt: balances the sweetness so it doesn’t taste flat.
• Black pepper: a subtle savory edge.
• Mini marshmallows: the gooey, golden, toasted finish.

How to Make Sweet Potato Casserole in the Air Fryer

Step 1 — Mash. In a large bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes with a fork or potato masher until smooth.

Step 2 — Mix. Add the melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined, then fold in the diced pecans.

Step 3 — Assemble. Lightly grease a casserole dish that fits your air fryer basket. Spread the sweet potato mixture in evenly and scatter the mini marshmallows over the top.

Step 4 — Air fry. Cook at 320°F for 10–12 minutes, until the marshmallows are puffed and golden and the casserole is heated through. Serve warm.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole

• Pick the right dish. Use an oven-safe dish that leaves room for air to circulate around it in the basket — that’s what crisps the top.
• Watch the marshmallows. They brown fast. Check at the halfway mark, and if they’re coloring too quickly, tent loosely with foil.
• Cook your sweet potatoes ahead. Tender potatoes mash smoother. If you don’t want any oil flavor, skip air-roasting and microwave or boil them instead. A Ninja Foodi baked sweet potato works perfectly here too.
• Don’t skip the salt and pepper. They keep an otherwise sweet dish balanced and interesting.

Variations and Substitutions

• Lower sugar: Reduce brown sugar to ¼ cup and let the natural sweetness of the potatoes carry it.
• Pecan streusel topping: Swap marshmallows for a mix of chopped pecans, brown sugar, flour, and butter for a praline-style crunch.
• Different nuts: Walnuts, almonds, or cashews all work in place of pecans.
• Make it savory: Top with shredded cheese or crispy fried onions instead of marshmallows. For an even more savory spin, try Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes with Sage Brown Butter.
• Restaurant-style: Love the Outback Steakhouse sweet potato? Finish this casserole with a brown-sugar-and-cinnamon butter drizzle.
• Canned sweet potatoes or yams: Fine in a pinch — drain well before mashing. See my sweet potato casserole with canned yams for a fully canned version.

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating

• Make ahead: Prepare the sweet potato mixture up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Add the marshmallows just before air frying.
• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Cool completely before sealing.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat: Air fry at 320°F for 5–7 minutes, or warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, until heated through.

What to Serve With Sweet Potato Casserole

This side plays well with the whole holiday table. Try it alongside Air Fryer Turkey Tenderloin, Air Fryer Crispy Breaded Green Beans, or a holiday Cornish Hen for a smaller gathering. Looking for more sweet potato ideas? Air Fryer Sweet Potato Nachos make a fun appetizer for the same crowd.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned sweet potatoes? Yes. Fresh gives the best texture, but well-drained canned sweet potatoes (or yams) work when you’re short on time.

How do I know when it’s done? The marshmallows should be golden brown and the sweet potato mixture heated through. A fork inserted into the center should slide in easily.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely. Make the mixture up to a day ahead and refrigerate it. Add marshmallows right before cooking so they stay fresh and toast properly.

What if I don’t have mini marshmallows? Use regular marshmallows cut into smaller pieces, or skip them and add extra pecans for a nuttier topping.

Can I use a different nut? Yes — walnuts, almonds, or cashews all make great swaps for pecans.

What size air fryer do I need? Any air fryer that fits a small-to-medium casserole dish with room around it. For larger batches, cook in two rounds.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes to Try

• Easy Sweet Potato Casserole With Canned Yams
• Boston Market Sweet Potato Casserole (Copycat)
• Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes with Sage Brown Butter
• Air Fryer Rosemary Garlic Smashed Potatoes
• Air Fryer Crispy Breaded Green Beans