Sweet potatoes cooking times
How long to cook sweet potatoes: 45 min to 1 h in the oven at 200°C (180°C fan), 35–45 min in an air fryer at 200°C, 6–8 min in the microwave and 10–12 min boiled. Every way to cook it is below, with the temperature and how to tell it’s done.
How long to cook sweet potatoes
Times are for 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 250 g each).
| Method | Time | Heat | How |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oven Whole, baked | 45 min to 1 h | 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6 | Whole, on a lined tray (they leak sticky syrup). |
| Oven Wedges or fries | 25–30 min | 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7 | Toss in oil and spread out; turn halfway. A dusting of cornflour helps them crisp. |
| Air fryer Whole | 35–45 min | 200°C (400°F) | Whole, pricked and rubbed with oil. |
| Air fryer Fries or wedges | 12–15 min | 200°C (400°F) | Fries or wedges tossed in a teaspoon of oil; shake halfway. |
| Microwave Whole | 6–8 min | on full power | One medium, pricked; turn halfway. Add 3–4 minutes for each extra one. |
| Boil Cubes | 10–12 min | simmering in salted water | Peeled 3 cm cubes, for mash. |
| Steam Cubes | 12–15 min | over simmering water | Peeled cubes. |
| Slow cooker Whole | 5–7 hours | on low | Whole, wrapped in foil, with no water. |
Before you start
Scrub. Prick whole ones all over with a fork. For wedges or fries, leave the skin on and cut evenly.
How to tell it’s done
Completely soft: a knife meets no resistance. Wedges are caramelised at the edges.
Questions
How long to cook sweet potatoes in the oven?
Whole, baked: 45 min to 1 h at 200°C (180°C fan), 400°F, gas 6. Whole, on a lined tray (they leak sticky syrup). Wedges or fries: 25–30 min at 220°C (200°C fan), 425°F, gas 7. Toss in oil and spread out; turn halfway. A dusting of cornflour helps them crisp.
How long to cook sweet potatoes in an air fryer?
Whole: 35–45 min at 200°C (400°F). Whole, pricked and rubbed with oil. Fries or wedges: 12–15 min at 200°C (400°F). Fries or wedges tossed in a teaspoon of oil; shake halfway.
How long to microwave sweet potatoes?
Whole: 6–8 min on full power. One medium, pricked; turn halfway. Add 3–4 minutes for each extra one.
How long to boil sweet potatoes?
Cubes: 10–12 min simmering in salted water. Peeled 3 cm cubes, for mash.
How long to steam sweet potatoes?
Cubes: 12–15 min over simmering water. Peeled cubes.
How long to cook sweet potatoes in a slow cooker?
Whole: 5–7 hours on low. Whole, wrapped in foil, with no water.
Times are a guide for typical home portions: ovens, air fryers, microwaves and the size of what you’re cooking all vary. Check meat, poultry and fish with a thermometer before serving. Safe temperatures follow USDA and UK Food Standards Agency guidance, last checked 11 November 2026.