Winter Special: How to Roast Sweet Potatoes for That Perfect Smoky Flavor – No Tandoor or Stove Needed

There’s nothing as comforting in winter as a hot, roasted sweet potato. While boiling is the common method, it often diminishes the natural sweetness and flavor. For a perfectly smoky and sweet taste—just like street-side roasted sweet potatoes—you can try a simple trick using salt and baking soda.

Choosing the Right Sweet Potato
Always select fresh, firm sweet potatoes. A little soil on them indicates freshness. Avoid any that are cracked, bruised, or sprouted, as these can turn fibrous or bitter after roasting.

Baking Soda Cleaning for Deep Purity
Sweet potatoes grow underground, so they carry layers of dirt and bacteria. To clean them effectively, dissolve a teaspoon of baking soda in a large bowl of water and soak the sweet potatoes for 2 minutes. Scrub gently, rinse with clean water, and trim both ends with a knife.

Salt Water Soak for Juiciness
Next, prepare a saltwater solution by dissolving a teaspoon of salt in water. Soak the cleaned sweet potatoes in this for 15 minutes. This step allows moisture to penetrate deep inside, ensuring that the potatoes remain soft and creamy when roasted. Rinse once more after soaking.

Oil or Butter Coating for Perfect Roasting
After drying, coat the sweet potatoes lightly with olive oil or butter. This prevents the skin from burning, gives a crispy outer layer, and helps heat distribute evenly for uniform cooking.

Roasting in an Air Fryer
Place the coated sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket. Roast at 180–200°C for 15–20 minutes. The circulating hot air caramelizes the natural sugars, delivering the smoky, roasted flavor without water or excessive effort.

Steaming Option
If an air fryer isn’t available, you can steam them. Place a sieve over boiling water, add the prepared sweet potatoes, cover tightly, and steam. This method preserves nutrients while cooking the sweet potatoes evenly and healthily.

With these simple tips, you can enjoy the authentic, sweet, and smoky taste of roasted sweet potatoes right at home—without a tandoor or stove hassle.