Sweet Potato Accordion Bake
Sweet Potato Accordion Bake
The Best Sweet Potato Accordion Bake for Kids! Crispy Outside, Chewy Inside
Sweet potatoes are wonderfully sweet and delicious right now! While we love them steamed, roasted, or even in rice, today we’re making a special sweet potato treat: ‘Sweet Potato Accordion’. Its accordion-like appearance sparks children’s curiosity, and the delightful combination of crispy exterior, chewy interior, and natural sweetness makes it a favorite for everyone.
Ingredients- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 1 piece of butter (approx. 10g)
- 2 pinches of salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly wash the sweet potatoes under running water. Trim off any uneven ends. To ensure they stand stably later, lightly trim the bottom to create a flat base.
Step 2
Place two chopsticks on either side of the sweet potato to act as guides. Carefully slice the sweet potato at approximately 1cm intervals, ensuring your knife only goes as deep as the chopsticks. This technique prevents the sweet potato from being cut all the way through, allowing it to fan out like an accordion.
Step 3
Soak the sliced sweet potatoes in cold water for about 20 minutes to remove excess starch. This step helps to reduce stickiness and ensures a cleaner bake.
Step 4
After soaking, drain the sweet potatoes and pat them dry. Place them in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and microwave for 5 minutes. You might need to adjust the time depending on the size and type of sweet potato. This pre-cooking step helps to soften the inside, reducing the overall cooking time in the oven or air fryer.
Step 5
The sweet potatoes, after microwaving for 5 minutes, should feel slightly tender when touched. They are now ready for the next stage.
Step 6
Gently melt the softened butter (left at room temperature) by microwaving it for about 20 seconds. If using unsalted butter, add the two pinches of salt to the butter before melting. Brush the melted butter generously between the slices of each sweet potato. The butter will enhance the flavor and moisture.
Step 7
Place the buttered sweet potatoes directly into an un-preheated air fryer. Cook at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes. Starting without preheating helps prevent the sweet potatoes from burning and allows them to cook gently.
Step 8
After 10 minutes, the sweet potatoes will have started to cook beautifully. Increase the temperature to 190°C (375°F) and bake for another 6 minutes. After a total of 16 minutes of cooking, let them rest for 5 minutes to steam inside the air fryer before removing. This final rest ensures they are perfectly tender and moist inside. For an extra touch, sprinkle with cheese powder or dried basil once done. Enjoy your delicious Sweet Potato Accordion!
