How Long to Bake a Sweet Potato at 350 for a Fluffy Result

To bake a sweet potato at 350°F, scrub and dry the potato, then prick it with a fork. Rub the skin with oil. Place it directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet. Bake it for approximately 60 minutes.

Cooking time will vary depending on its size. But it’s ready when a fork easily pierces the flesh.

Baking sweet potatoes at 350°F ensures gentle, even cooking. This results in a soft and fluffy interior every time. This method is perfect for various sweet potato recipes or as a standalone snack!

How Long to Bake a Sweet Potato at 350 

Baking a sweet potato at 350°F (175°C) typically takes about 60 minutes. But it can vary from 50 to 70 minutes, depending on the size. The goal is to bake the sweet potato until it’s fully cooked and soft in the center.

To prepare the sweet potato, wash and scrub it thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt. Pierce it with a fork a few times. This creates small vents for steam to escape. 

Place the sweet potato on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Bake it in the oven for 50 to 70 minutes. It should be tender when pierced with a fork. 

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

How Long to Bake a Sweet Potato at 350 in an Air Fryer 

A medium-sized sweet potato will take about 45 to 50 minutes to cook at 350 in an air fryer.

Start by thoroughly washing the sweet potato under running water to eliminate any dirt. Then, use a fork to pierce the sweet potato a few times. This will create tiny vents to release steam. 

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and put the sweet potato in the air fryer basket. Cook it for 45 to 50 minutes. Be sure to flip it over halfway through the cooking process to guarantee even cooking.

You’ll end up with crispy skin and soft, tender flesh ready to be enjoyed.

How Long to Bake Frozen Sweet Potatoes at 350

Sweet potatoes can be baked from frozen at 350°F (175°C), but the cooking time will be longer. It can take up to 75-80 minutes or more for them to be fully done.

To prepare the frozen sweet potatoes, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). 

Place the frozen sweet potatoes on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Bake them for 90 minutes or more. Cook them until they’re tender when pierced with a fork. 

Do Sweet Potatoes Need to Be Parboiled Before Baking?

Sweet potatoes do not need to be parboiled before baking, but it’s a personal preference. 

Parboiling is a cooking technique where you partially boil sweet potatoes before baking them. This method speeds up the baking process and makes the sweet potatoes cook more evenly.

However, some people prefer to skip the parboiling step and bake the sweet potatoes directly in the oven. 

What Temperature Should Sweet Potatoes Be Cooked to?

Sweet potatoes should be cooked to an internal temperature of 205-212°F for a soft and tender texture. 

Use a food thermometer to check the temperature of the sweet potatoes. Cooking times will vary depending on the size and thickness of the potatoes.

To check the internal temperature, insert the food thermometer into the thickest part of the sweet potato. Once the potato reaches the desired temperature, take it out of the oven. 

Overcooking sweet potatoes causes them to become mushy and lose their flavor. Keep an eye on them during the cooking process.

Why Do Sweet Potatoes Take So Long to Cook? 

Sweet potatoes take longer to cook than regular potatoes because of their high starch content and dense texture. 

The starch in sweet potatoes takes longer to break down during the cooking process. Additionally, the skin of sweet potatoes is thicker than regular potatoes. This also slows down the cooking process.

How to Tell if Baked Sweet Potatoes Are Done 

You can tell if baked sweet potatoes are done by using a fork to pierce the thickest part of them. If the fork goes through easily and the flesh is soft, the sweet potato is done. 

Another easy way to check is by using a food thermometer to measure the internal temperature. A fully-cooked sweet potato should have an internal temperature of 205°F (96°C).

The skin of the sweet potato should be slightly crispy and the flesh should be soft and tender. If the sweet potato is still firm or crunchy, it needs more time to cook.

Tips for the Best Baked Sweet Potatoes 

• Choose the right sweet potatoes: Look for sweet potatoes similar in size and shape, which will help them cook more evenly. Also, be sure they’re firm and free of any bruises or soft spots.
• Pierce the sweet potatoes: Before baking, use a fork to pierce the sweet potatoes a few times to create vents for steam to escape. This will prevent them from exploding in the oven.
• Don’t wrap in foil: Wrapping sweet potatoes in foil causes them to steam and become mushy. Instead, place them directly on the oven rack or on a baking sheet.
• Add flavorings: To enhance the flavor of your baked sweet potatoes, add extra flavor. Try butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, or maple syrup. You can also try savory toppings like bacon, cheese, or herbs.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Baked Sweet Potatoes 

Storing: Let the baked sweet potatoes cool to room temperature before storing them. Place them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing: Baked sweet potatoes can also be frozen for later use. Let them cool to room temperature. Then, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Reheating: To reheat baked sweet potatoes, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the sweet potatoes from the fridge or freezer and let them come to room temperature. Then, wrap them in foil and place them in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until they’re hot.