BLOOMING SWEET POTATO

A healthy, viral-inspired Mediterranean side dish featuring caramelized grid-cut sweet potato halves brushed with extra virgin olive oil, tucked with garlic slivers, and air-fried to crisp perfection in under 25 minutes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Servings: 4

Calories: 160

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes scrubbed clean with skin left on
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil EVOO
3 cloves fresh garlic thinly sliced length-wise into slivers
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt
1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 tsp dried thyme or dried oregano
2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley chopped (for garnishing)

Method

Slice:

Trim ends off sweet potatoes and cut lengthwise into two halves. Place halves flat-side down between two chopsticks. Make 1/4-inch vertical cuts along the length, then make 1/4-inch horizontal cuts across to form a grid pattern without cutting through the bottom skin.

Par-Cook:

Arrange grid halves cut-side up on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave on high for 4 to 5 minutes until tender inside but still holding shape.

Season & Tuck:

Gently open grid cut channels. Brush olive oil generously over all surfaces and inside cuts. Tuck garlic slivers into grid cuts. Season with sea salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.

Air Fry:

Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Place sweet potato halves cut-side up in basket in a single layer. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes until top edges turn golden and crisp.

Garnish & Serve:

Remove carefully, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Potato Selection: Choose oblong, symmetrical sweet potatoes for uniform grid cuts and even heat distribution.
Garlic Tip: Ensure garlic slivers are pushed deep into grid channels to prevent scorching under high heat convection.
Air Fryer Variation: If your air fryer runs hot, check at the 10-minute mark to prevent over-browning.