Vibrant, naturally sweet, and packed with nutrients, purple sweet potatoes are a delicious and eye-catching twist on a classic favorite! Their rich, earthy flavor pairs perfectly with both sweet and savory seasonings, making them a versatile addition to any meal. Whether roasted, mashed, or air-fried to crispy perfection, these stunning potatoes bring a pop of color to your plate.
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I love me a good sweet potato, and these purple ones don’t miss! They’re soft, flavorful, and absolutely gorgeous on the plate. I’ve played around with this recipe enough times to know exactly what works. This version brings out all the good stuff, tender texture, natural sweetness, and seasoning that melts right into the flavor. Trust me, this isn’t just a pretty side dish!
Table of Contents
What are Purple Sweet Potatoes
Purple sweet potatoes are a nutrient-rich, naturally vibrant variety of sweet potatoes with a deep purple flesh. They have a slightly denser, drier texture than orange sweet potatoes and a subtly sweet, earthy flavor. Do they cook differently? Not really, they are similar to most potatoes.
Common Types of Purple Sweet Potatoes:
- Okinawan Sweet Potatoes – Originating from Japan but popular in Hawaii, these have a tan skin and a deep purple interior.
- Stokes Purple® Sweet Potatoes – With a vibrant purple skin and flesh, these are grown in the U.S. and have a mildly sweet, nutty taste.
- Ube – Though sometimes confused with purple sweet potatoes, ube is actually a yam and is commonly used in Filipino desserts.
Where They Get Their Purple Color
The sweet potatoes contain Anthocyanins that give it the purple pigment that's also found in blackberries, blueberries, and red cabbage. A study published in The Journal of Nutrition talks a lot about their benefits.
Where to buy purple sweet potatoes
Purple sweet potatoes can be a bit harder to find than their orange counterparts, but they’re becoming more widely available. Here are the best places to look:
- Major grocery stores and many large supermarket chains carry purple sweet potatoes, especially in the fall and winter. Check the organic or specialty produce section. Stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, and Wegmans often stock them.
- Local farmers markets may have fresh purple sweet potatoes, especially in areas with diverse or specialty crops. Ask vendors if they carry them or if they can source them for you.
- Stores specializing in Japanese, Filipino, or Hawaiian cuisine often carry Okinawan sweet potatoes or ube, which are similar in color but slightly different in texture and flavor.
- Check Asian grocery stores.
- Health Food Stores: Natural food stores and co-ops that focus on organic and non-GMO produce often stock Stokes Purple sweet potatoes or other varieties.
Call ahead before visiting, it's a good idea to contact the market or vendor to confirm the availability.
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How to Air Fry Purple Sweet Potatoes
Air fry them on 400 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until soft.
How to Bake Purple Sweet Potatoes
These usually take longer to bake than standard sweet potatoes. You will usually need longer than an hour, maybe an hour and half depending on size. Bake on 400 degrees.
How to Boil Purple Sweet Potaotes
To boil, place the sweet potatoes in a pot with enough water to cover the sweet potatoes. Bring the water to a boil on medium-high heat. Cook for 30-40 minutes or until they are soft.
Ways to Cook and Use Them
Mashed
Roasted (sliced into cubes or circle rings)
Candied Sweet Potatoes
Healthy Sweet Potato Pie
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Baked Purple Sweet Potato Topping Ideas
- Butter and Sea Salt – A simple classic that enhances the natural sweetness.
- Garlic and Herb Butter – Infuses rich, savory flavors into every bite.
- Greek Yogurt and Chives – A tangy, protein-packed alternative to sour cream.
- Crumbled Feta and Honey – A salty-sweet combo that adds depth of flavor.
- Avocado and Everything Bagel Seasoning – Creamy with a little crunch and seasoning kick.
- Crispy Bacon and Cheddar Cheese – A hearty, indulgent option.
- Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions – Adds an earthy bite.
- Cinnamon and Maple Syrup – A cozy, classic flavor pairing.
- Almond Butter and Sliced Bananas – Creamy, nutty, and naturally sweet.
- Honey and Crushed Pecans – Adds crunch and natural sweetness.
- Dark Chocolate & Sea Salt – A decadent yet balanced treat.
- Marshmallows and Cinnamon Sugar – A fun, dessert-like option.
- Vanilla Greek Yogurt and Granola – A crunchy, creamy combo.
- Berries and Whipped Cream – Fresh, light, and naturally sweet.
Sweet Purple Potato FAQs
Yes, you can eat the skin. You don't have to peel them if you don't want for something like roasted potatoes or fries.
They have a rich nutty flavor and super creamy texture. I find these don't need much salt, as typically necessary for russet potatoes.
Not all purple sweet potatoes are the same. Some varieties, like Okinawan, naturally have a more earthy, dry flavor. Stokes sweet potatoes have a mildly sweet taste. If you're expecting the sugary taste of orange sweet potatoes, the purple ones might come off a little bland or bitter in comparison.
They could also be underripe. Sweet potatoes need to cure after harvest to develop their natural sweetness. If they were picked too early or didn’t cure long enough, they can taste earthy or bitter instead of sweet and mellow.
Overcooked sweet potatoes are bitter. Purple sweet potatoes are starchier and denser than orange ones. If they’re roasted or cooked too long, some of those natural sugars can burn or break down weirdly, leading to a bitter or harsh aftertaste.
Overcooked sweet potatoes are bitter. Purple sweet potatoes are starchier and denser than orange ones. If they’re roasted or cooked too long, some of those natural sugars can burn or break down weirdly, leading to a bitter or harsh aftertaste.
Soft or mushy spots: If it feels squishy or has sunken areas, that’s a sign it’s starting to rot.
Wrinkled or shriveled skin: Some dryness is okay, but if the whole potato looks shriveled and dehydrated, it’s past its prime.
Mold or black spots: Any visible mold, especially around the ends or in deep cracks, means it needs to go. Small dark spots can be cut away, but if they’re spreading or deep inside, toss it.
Strong off smell: Fresh sweet potatoes don’t have much of a smell. If it smells sour, fermented, or like mildew, that’s a clear sign it’s spoiled.
Discoloration inside: Cut it open. If the flesh looks gray, green, or slimy instead of a deep purple or violet, it’s likely gone bad.
More like this Purple Sweet Potato Recipe:
Air Fryer French Fries
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin
Sweet Potato Cornbread
Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar
Creamy Ranch Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Ranch Potatoes
Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Garlic
Watch step by step video instructions here on Youtube.
Purple Sweet Potato Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 purple sweet potatoes Mine weighed about 4 ounces each.
- cooking oil spray I use olive oil.
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Air Fryer Instructions
- Rub the sweet potatoes with olive oil. I use this oil spray bottle from Amazon and spritz both sides and rub the oil in. Optional to sprinkle salt over the sweet potato.
- Place the sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket. Air fry on 400 degrees for 35-40 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are soft. Check if the sweet potatoes are finished by piercing it with a fork to ensure it's soft.
Oven Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Rub the sweet potatoes with olive oil. I use this oil spray bottle from Amazon and spritz both sides and rub the oil in. Optional to sprinkle salt over the sweet potato. (You can also wrap the potatoes in foil if you wish).
- Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet. Bake for 60-90 minutes or until soft. Check if the sweet potatoes are finished by piercing it with a fork to ensure it's soft. Timing will vary based on the size of the potatoes you have.
Stovetop/Boiling
- Place a large pot of water on the stove on high heat. Ensure the sweet potatoes will fit in the size of the pot you are using. You may need to trim them down. Use enough water to completely submerge the sweet potatoes.
- Boil for 30-40 minutes or until they are soft.
- Optional: Place them in a bowl of cold water for 5-8 minutes to remove the skin easily.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Christina Keliikoa says
SO GOOD!!! and simple. I love sweet potatoes, after seeing this purple one I had to try it! I went to 99 ranch to get mine. The cooking time was perfect! It was a healthy, filling, breakfast that I topped off with butter, pepper, and pomegranate seeds (also got these because of Brandi, to use on salads) Thanks for ANOTHER Bomb recipe!
staysnatched says
I love that idea!
Coby says
This is such a simple, delicious and healthy way to have sweet potatoes! I baked mine, then topped it with butter and smoked sea salt. I find the purple sweet potatoes to have a creamier texture than regular sweet potatoes. Do yourself a favor and try Brandi’s way of doing sweet potatoes!
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm glad you enjoyed these!
Lauren says
Thank you for this. So simple but perfect!
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Erin says
I love sweet potatoes and finally ripped the bandage off on trying a purple sweet potato. I used the Air Fryer method and it turned out wonderfully paired with a steak.
staysnatched says
That's a great pairing!
Natalie says
So good! I finally found purple sweet potatoes at the grocery store and knew exactly where I needed to go for a quick, delicious recipe and a few tips. Thanks Brandi!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed them.
Marc b says
@staysnatched,
Marc b says
Try it steamed with everything butter and chili queso
Lidia says
Can these be cooked in the microwave?
staysnatched says
Probably. Regular potatoes can and so can sweet potatoes.
Farah Costa says
Are you cooking the sweet potatoes with the skin on or off?
Do you rub the oil on the skin or flesh of the potatoes?
I have tried making purple sweet potatoes but haven’t really found a winning combination yet it I went to keep trying.
staysnatched says
Skin on. I rub oil on the skin.