Sweet potatoes are a delicious and nutritious vegetable that can be enjoyed as a side dish or main meal. Leftover sweet potatoes may be refrigerated for later use. Properly reheating them is important to bring out their best flavor and texture. This article provides several methods for reheating sweet potatoes.
Reheating Sweet Potatoes in the Oven
The oven allows you to reheat larger batches of sweet potatoes evenly. Follow these steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- For crispy skins, leave uncovered and bake for 10-15 minutes.
- Check frequently to avoid overcooking. Pierce with a fork to test doneness.
- Season with salt, pepper, brown sugar or maple syrup as desired.
The oven retains moisture in the sweet potatoes, keeping them from drying out. Baking time will vary based on amount and size of sweet potatoes.
Reheating Sweet Potatoes in the Microwave
The microwave provides a quick method for reheating smaller amounts of sweet potatoes. Follow these steps:
- Place sweet potatoes in a microwave-safe dish. Add a tablespoon of water to prevent drying out.
- Cover dish with a paper towel or microwave splatter guard.
- Microwave on high power for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Check frequently and stir. Microwave in 1 minute increments to avoid overcooking.
- Let stand 2 minutes before serving.
- Season with preferred toppings.
The microwave can make sweet potatoes rubbery, so use care not to overcook. Microwaving works best for 1-2 servings.
Reheating Sweet Potatoes in the Air Fryer
The air fryer makes sweet potatoes crispy on the outside while reheating the interior. Follow these steps:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Cut sweet potatoes into wedges or 1-inch cubes.
- Toss in 1 tsp oil to coat (optional).
- Place in air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 8-12 minutes, tossing halfway, until heated through.
- Check frequently to avoid burning.
- Season as desired. Enjoy the crispy texture!
The air fryer is ideal for getting crispy leftover sweet potatoes but can dry them out if overcooked. Work in smaller batches as needed.
Tips for Reheating Sweet Potatoes
- Always reheat fully until hot, at least 165°F.
- Add a little stock, water or oil to prevent drying out.
- Bake, grill or sauté to enhance flavor and texture.
- Mash together with spices, brown sugar, or fruit for a sweet potato side.
- Dice and add to soups, stews, tacos, nachos or omelets.
- Puree into a sweet potato casserole or gratin.
- For baked sweet potatoes, pierce the skins several times with a fork before reheating to allow steam to escape and prevent splitting.
- To retain moisture, wrap each sweet potato individually in foil rather than grouping together before reheating in the oven.
- When microwaving, use a lower power setting and reheating time to gently warm through without toughening.
- Add a pat of butter after reheating to add richness.
- Toss cubed sweet potatoes with a little oil or stock before reheating to prevent drying out.
- For sweet potato fries or wedges, separate any stuck-together pieces before reheating for even crisping.
- If reheating mashed sweet potatoes, add a splash of milk or cream before warming to impart smoothness.
- For casseroles or gratins, cover when reheating to trap moisture and prevent drying.
- Gently reheat sweet potato pie or casserole in the microwave using 50% power for a more even warming.
- Mash reheated sweet potatoes with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a sweet, dessert-like flavor.
- Stuff reheated sweet potato halves with ingredients like cheese, roasted vegetables or chicken for twice-baked potatoes.
- Transform leftovers into breakfast by scrambling into a breakfast hash or topping waffles or pancakes.
- Blend cooked sweet potatoes into a soup base or smoothie for new flavors.
Common Sweet Potato Reheating Questions
How do you reheat baked sweet potatoes to keep them moist?
Wrap in foil and reheat in a 300°F oven for 15-20 minutes. The foil traps moisture. You can also reheat in the microwave with a splash of water.
Can you reheat mashed sweet potatoes?
Yes, mashed sweet potatoes can be reheated. Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and microwave in 30 second increments until heated through, stirring between. You can also reheat in a saucepan on the stove over low heat.
What is the best way to reheat sweet potato fries?
Spread the fries out on a baking sheet and reheat in a 425°F oven for 7-10 minutes until crispy. You can also reheat in the air fryer at 400°F for 5-8 minutes.
Recipes for Leftover Sweet Potatoes
Sweet Potato Hash
Sauté diced sweet potatoes with onions, bell peppers, garlic, and spices. Top with a fried egg.
Sweet Potato Soup
Puree cooked sweet potatoes with chicken or vegetable stock, onions, garlic, and cream. Garnish with crispy bacon.
Sweet Potato Gratin
Layer thinly sliced sweet potatoes in a baking dish with cream, cheese, and herbs. Bake until bubbly and browned.
Product Recommendation
Ovens:
- GE JT5000SFSS 30″ Electric Single Oven
- Whirlpool WOS31ES7JS 30″ Electric Single Oven
- LG LDE4415ST Electric Double Oven
- Frigidaire FGF378ACE 36″ Electric Range
- Bosch 800 Series HGI8056UC 30″ Electric Double Oven
Microwaves:
- Toshiba EM131A5C-BS Microwave Oven
- Panasonic NN-SN966S Countertop Microwave
- Breville BOV845BSS Smart Oven Pro
- GE JES1656SRSS 30” Over-the-Range Microwave
- Sharp R-1874T 850W Over-the-Range Microwave
Air Fryers:
- Cosori CO130-AO 12-in-1 Air Fryer Oven
- Ninja AF101 Air Fryer
- Instant Vortex Plus 7-in-1 Air Fryer Oven
- Philips Avance XL Digital Airfryer
- Chefman TurboFry 3.5 Liter Air Fryer
Reheating your leftover sweet potatoes using these methods will have them tasting fresh-cooked. With a little creativity, you can give your sweet potatoes new life in exciting recipes.
