Black Folks Sweet Potato Pie in Air Fryer 

Intro

Sweet Potato Pie is a classic Southern dessert deeply rooted in African-American culinary heritage. Creamy, flavorful, and perfectly spiced, it’s a treasured dish often passed down through generations. This air fryer version keeps all the flavor and soul of the original but with a faster, convenient twist—perfect for small households or when you don’t want to heat up the oven.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time (Air Fryer): 35–40 minutes

Cool Time: 1 hour

Total Time: ~1 hour 40 minutes

Servings: 8 slices (1 pie, 7–8 inches)

Ingredients

For the Filling:

2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1.5 cups mashed)

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark)

1/2 cup evaporated milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground ginger (optional)

Pinch of salt

For the Crust:

1 7-inch unbaked pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

Optional: 1 tsp flour + 1 tsp sugar to dust the bottom

Instructions

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Peel and chop sweet potatoes into chunks.

Boil or steam for 15–20 minutes until fork-tender.

Drain and mash until smooth (no lumps!).

Make the Filling

In a large bowl, mix:

Mashed sweet potatoes

Softened butter

Both sugars

Eggs

Evaporated milk

Vanilla

Spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, salt)

Mix well with a hand mixer or whisk until silky smooth and well-blended.

Prepare the Crust

Place the unbaked pie crust in a 7–8 inch air fryer-safe pan or pie dish.

Optional: Dust the base with a bit of flour and sugar to prevent sogginess.

Pour in the sweet potato filling, smoothing the top.

Air Fry the Pie

Preheat air fryer to 160°C (320°F) for 3–5 minutes.

Carefully place the pie pan into the air fryer basket.

Cook at 160°C (320°F) for 35–40 minutes.

Check doneness: a toothpick in the center should come out clean or with slight moisture but no raw batter.

Cool Before Serving

Remove and let cool in the pan for at least 1 hour.

Chill in the fridge for a firmer texture or serve at room temperature.

Tips & Tricks

Don’t skip the evaporated milk—it adds richness and smooth texture.

Use dark brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.

For extra flavor, brush the crust edges with egg wash before air frying.

Want more spice? Add a pinch of clove or allspice.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for an extra warm finish.

Perfect after holiday dinners, potlucks, or Sunday suppers.

Nutrition Facts (per slice, approx.)