13-Minute Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Cups That Melt Hearts

Oh my gosh, have you ever had one of those days where you NEED dessert NOW? That’s exactly how my obsession with these air fryer sweet potato casserole cups began! Picture this: Thanksgiving leftovers, a cranky toddler, and zero patience for oven preheating. After burning one too many batches trying to rush traditional casserole, my air fryer became my secret weapon.

These little cups deliver all that cozy sweet potato flavor – creamy centers, crunchy pecans, melty marshmallows – in under 15 minutes flat. Through dozens of test batches (my neighbors got VERY familiar with these), I’ve perfected the ratio of spice to sweetness. Whether you’re craving holiday nostalgia or just a fast weeknight treat, these individual portions are about to become your new addiction.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Cups

Listen, I get it – sometimes you want that classic sweet potato casserole goodness without the wait. That’s where these little cups shine! Here’s why I’m obsessed:

• Fast as lightning: Done in 12 minutes flat – no waiting for the oven to preheat
• Portion perfection: No more fighting over the crispy topping – everyone gets their own!
• Endless fun options: Swap in walnuts, skip the marshmallows, or drizzle with caramel – it’s your easy dessert, your rules

Honestly? I make this sweet potato recipe weekly because it’s that simple and satisfying.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Cups

Here’s everything you’ll need for these irresistible little cups – and trust me, each ingredient plays a special role:

• 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (pre-cooked and cooled)
• 1/4 cup packed brown sugar (the dark kind gives the best flavor)
• 1 large egg (room temperature blends smoother)
• 1/4 cup milk (whole milk makes it extra creamy)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (real stuff only, please!)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp nutmeg (freshly ground if possible)
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans (for that essential crunch)
• 1/4 cup mini marshmallows (because melty tops are mandatory)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Okay, I know someone’s gonna ask about swaps – here’s the deal: For brown sugar, pure maple syrup works in a pinch (reduce milk by 1 tbsp). Nut allergies? Skip pecans or use toasted coconut flakes instead. If you must use almond milk, pick unsweetened. Pro tip: If your mashed sweet potatoes seem watery, drain them in a sieve first – loose batter equals sad, flat cups. Leftover mashed sweet potatoes? They’ll keep 4 days in the fridge or freeze for 2 months (just thaw completely before using).

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How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Cups

Alright, let’s get these little cups of joy cooking! I promise it’s easier than you think – just follow these simple steps and you’ll be scooping up that sweet potato goodness in no time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First things first – crank that air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it heat up while you prep. This is KEY for even cooking. Now, grab your muffin tin (or silicone cups) and grease those babies REALLY well – I’m talking butter, oil, or nonstick spray in every nook and cranny. Trust me, you don’t want to lose any precious casserole to sticking!

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a big bowl, mix together your mashed sweet potatoes, brown sugar, egg, milk, vanilla, and spices. Stir until just combined – no need to go crazy here! Overmixing makes the texture dense instead of light and fluffy. A few small lumps are totally fine, promise.

Step 3: Fill and Top

Here’s my secret weapon: use a cookie scoop to portion the batter evenly into your prepared cups, filling each about halfway. Then comes the fun part – sprinkle on those pecans and marshmallows! Gently press them in just a bit so they don’t go flying when the air fryer starts doing its magic.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Pop those cups into your preheated air fryer and let them work their magic for 10-12 minutes. Every air fryer is different, so start checking at 10 minutes – the tops should be golden and a toothpick should come out clean. Want extra crispy marshmallows? Give them a quick 1-2 minute broil at the end (but watch closely – they go from golden to burnt FAST!).

If you love easy, mini-style comfort food, you’ll also enjoy exploring our Air Fryer Mini Casseroles — they’re perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Cups

After making these sweet potato casserole cups more times than I can count, here are my can’t-live-without tips: If your batter seems too runny (it happens!), pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up. Rotate your muffin tray halfway through cooking for even browning – those air fryer hot spots are sneaky! And whatever you do, let them rest 5 minutes before digging in. The marshmallows are molten lava when they first come out – trust me, I learned that the hard way!

Serving Suggestions

Now comes the best part – eating these little cups of heaven! For dessert, I love them warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top. At brunch, they’re magic with whipped cream and coffee. And don’t get me started about pairing them with holiday mains – they disappear fast next to roasted turkey or glazed ham. Honestly? They’re dangerously good straight from the air fryer too – no toppings needed!

Storing and Reheating

These sweet potato casserole cups stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 300°F for 3-5 minutes – they’ll taste just-made! Unfortunately, freezing isn’t ideal because the marshmallows get weirdly chewy after thawing. Trust me, they’re so good, you won’t have leftovers anyway!

Nutrition Information

Just a heads up – these numbers are estimates since ingredients and brands vary. But here’s the scoop per cup (based on my exact recipe):

• 180 calories – perfect little treat size!
• 12g sugar (mostly from the sweet potatoes and brown sugar)
• 3g fiber – thank you, sweet potatoes!
• 6g fat (only 1g saturated)
• 3g protein – not bad for a dessert

Remember, you can always tweak the toppings to lighten it up – the marshmallows and pecans are where most of the sugar and fat live. Want even more delicious inspiration? Follow us on Pinterest for the latest air fryer favorites, comfort food ideas, and easy-to-make desserts you’ll fall in love with.

FAQs About Air Fryer Sweet Potato Casserole Cups