Sweet potatoes are edible roots (also known as tubers) that are available in markets around the world. True to their name, they’re slightly sweet when cooked and are typically easy to prepare, similar to other types of potatoes.
Boiling is a favorite preparation method for sweet potatoes, as it requires no added oils or fats and is relatively easy to do. Sweet potatoes can be boiled whole or cubed, with or without skin. How long it takes to boil the sweet potatoes depends on these factors, as well as what you intend to use them for.
Let’s dive in and explore how long to boil sweet potatoes in different scenarios!
- How to Boil Sweet Potatoes
- Boiling Different Sweet Potatoes
- How Long to Boil Sweet Potatoes Whole
- How Long to Boil Cubed Sweet Potatoes
- How Long to Boil Peeled Sweet Potatoes
- How Long to Boil Whole Sweet Potatoes with Skin
- How Long to Boil Small Sweet Potatoes
- How Long to Boil Large Sweet Potatoes
- How Long to Boil Sweet Potatoes for Pie
- How Long to Boil Sweet Potatoes for Mashing
- Table: How Long Do Sweet Potatoes Need to Boil?
How to Boil Sweet Potatoes
- Thoroughly wash and dry the desired number of potatoes. Use a brush or textured rag to scrub the skins clean. Peel potatoes if desired.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The water level should be at least 1 inch above the potatoes.
- Carefully add the sweet potatoes to the boiling water.
- Allow the sweet potatoes to boil uncovered for 25-50 minutes, depending on their size.
- Drain the water and allow the potatoes to cool for 5-10 minutes before enjoying or using them in a sweet potato dish.
Boiling Different Sweet Potatoes
How Long to Boil Sweet Potatoes Whole
Whole sweet potatoes should be boiled for 25-50 minutes based on their size.
How Long to Boil Cubed Sweet Potatoes
Boil cubed sweet potatoes for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender all the way through when pierced with a fork or other sharp utensil.
How Long to Boil Peeled Sweet Potatoes
Peeled sweet potatoes can be boiled whole for 25-50 minutes, depending on how large they are.
How Long to Boil Whole Sweet Potatoes with Skin
To boil sweet potatoes with the skin on, stick to the standard boiling time of 25-50 minutes, but make sure to pierce the skin all over the potato with a fork or small knife.
How Long to Boil Small Sweet Potatoes
Small sweet potatoes under 230 grams in weight (around 8 ounces) should be boiled for 25-35 minutes.
How Long to Boil Large Sweet Potatoes
Large sweet potatoes over 230 grams in weight should be boiled for 35-50 minutes.
How Long to Boil Sweet Potatoes for Pie
If you’re boiling sweet potatoes to use in sweet potato pie, cut them into 1-inch cubes and boil them for up to 20 minutes.
How Long to Boil Sweet Potatoes for Mashing
For mashed sweet potatoes, boil whole sweet potatoes for up to 50 minutes. You can reduce the boiling time to 20 minutes by peeling and cubing the sweet potatoes prior to boiling.
Table: How Long Do Sweet Potatoes Need to Boil?
| Type of Sweet Potato | How Long to Boil (minutes) |
| Whole sweet potatoes | 25-50 |
| Cubed sweet potatoes | 15-20 |
| Peeled sweet potatoes | 25-50 |
| Sweet potatoes with skin | 25-50 |
| Small sweet potatoes | 25-35 |
| Large sweet potatoes | 35-50 |
| Sweet potatoes for pie | 15-20 |
| Sweet potatoes for mashing | 25-50 |
