Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Wash the sweet potatoes well, ensuring all dirt is removed, then dry them using a clean tea towel or sheet of kitchen paper.

Make thin slices across each sweet potato, about ¾ of the way, ensuring not to cut all the way through. Use a wooden spoon handle placed on either side of the potato on a cutting board as a guide to prevent cutting all the way through when slicing. As the potatoes are quite hard, be careful and use a sharp knife to make the process easier.

Peel and grate the fresh garlic cloves.

Mix the olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

Brush the sweet potatoes with half of the oil mixture, getting it into the slices as much as possible. You won't be able to go all the way in with the dressing, and that's fine, as you will brush half the dressing half way through the cooking process, when the slices will open up more.

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a non-stick sheet or baking dish. Place the prepared sweet potatoes on the tray, leaving enough room around them for the air to circulate.

Bake for 25 minutes, then brush with the remaining oil mixture. The potato slices will be easier to separate now, allowing the oil and spices to better coat each piece.

Bake for a further 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the edges are crispy.

Place the prepared sweet potatoes in the air fryer basket. They can be close to each other, but try to make them touch as little as possible.

Air fry the seasoned sweet potatoes for 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C), then brush with the remaining oil mixture. The sweet potato slices should be easier to separate now, allowing the oil and spices to better coat each piece.

Air fry for a further 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the edges crispy.

Taste the potatoes for seasoning and sprinkle more salt if needed; the heat will help it melt and get into the flesh of the potatoes.

Serve the best Hasselback sweet potatoes hot with the main dish of your choice.