Toss the sweet potatoes in the olive oil before seasoning with black pepper and garlic powder. Place the sweet potatoes in an air fryer basket. Keep the mixing bowl handy.

Add the bacon slices on top of the sweet potatoes in an even layer.

Air fry for 15-18 minutes at 350ºF until the bacon is crispy. Transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel and set aside.

Add the sweet potatoes back to the mixing bowl and toss with the maple syrup. (If you have an air fryer that catches the rendered bacon fat, you can add that to the potatoes as well.)

Add the sweet potatoes back to the air fryer basket. Cook for an additional 5 minutes at 400ºF or until the potatoes are crispy around the edges and the maple syrup has caramelized.

Chop or crumble the cooked bacon and toss with the finished sweet potatoes before serving.