There’s something about sweet potatoes that just feels like the ultimate comfort food, right? I discovered my love for air fryer sweet potato cubes one busy weeknight when I needed a quick side dish that wasn’t your standard roasted veggies. I threw them into the air fryer on a whim, and they came out perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside—pure magic! Now, this recipe is on repeat in my kitchen, and trust me, it will be in yours too.
The best part? You don’t need to babysit these beauties while they cook. They’re a set-it-and-forget-it dish that’s perfect for weeknights, game days, or as a snack when you’re craving something both healthy and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Quick and Convenient
Air fryer sweet potato cubes cook up in just a fraction of the time it takes to roast them in the oven. Plus, no flipping required! Perfect for those busy nights when you need a healthy side dish fast.
Perfectly Crispy Texture
The air fryer creates a crisp exterior while leaving the insides soft and tender. It’s like having the best of both worlds—fries and roasted potatoes all in one bite.
Healthy and Versatile
Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins A and C, and they’re naturally gluten-free. These cubes can be served as a side dish, tossed into salads, or even eaten as a snack with your favorite dip.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes Recipe
Ingredients:
- Two medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
(Tip: You can leave the skin on for extra texture and fiber.) - 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
(Optional: For extra flavor, substitute with garlic-infused oil.) - 1 tsp smoked paprika
(For a smoky kick; feel free to adjust the amount to taste.) - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
(Use sea salt for a more pronounced flavor.)
Instructions:
- Prep the Potatoes: Start by peeling and dicing your sweet potatoes into roughly 1-inch cubes. If you prefer to keep the skin on for extra nutrition, go for it! Toss the cubes in a bowl with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until they’re evenly coated.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. This step helps the sweet potatoes crisp up nicely.
- Air Fry the Sweet Potatoes: Place the seasoned sweet potato cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Check for Doneness: The cubes are ready when they are crispy on the outside and fork-tender on the inside. If they need a little more crisping, add another 2-3 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately. These sweet potato cubes are perfect on their own, but you can also sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra flavor.
Cooking Time and Yield:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 12-15 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 servings (depending on portion size)
You know that feeling when you nail a recipe so perfectly, it becomes an instant favorite? That’s what happened with these air fryer sweet potato cubes. The first time I made them, I was so excited that I snapped a picture and sent it to my mom—who immediately asked for the recipe. Now, it’s a competition to see who can make them better! We’ve turned it into a family tradition, and every time I make them, I can’t help but smile at how such a simple dish can bring so much joy. Plus, my kids love these “potato bites,” and it’s a win-win when I know they’re eating something healthy!
Helpful Tips:
- Don’t Skip Preheating: Preheating your air fryer ensures that the sweet potato cubes start cooking immediately and crisp up properly. Even though air fryers heat quickly, giving it those extra 3 minutes will help create that delicious outer crunch while keeping the inside tender.
- Use Oil Sparingly: You only need a small amount of oil to get the perfect crisp in the air fryer. Too much oil can lead to soggy sweet potatoes. Stick to about 1 tablespoon per batch, and use oils with a high smoke point, like avocado or olive oil.
- Keep Them in a Single Layer: Overcrowding the air fryer basket will lead to uneven cooking. Make sure the sweet potato cubes are in a single layer so the air can circulate around each cube. If you’re making a big batch, cook in batches for the best results.
Health Benefits:
Sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse, making these air fryer cubes not just delicious but also incredibly healthy. They are rich in vitamin A, which is essential for eye health, and provide a good source of dietary fiber to aid digestion. Additionally, sweet potatoes are packed with antioxidants like beta-carotene, which help boost your immune system and protect against inflammation. For more details on the numerous health benefits of sweet potatoes, check out this guide on the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes. Plus, air frying them uses significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, making this dish a lower-calorie, heart-healthy option.
Substitutions and Variations
- Different Seasonings: Feel free to get creative with your seasoning! Swap the smoked paprika for a Cajun spice mix for a kick of heat or add a sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar for a sweeter, dessert-like twist.
- Try Other Vegetables: If you want to switch things up, use this recipe with other root vegetables like butternut squash or carrots. The method remains the same, and you’ll have a new side dish to try!
- Use Coconut Oil: For a tropical flavor, substitute olive oil with coconut oil. It adds a subtle sweetness that pairs perfectly with the natural sugars in sweet potatoes.
- Herb-Infused Oil: Infuse your olive oil with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme before tossing it with the sweet potato cubes. The herbs will bring a fragrant, earthy note to the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen sweet potato cubes?
Yes, you can! Make sure to thaw them completely and gently pat them dry before cooking for the best results. Frozen sweet potatoes can release extra moisture, which might affect the crispiness.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any leftover sweet potato cubes in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, just pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
Can I cook these without oil?
Yes, you can air fry sweet potatoes without oil, but they won’t be as crispy. If you’re looking to cut down on fat, it’s a great option, but the texture will be a little different.
What’s the best way to cut sweet potatoes for even cooking?
Try to cut the sweet potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes. Consistent sizing ensures they cook evenly, so you won’t have some cubes overcooked while others are underdone.
How long should I cook sweet potato cubes in the air fryer?
Cooking times can vary slightly depending on the air fryer, but 12-15 minutes at 400°F is usually perfect. Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to guarantee that the sweet potatoes cook evenly.
Can I add sweet potatoes to a meal prep plan?
Absolutely! Air-fried sweet potato cubes make a great addition to meal prep. They store well in the fridge and can be reheated quickly for a healthy side dish or snack throughout the week.
Conclusion
Air fryer sweet potato cubes are a quick, easy, and healthy way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. Whether you’re making them as a side dish, snack, or adding them to a salad, you’ll love how crispy and flavorful they turn out. Plus, they’re so easy to customize with your favorite seasonings and oils. Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your experience by leaving a comment below! For more tasty, healthy recipes, make sure to subscribe to my blog.
PrintAir Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Description
These air fryer sweet potato cubes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. A perfect, healthy side dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Tossed in olive oil and seasoned with smoked paprika and garlic powder, they make an excellent snack or side for any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Place the sweet potato cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Once crispy and tender, remove and serve immediately.