If you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious side dish that requires minimal effort, these air fryer sweet potato cubes are the perfect solution. The air fryer does wonders in bringing out the natural sweetness of the potatoes, creating crispy exteriors and tender insides. Whether you’re pairing them with a main course or enjoying them as a snack, these cubes are sure to satisfy your cravings.
What’s even better? This recipe is super simple, using just a few ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. The air fryer makes cooking time shorter than traditional methods, meaning you get a flavorful dish in no time. Plus, the flexibility of this recipe allows you to add your own twist with spices and seasonings to suit your taste.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are the star of this dish. Their natural sweetness and hearty texture make them the perfect vegetable for air frying. They become beautifully caramelized when roasted, providing both flavor and nutrients.
Olive Oil: A light drizzle of olive oil helps to coat the sweet potatoes, making them crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Olive oil also adds a subtle richness to the flavor, enhancing the sweetness of the potatoes.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder is a fantastic seasoning that adds a savory note to the dish. It pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes, balancing their sweetness with a mild, aromatic depth.
Paprika: Paprika adds a warm, smoky flavor to the sweet potatoes. It’s optional but highly recommended if you want a bit of spice and color in your cubes.
Salt and Pepper: The classic seasonings for any dish, salt and pepper help to bring all the flavors together. Adjust the amount to your preference for a perfect taste.
Ingredients List
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling the sweet potatoes and cutting them into 1-inch cubes. This size ensures they cook evenly and become nice and crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside.
Step 2: Season the Cubes
Place the sweet potato cubes in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper over the cubes, then toss everything together until the cubes are evenly coated in the seasoning mixture.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for a couple of minutes. This step is essential for achieving the crispy texture you’re aiming for.
Step 4: Air Fry the Sweet Potatoes
Once the air fryer is preheated, add the seasoned sweet potato cubes to the basket in a single layer. Cook them for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. The cubes should be golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your sweet potatoes are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. They’re perfect on their own, or as a side dish to your favorite main course.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Cut Evenly: For the best results, make sure the sweet potato cubes are cut evenly so they cook at the same rate. If some are larger, they might take longer to cook.
- Customize the Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with other spices like cinnamon, cumin, or cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: If you’re making a large batch, cook the sweet potato cubes in batches. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy cubes.
- Check for Doneness: Sweet potatoes vary in size, so check them for tenderness with a fork. If they need more time, air fry them for a few extra minutes.
- Make Them Sweet: If you prefer a sweet version, drizzle a bit of maple syrup over the sweet potatoes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen sweet potatoes for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh sweet potatoes for this recipe. Frozen sweet potatoes may release too much moisture, resulting in a soggy texture instead of crispy cubes.
Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can roast the sweet potato cubes in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Make sure to toss them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Can I make these sweet potatoes ahead of time?
While sweet potatoes are best served immediately for maximum crispiness, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
What can I serve these sweet potato cubes with?
These cubes are versatile! They pair perfectly with grilled chicken, steak, or a veggie burger. You can also enjoy them as a snack with a dipping sauce like ranch or spicy ketchup.