I’ve always been a fan of recipes that take simple ingredients and turn them into something that feels special. Sweet potatoes are a staple in my kitchen, and while I usually roast them or mash them, using them in fritters felt like a fun twist. The best part? They crisp up beautifully in the air fryer without needing to drench them in oil.
The first time I made these sweet potato fritters, I was blown away by how light yet satisfying they were. The outside turns golden and crunchy, while the inside stays soft and flavorful. They’re a perfect snack, appetizer, or even a side dish that works with so many meals. And since the air fryer makes things quicker and healthier, I find myself making these fritters more often than I ever expected.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Sweet Potatoes: The star of the dish, sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness, vibrant color, and a soft, tender texture. When shredded, they hold together beautifully and create the perfect base for fritters that are both hearty and flavorful.
Egg: Acting as the binder, the egg helps hold the fritters together so they don’t fall apart while cooking. It also adds a touch of richness that balances the sweetness of the potatoes.
All-Purpose Flour: A small amount of flour gives the fritters structure and helps them crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Without it, the mixture could be too soft and difficult to handle.
Onion: Finely grated or minced onion adds savory depth and a little bite to balance out the sweet potato’s natural sugars. It also makes the fritters more aromatic and flavorful.
Garlic Powder: This adds a warm, earthy flavor that enhances the other ingredients. Garlic powder is a simple way to pack in flavor without the extra moisture of fresh garlic.
Salt and Pepper: These pantry basics are essential for seasoning. Salt brings out the sweetness of the potatoes, while pepper adds a subtle hint of spice.
Olive Oil Spray: Just a light spritz ensures the fritters develop that golden, crispy crust in the air fryer without being greasy.
Ingredients List
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ small onion, finely grated
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fritters
Step 1: Prepare the sweet potatoes
Peel the sweet potatoes and grate them using the large holes of a box grater. Once grated, gently squeeze out any excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel to prevent the fritters from turning soggy.
Step 2: Mix the batter
In a large bowl, combine the grated sweet potatoes, egg, flour, onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly combined and can hold its shape when pressed.
Step 3: Shape the fritters
Take a spoonful of the mixture and form it into small patties or rounds. Aim for uniform sizes so that they cook evenly in the air fryer.
Step 4: Preheat and arrange in the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with olive oil spray, then arrange the fritters in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding so the hot air can circulate properly.
Step 5: Cook until golden and crisp
Air fry the fritters for 10–12 minutes, flipping them halfway through and lightly spraying the other side with olive oil. They’re ready when both sides are golden brown and crisp.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Squeeze out the moisture from the grated sweet potatoes to keep the fritters from falling apart.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if needed for the crispiest results.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste; adding paprika, cumin, or fresh herbs can change the flavor profile.
- If the mixture feels too wet, add an extra tablespoon of flour until it holds together.
- Serve the fritters hot straight from the air fryer; they lose their crispness as they cool.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour, oat flour, or even gluten-free flour blends. Just keep in mind the texture might change slightly.
Can I make these fritters ahead of time?
You can prepare the mixture ahead and refrigerate it for up to a day. Cook them fresh in the air fryer when you’re ready to serve.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling is optional. If you prefer extra texture and nutrients, leave the skin on and just scrub the sweet potatoes well before grating.
What dipping sauces go well with these fritters?
They’re delicious with sour cream, Greek yogurt dip, spicy mayo, or even a tangy barbecue sauce.
Can I freeze sweet potato fritters?
Yes! Cooked fritters can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the air fryer for best results.