I have to admit, one of my favorite kitchen adventures is transforming humble ingredients into irresistible bites that make everyone smile. Sweet potato tots are one of those little treasures. They’re crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and the natural sweetness of the potatoes makes them a perfect snack or side dish. Using an air fryer elevates them even more—less oil, less mess, and a golden, crunchy finish that’s hard to resist.
When I first tried making these tots, I was amazed at how simple it was to get that perfect texture without deep frying. The combination of sweet potatoes, a touch of seasoning, and a little flour or breadcrumb magic creates a tot that’s wholesome, fun to eat, and ready in a fraction of the time you’d expect. Honestly, they’ve become a staple in my kitchen, especially for quick lunches or snack attacks.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are the star of this dish. Their natural sweetness balances perfectly with the salty, savory notes from the seasoning. Choose firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes that are easy to mash and have a vibrant orange color for the best results.
All-Purpose Flour: Flour acts as a binder to hold the tots together and ensures they crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. Using all-purpose flour provides a neutral flavor that doesn’t overpower the sweetness of the potatoes.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a savory, nutty flavor that enhances the taste of each tot. It also contributes to the crispiness and gives a subtle richness without making the dish heavy.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs create an extra layer of crunch and help the tots maintain their shape. You can use panko for an extra crispy texture or regular breadcrumbs for a classic finish.
Egg: The egg works as a natural binder, keeping the sweet potato mixture together while baking or air frying. It also helps the coating adhere to each tot perfectly.
Seasonings: Seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika bring depth to the tots. Adjust to your taste, but a well-seasoned tot is far more satisfying than a bland one.
Ingredients List
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cooked
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots
Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling and boiling or steaming the sweet potatoes until tender. Once cooked, mash them in a bowl until smooth and let them cool slightly to make mixing easier.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with the flour, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until you have a consistent dough-like mixture.
Shape the Tots
Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into small tot shapes, about 1 to 1.5 inches long. Coat them lightly in breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures the tots cook evenly and get that golden exterior.
Cook the Tots
Place the tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Spray them lightly with cooking spray and cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway through for even crisping.
Serve and Enjoy
Once golden and crispy, remove the tots from the air fryer and serve immediately. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce, like ketchup, aioli, or a spicy mayo.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Make sure sweet potatoes are well-mashed and cooled slightly to prevent the mixture from being too sticky.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; this ensures the tots cook evenly and stay crispy.
- If you want extra crunch, lightly double-coat the tots in breadcrumbs before air frying.
- Use parchment paper or a silicone liner in your air fryer basket to make cleanup easier.
- For a fun twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the seasoning for a sweet or spicy kick.
FAQs
Can I make these tots ahead of time?
Yes! You can shape the tots and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before air frying. They also freeze well before cooking.
Can I bake them instead of using an air fryer?
Absolutely! Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
You can use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option or skip it entirely; just adjust the seasoning to taste.
How do I keep them crispy after cooking?
Serve them immediately for the best texture. If needed, reheat briefly in the air fryer to restore crispiness.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe completely gluten-free.