If you’re looking for a quick and easy side dish that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, air fryer sweet potato cubes are the perfect solution. This recipe is versatile, flavorful, and much faster than oven-roasting. Whether you’re serving them alongside a main dish or snacking on them as a standalone, these crispy sweet potato cubes will leave everyone wanting more.
Using an air fryer allows for faster cooking times and a crispier texture compared to traditional oven-roasting. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to experiment with different seasonings and sauces to create your favorite flavor combination. To elevate your cooking game, check out this guide on sweet potato varieties to choose the perfect type for your cubes.
Sweet potatoes have a natural sweetness that’s enhanced by air frying, making them a favorite for both savory and sweet dishes. You can easily adapt this recipe to suit different cuisines or dietary needs, whether you’re aiming for a spicy kick or a sweeter flavor.
Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes for Air Frying
When it comes to making the best air fryer sweet potato cubes, selecting the right type of sweet potato is key. While all varieties can be used, some work better than others depending on the texture and flavor you’re looking for.
Popular Sweet Potato Varieties:
- Orange-Fleshed Sweet Potatoes: These are the most commonly used variety, known for their sweet and creamy texture when cooked. They caramelize beautifully in the air fryer, giving the cubes a rich flavor.
- White Sweet Potatoes: These are less sweet but offer a starchier texture, similar to regular potatoes. They crisp up well and are perfect for savory dishes.
- Purple Sweet Potatoes: Slightly earthier in flavor, these potatoes add a striking color to your dish. They work best when combined with bold seasonings.
For the best results, choose firm sweet potatoes without any bruises. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to use different sweet potato varieties, check out this recipe for purple sweet potatoes on Tracey Recipes.
Before you start cutting, make sure to pick firm, unbruised sweet potatoes. Avoid any that feel soft or have started to sprout. For more tips on sweet potato selection, explore this guide to choosing the right sweet potatoes.
Prepping Sweet Potatoes for Air Frying
Preparing your sweet potatoes is the most time-consuming part of the recipe, but it’s crucial to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Follow these steps to perfectly cube and season your sweet potatoes.
Step-by-Step Preparation:
- Washing and Peeling: Start by thoroughly washing your sweet potatoes to remove any dirt. If you’re using organic potatoes, you can leave the skin on for added texture. Otherwise, peel them for a smoother bite.
- Cutting into Cubes: Use a sharp knife to cut the sweet potatoes into evenly-sized cubes. Aim for ½-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly in the air fryer. Keeping the cubes uniform in size will help them cook at the same rate and get that desired crispy texture.
- Seasoning: Place the cubes in a bowl and toss them with a bit of oil (olive or avocado works best). This helps the seasonings stick and promotes a crispy exterior. Keep your seasoning simple with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, or try one of the variations listed below.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Peeler (optional)
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
Cutting sweet potatoes can be tricky because of their firmness, so make sure to use a sturdy knife. Take your time to ensure the cubes are uniform to avoid overcooking some while others remain underdone.
Seasoning Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
One of the best things about sweet potato cubes is how well they absorb seasonings. Whether you like them spicy, savory, or even sweet, the possibilities are endless.
Basic Seasoning Options:
- Olive oil or avocado oil: This helps the cubes crisp up without drying out.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic yet essential for enhancing the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a savory element to balance the sweetness.
Creative Seasoning Ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add paprika, cayenne, or chili powder for a spicy twist.
- Sweet and Savory: Toss the cubes in brown sugar, cinnamon, or maple syrup to create a sweet flavor perfect for holiday meals.
- Curry Powder: For a more exotic flavor, try adding curry powder, cumin, and turmeric for an Indian-inspired side dish.
For a more adventurous take, you could also try Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Seasoning. This seasoning adds a zingy, slightly spicy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the potatoes.
How to Air Fry Sweet Potato Cubes
Now that your sweet potatoes are prepped and seasoned, it’s time to air fry them to perfection. Here’s the foolproof method for crispy, delicious sweet potato cubes.
Air Frying Instructions:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for about 3 minutes. Preheating helps achieve a crispier texture from the start.
- Arrange the Cubes: Place the seasoned sweet potato cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this will prevent the air from circulating properly and result in uneven cooking.
- Cooking Time: Air fry the sweet potatoes for 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking on all sides.
- Check for Doneness: At the 10-minute mark, check to see if the cubes are crispy and golden-brown. If you prefer extra crunch, you can cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve Immediately: For the best results, serve the sweet potato cubes right away. They tend to soften as they cool, so enjoy them fresh out of the air fryer.
Pro Tip:
If you’re planning to make a large batch for meal prep, check out these tips on how to keep sweet potatoes crispy by cooking in batches without overcrowding the air fryer basket. You can also learn more about air fryer techniques in this sweet potato air fryer recipe from Tracey Recipes.
Cooking in batches is key to ensuring every cube is crispy. If you overcrowd the basket, you may end up with soggy sweet potatoes instead of crispy cubes.
Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
To make sure your sweet potatoes come out perfect every time, follow these pro tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd: The air fryer works best when the cubes are spread out in a single layer. If necessary, cook them in batches.
- Use Enough Oil: A light coating of oil ensures that the sweet potatoes get crispy, but don’t overdo it—too much oil can make them greasy.
- Shake Halfway Through: Give the air fryer basket a good shake halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides get evenly crisped.
- Serve Immediately: Sweet potatoes lose their crispness as they cool, so serve them right away for the best texture.
For more tips on air frying, including other vegetables, check out this guide on the best air fryer vegetables.
Serving Ideas for Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Sweet potato cubes are incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to incorporate them into meals:
- As a Side Dish: These sweet potato cubes pair perfectly with grilled chicken, steak, or fish for a balanced meal.
- In Salads: Add the sweet potatoes to a salad with greens, goat cheese, and a light vinaigrette for a hearty and flavorful dish.
- In Tacos: Make veggie tacos by adding these cubes alongside black beans, avocado, and salsa for a tasty, meatless option.
- As a Snack: Serve with dipping sauces like garlic aioli, spicy mayo, or honey mustard for a quick and healthy snack option.
For more side dish inspiration, check out this recipe for honey butter skillet corn, which pairs wonderfully with air fryer sweet potato cubes.
Their crispy texture also makes them a great substitute for fries, especially when paired with your favorite dipping sauces.
Dipping Sauces for Sweet Potato Cubes
The right dipping sauce can elevate your air fryer sweet potato cubes to a whole new level. Here are some popular options:
- Garlic Aioli: A creamy, garlicky sauce that pairs beautifully with crispy sweet potatoes.
- Spicy Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with sriracha or hot sauce for a tangy, spicy dip.
- Honey Mustard: Combine honey and mustard for a sweet, tangy dip that complements the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
- Ranch Dressing: A classic, creamy option that’s always a hit with crispy foods.
Air Frying vs. Oven Roasting Sweet Potatoes
Both air frying and oven roasting can result in delicious sweet potato cubes, but there are key differences between the two methods.
Air Frying:
- Pros: Faster cooking time (10-12 minutes), crispier exterior, energy-efficient.
- Cons: Limited space in the air fryer basket, may require cooking in batches for larger portions.
Oven Roasting:
- Pros: Can cook large quantities at once, ideal for serving a crowd or preparing meals in advance.
- Cons: Takes longer (25-30 minutes) and doesn’t always achieve the same level of crispiness as air frying.
If you’re cooking for a large group or don’t have an air fryer, oven roasting is a great alternative. Simply increase the cooking time and toss the cubes every 10-15 minutes for even cooking.
For more details on the differences between air frying and oven roasting, check out this guide on sweet potato wedges in the air fryer, which provides additional insights into the cooking process.
FAQs
How long do you cook sweet potato cubes in an air fryer?
Generally, sweet potato cubes take about 10-12 minutes to cook at 400°F. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Do I need to peel sweet potatoes before air frying?
Peeling is optional. If you prefer a more rustic texture, leave the skin on. It adds extra fiber and crispiness, but peeled sweet potatoes offer a smoother texture.
Can I cook frozen sweet potato cubes in the air fryer?
Yes, you can use frozen sweet potato cubes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes to account for the extra moisture. Be sure to shake the basket halfway through to avoid uneven cooking.
Do I need to boil the sweet potatoes before air frying?
No, there’s no need to boil the sweet potatoes beforehand. Air frying alone will cook them through and create a crispy texture.
What’s the best oil to use for air fryer sweet potatoes?
Olive oil and avocado oil work best for air frying because they have a high smoke point and a neutral flavor that complements sweet potatoes.
Conclusion
Air fryer sweet potato cubes are an easy, versatile dish that’s perfect for any meal or occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick side dish or a flavorful snack, these crispy cubes are sure to satisfy. With endless seasoning options and dipping sauces, you can customize the recipe to suit your taste.
Enjoy experimenting with different flavors, and don’t forget to serve them right away to enjoy the full crispy texture!
For more easy and delicious air fryer recipes, be sure to check out other air fryer veggie dishes on Tracey Recipes, such as this fried mushroom recipe.