There’s a certain magic in the transformation of sweet potatoes when they are cooked in an air fryer. The quick cooking method enhances their natural sweetness while delivering a delightful crunch on the outside and a tender, creamy texture within. Air fryer sweet potato cubes are not only incredibly delicious but also offer a healthier alternative to traditional frying. Whether you’re prepping a quick side dish, a snack, or a meal-prep favorite, these sweet potatoes are sure to become a household staple.
Why We Love This Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes Recipe
You’ll absolutely love this air fryer sweet potato cubes recipe for many reasons. Firstly, it’s quick and easy to prepare, allowing you to enjoy your favorite vegetable without spending hours in the kitchen. The air fryer cooks sweet potatoes to perfection, ensuring they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Plus, the use of simple ingredients means you can whip these up with ease and flavor them to your liking. This recipe is versatile and fits perfectly into many dietary preferences, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or everyday meals. It’s a delightful, healthy dish that everyone will love!
Ingredients about Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
For this quick and delicious recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 2-3 medium sweet potatoes (about 3.5 cups peeled and cubed sweet potatoes)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or use olive oil cooking spray)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Making air fryer sweet potato cubes is straightforward and fun. Begin by washing the sweet potatoes thoroughly under cold water and drying them with a clean cloth. Using a vegetable peeler, peel away the skin and dispose of it. Next, cut the sweet potatoes into cylindrical shapes and then slice them into evenly-sized cubes, about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. This helps ensure consistent cooking.
Once you have your cubes, place them in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Carefully drizzle the olive oil over the cubes. If you want to keep it even simpler, an olive oil cooking spray is an excellent alternative. In a separate smaller bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create a well-balanced seasoning blend. Sprinkle this mixture over the sweet potatoes and toss gently, ensuring each cube is fully coated in the delicious oil and spices.
The next step involves preheating your air fryer to 400°F. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat setting, simply turn it on and run it empty for about 2 to 3 minutes. While the fryer is heating, lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Once preheated, add the sweet potato cubes to the basket in an even layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket, as this can hinder proper cooking. If you’re using a smaller air fryer, you might want to work in batches.
Cook the sweet potatoes for 14 to 17 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. When the timer goes off, you may want to let them rest in the air fryer with the heat turned off for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. This final step will help crisp them up even more. After waiting, they’re ready to serve! Enjoy the delightful aroma wafting from your air fryer as you present these golden cubes to family or friends.
How to Serve Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Air fryer sweet potato cubes are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways. For a simple yet flavorful option, you can serve them as is—hot and fresh from the air fryer. Sprinkle with a little extra salt or garnishing herbs like fresh parsley for a touch of color and an aromatic lift.
If you’re looking for a heartier meal, consider pairing these sweet potato cubes with your favorite protein. They complement grilled chicken or fish beautifully, providing a sweet and savory contrast. You can also toss them in salads for added texture and flavor. Serve them alongside your favorite dipping sauce, such as a yogurt-based dip or a tangy vinaigrette for a unique flavor twist.
Additionally, they can fit into a wrap with fresh veggies and a delicious sauce. The possibilities are endless, and experimenting with various serving styles can turn these cubes into a family favorite!
Expert Tips: Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
To make the most of your air fryer sweet potato cubes, consider the following expert tips. First, ensure your sweet potatoes are cut into uniform sizes. This will help them cook evenly and prevent some pieces from being overcooked while others remain undercooked.
If you prefer a bit more flavor, try adding additional spices such as cumin or chili powder along with the paprika and garlic powder. You can also mix in some fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, for a fragrant twist.
Managing your batch sizes is essential if you are using a smaller air fryer. Avoid overcrowding the basket to allow hot air to circulate properly around each piece. Consequently, this will result in perfectly crispy sweet potatoes.
Lastly, don’t forget about resting time after cooking. Allowing your sweet potatoes to rest in the air fryer for a few minutes makes a significant difference by enhancing their crispiness. Pay attention to this step for the best possible outcome!
How to Store Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
If you have any air fryer sweet potato cubes left over, you can easily store them for future enjoyment. Allow the cubes to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 5 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing them. Spread the sweet potato cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place the sheet in the freezer until the cubes are completely frozen, usually 2 to 3 hours. After freezing, transfer the cubes to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the air fryer at 400°F for about 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through.
Variation of Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
You can easily adapt this air fryer sweet potato cubes recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. One great variation is to experiment with different seasoning blends. Try adding curry powder for an Indian-inspired twist or cayenne pepper for a kick of heat.
Another fun option is to incorporate a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of brown sugar before cooking, offering a sweeter profile that reiterates the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
For a more Mediterranean flavor, consider tossing the sweet potatoes with dried oregano or even feta cheese after they finish cooking. You can also try adding different vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a mixed veggie side dish. The air fryer’s versatility allows for endless creativity!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make air fryer sweet potato cubes crispy?
To achieve crispy air fryer sweet potato cubes, ensure that your cubes are cut into even sizes for uniform cooking. Make sure to preheat the air fryer before adding the sweet potatoes, and avoid overcrowding the basket. Additionally, letting them rest for a few minutes after cooking will help enhance their crispiness.
Can you use other oils for air fryer sweet potato cubes?
Yes, you can use other oils if you prefer. Canola oil, avocado oil, or even sunflower oil can work well. Each oil will impart a slightly different flavor, so choose the one that best fits your taste preferences.
How long does it take to cook air fryer sweet potato cubes?
Cooking time for air fryer sweet potato cubes typically ranges from 14 to 17 minutes at 400°F. Remember to flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Are air fryer sweet potato cubes healthy?
Absolutely! Air fryer sweet potato cubes are a wholesome and nutritious side, lower in calories and fat compared to traditional frying methods. Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making this dish a nutritious addition to your meals.
Can I make air fryer sweet potato cubes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare air fryer sweet potato cubes ahead of time. Simply follow the cooking instructions and then store any leftovers in an airtight container once they’ve cooled. They can be reheated in the air fryer or microwave for quick and easy meals later.
With these tips and insights, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of making scrumptious air fryer sweet potato cubes. Enjoy the journey of cooking and savor every bite!
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3.5 cups sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed About 2-3 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil Or use olive oil cooking spray
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly under cold water and dry them with a clean cloth.
- Peel the sweet potatoes using a vegetable peeler and cut them into cylindrical shapes.
- Slice the sweet potatoes into evenly-sized cubes, approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.
- Place the sweet potato cubes in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the cubes, or use olive oil cooking spray.
- In a separate smaller bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the sweet potatoes and toss gently to coat each cube.
Cooking
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. If there is no preheat setting, run it empty for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Add the sweet potato cubes to the basket in an even layer, avoiding overcrowding.
- Cook the sweet potatoes for 14 to 17 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.
- Once done, let them rest in the air fryer with the heat turned off for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!