Air Fryer Cubed Sweet Potatoes are tender and flavorful. With just a handful of ingredients, you can transform sweet potato chunks into a savory side dish that pairs perfectly with almost any meal. The air fryer crisps the edges of the potatoes keeping the inside soft and delicious.
While the classic sweet potato casserole topped with brown sugar and gooey marshmallows has its place, there's something special about enjoying sweet potatoes in a more savory form. When seasoned just right and cooked until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, air fryer cubed sweet potatoes offer a delightful contrast to the heavier dishes that often dominate holiday tables.
But since these potatoes taste light and fresh, they don't have to be reserved for holidays and special occasions. This sweet potato recipe is versatile enough to serve any day of the week as an easy side dish or healthy snack. You can enjoy the natural sweetness of the potatoes without being overwhelmed. It's the perfect side dish that complements a variety of meals and air frying uses less oil than most cooking methods making this a healthy side dish.
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Ingredients
- Sweet Potatoes – Choose firm, medium to large orange sweet potatoes or yams. You can also use purple sweet potatoes.
- Olive Oil – Extra virgin olive oil is a good choice for its flavor, but any neutral oil can be used.
- Sea Salt – Enhances the natural sweetness of the potatoes. Kosher salt or sea salt can be used.
- Paprika – Adds a warm, smoky flavor that complements the sweetness of the potatoes. You can use smoked paprika for a more intense flavor .
- Black Pepper – Freshly ground pepper has a very mild spiciness and enhances the savory profile of the dish.
- Garlic Powder – Enjoy the flavor of garlic without worrying about burning fresh garlic.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into ½ inch cubes with a sharp knife on a cutting board.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, toss with olive oil, salt, paprika, pepper and garlic powder until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Step 3: Spread in a single layer in the air fryer basket or rack. Cook for 12 to 14 minutes or until golden brown, turning once halfway through.
- Step 4: Serve the crispy sweet potato cubes hot and season with extra salt and pepper or dipping sauce if desired.
Hint: Cut the sweet potato into uniform cubes for even cooking.
Seasoning Variations
- Classic Herb Blend – Combine rosemary, thyme, and a pinch of oregano.
- Spicy Cajun – Mix Cajun seasoning with a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Sweet and Spicy – Blend cinnamon and a pinch of brown sugar. You can also a touch of cayenne pepper for a sweet heat.
- Lemon Pepper – Use lemon pepper seasoning, then add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color.
- Italian Style – Combine Italian seasoning with garlic powder and a touch of Parmesan cheese.
- Smoky BBQ – Mix smoked paprika, chili powder, and a little bit of cumin for a savory spice blend.
- French Fry Seasoning – My homemade french fry seasoning has a blend of seasoning that really complements the natural taste of the sweet potatoes.
If you like this recipe you might also want to try these air fryer sweet potato fries.
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer cubed sweet potatoes make a versatile side dish that can be served alongside your favorite main dish. The bold flavors of BBQ are perfectly complimented by the subtle sweetness so I love to serve them with Easy Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Legs or Best Slow Cooker Baby Back Ribs for a meal full of comforting flavors. If you're craving something more traditional, these potatoes are a perfect match for Pork Chops and Sauerkraut.
These savory sweet potatoes also pair well with fried eggs and make excellent breakfast potatoes.
During the holidays, these sweet potatoes offer a healthier alternative to the traditional sweet potato casserole. They complement festive dishes like Spiral Ham, Lemon Herb Roasted Cornish Hens, and Dutch Oven Turkey Breast, providing a lighter yet flavorful side that everyone will enjoy.
Equipment
A basket-style air fryer is ideal for tossing and shaking foods like fries or cubed sweet potatoes to ensure even cooking. It's compact and typically easier to clean. A rack-style air fryer usually has a larger cooking surface, allowing you to cook larger or multiple items simultaneously. Both styles deliver crispy, evenly cooked results, so the choice depends on your cooking habits and the type of dishes you plan to make.
Storage
Leftover sweet potato cubes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze cubed sweet potatoes for up to 3 months.
Reheat in a 350 degrees F air fryer for 3-5 minutes until warm and crispy. Alternately, reheat in a 375 degreed F oven for about 10 minutes.
Cooking Tips
- Cut the sweet potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the air fryer rack. Cook in batches if needed.
- Toss well with the seasoning for an even coating.
- Shake the basket or flip the sweet potatoes halfway through cooking to get those crispy edges.
FAQ
Yes, you can leave the skin on if you prefer. Just make sure to wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly before cutting them into cubes. The skin adds extra texture and nutrients.
Make sure the potatoes are spread out in a single layer in the air fryer basket or on the rack. Overcrowding can cause the potatoes to be soggy. Cook the potatoes in batches if necessary. Also, ensure they are tossed lightly in oil to help them crisp up.
To make these in the oven, transfer the seasoned sweet potatoes to a large sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Spread evenly so they do not overlap. Cook for 25-30 minutes in a 400 degree preheated oven. Flip halfway through cooking time for even cooking.
More Air Fryer Recipes
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RECIPE
Air Fryer Cubed Sweet Potatoes
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
Ingredients
- 2 lbs sweet potatoes about 2 large or 3 medium potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 380 degrees. Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into ½ inch cubes with a sharp knife on a cutting board.
- Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle on the salt, paprika, pepper and garlic powder. Mix together so all pieces are evenly coated.
- Spread the sweet potato chunks in a single layer in the air fryer basket or rack. Cook for 12 to 14 minutes or until golden brown, turning once halfway through cooking. Sweet potatoes will turn golden brown and you can adjust time on how crispy you like them.
- Serve hot and season with extra salt and pepper if desired.
Notes
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Transfer the seasoned sweet potatoes to a large sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
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Spread evenly so they do not overlap. Cook for 25-30 minutes in a 400 degree preheated oven. Flip halfway through cooking time for even cooking.
Nutrition
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