Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes: How Long To Fry?

Air fryer sweet potato cubes are a quick, easy, and healthy side dish. They are crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside. You can make them in under 15 minutes, and they are a perfect complement to any meal. All you need is a few simple ingredients, and you can customise the seasonings to your liking.

How to cut sweet potato cubes

To cut sweet potatoes into cubes, start by washing and peeling the sweet potatoes. It is easier to peel the skin using a vegetable peeler.

Then, cut the sweet potato in half crosswise using a sharp knife. If your sweet potato is long, cut it into three pieces. Place one portion vertically on the cutting board and cut it into slices about half an inch thick. Repeat this process for the remaining portions.

Next, lay each slice flat on the cutting board and cut them into strips, also about half an inch thick. Then, cut the strips into half-inch cubes. Try to keep the cubes a similar size so they cook evenly.

Once you have cut your sweet potatoes into cubes, you can season and cook them in an air fryer.

How long to air fry sweet potato cubes for

Air fryer sweet potato cubes are a quick, easy, and healthy side dish. They are crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside. You can make them in your air fryer in just a few simple steps.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make air fryer sweet potato cubes:

• Sweet potatoes
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika (optional)
• Onion powder (optional)

Method

First, peel and cut the sweet potatoes into cubes. The size of the cubes will depend on your preference, but most recipes recommend cutting the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch to 2-inch cubes.

Next, add the sweet potato cubes to a large mixing bowl and toss them with the olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings of your choice, such as smoked paprika or onion powder. Toss the sweet potato cubes until they are thoroughly coated with the oil and seasonings.

Now, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the air fryer is preheated, place the sweet potato cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as this will affect the crispness of the cubes.

Finally, air fry the sweet potato cubes for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket at the halfway mark. For a crispier texture, you can air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes.

That's it! Your air fryer sweet potato cubes are now ready to be served and enjoyed!

How to make sweet potato cubes in the oven

Ingredients:

• Sweet potatoes
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika (optional)
• Onion powder (optional)
• Cayenne pepper (optional)

Method:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• While the oven is preheating, prepare your sweet potatoes. Wash and dry the sweet potatoes, then use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin.
• Using a sharp knife, cut the sweet potatoes into uniform cubes, around 1/2-inch to 1-inch in size. Try to make the cubes as evenly sized as possible to ensure even cooking.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato cubes with the olive oil and your desired seasonings. Toss well until all the pieces are thoroughly coated.
• Spread the seasoned sweet potato cubes on a lined baking sheet in a single layer. Make sure they don't overlap and are not crowded, as this will ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Roast the sweet potatoes in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes. For even cooking, toss the sweet potatoes every 10-15 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Tips:

• If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can add a sprinkle of brown sugar, cinnamon, or a drizzle of maple syrup to the sweet potatoes before roasting.
• You can experiment with different seasonings like chili powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme.
• For a crispier texture, increase the oven temperature to broil and cook for an additional 3 minutes after roasting.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

How to store and reheat sweet potato cubes

Storing and reheating sweet potato cubes is a straightforward process. Here is a detailed guide:

Storing Sweet Potato Cubes:

Firstly, it is important to note that uncooked sweet potatoes should not be stored in the fridge if you plan to consume them within a month. Refrigeration can alter their taste and texture. Instead, they should be kept in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.

For cooked sweet potato cubes, allow them to cool to room temperature, and then store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh for about four to five days.

Reheating Sweet Potato Cubes:

There are several methods to reheat your sweet potato cubes, including the oven, microwave, stovetop, and, of course, the air fryer.

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with foil, parchment paper, or a crisper pan. Reheat for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping them once during the process.
• Microwave: Pierce the sweet potato with a fork and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Cover the sweet potato with a damp paper towel to trap steam and ensure even heating. Microwave for 5 minutes, turning it halfway through.
• Stovetop: Place the sweet potato cubes in a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking. Heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, and then flip and heat for another 3-4 minutes until warmed through.
• Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place the sweet potatoes in the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Reheat for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Remember to choose the method that best suits your needs and equipment. Each technique effectively preserves the taste and texture of the sweet potato cubes.

What to serve with sweet potato cubes

Sweet potato cubes are a versatile side dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas on what to serve with them:

Salads

Sweet potato cubes can be added to various salads, such as a quinoa black bean salad, sweet potato burrito bowls, or vegetarian tacos. They also go well with roasted beets in a salad.

Proteins

Sweet potato cubes make a great side dish to any protein, including chicken dishes like Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Thighs, Chicken Cordon Bleu, or Romano Cheese Crusted Chicken Cutlets. They would also pair well with Parmesan Crusted Cod, Crockpot Mississippi Chicken, or Maple Glazed Chicken.

Vegetarian/Vegan

For a vegetarian or vegan option, sweet potato cubes can be wrapped in a corn tortilla to make sweet potato black bean tacos. They can also be added to a grain bowl with quinoa and other vegetables or loaded into a salad.

Holiday Side

Sweet potato cubes are a great option for a holiday meal as a lighter side dish to balance out heavier, cheesier, and carb-filled options.

Breakfast

Sweet potato cubes are not just for lunch or dinner; they can be a part of a hearty breakfast too. Try them with fried or boiled eggs, chicken maple breakfast sausage, and fresh fruit.

Dips and Sauces

Sweet potato cubes have a sweet flavour that pairs well with savoury dips or sauces. Try them with basil cashew pesto, healthy tomato sauce, cucumber dill tzatziki, or harissa aioli.

Instead of Fries

Sweet potato cubes can be a healthier alternative to fries when served with chicken nuggets or burgers.

Other Sides

Sweet potato cubes can be served with other roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, garlic herb-roasted potatoes, or roasted butternut squash.

Frequently asked questions