Emilie Meyer
Sweet potatoes are a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including roasting, steaming, boiling, and frying. One popular way to cook sweet potatoes is by using an air fryer, which can yield crispy and tender sweet potato cubes, perfect as a side dish or snack. The cooking time for cubed sweet potatoes in an air fryer can range from 8 to 14 minutes, depending on the desired level of doneness and the size of the cubes. In this article, we will explore the steps to achieve the perfect air-fried sweet potato cubes, including preparation, cooking time, and serving suggestions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 10-12 minutes |
| Temperature | 400°F |
| Potato Size | 0.5-1 inch cubes |
| Potato Variety | Red Garnet, Beauregard, Japanese |
| Oil | Avocado, Olive, Canola |
| Seasoning | Harissa, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper, Cumin, Paprika, Chili Powder, Cinnamon |
| Pre-Cooking | Microwave for 2 minutes, boil for 5-6 minutes |
| Post-Cooking | Reheat in air fryer for 7-8 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
How to cut sweet potatoes into cubes
To cut sweet potatoes into cubes, you will need a sharp knife, a vegetable peeler, and a cutting board. You can use a regular kitchen knife, but a chef's knife is recommended for cutting through the firm texture of the sweet potatoes. If you don't have a sharp knife, you can use an electric sharpener or buy a cheap one and sharpen it. Alternatively, you can use a "scissors-like" cutter, a chopper that cubes, or a French fry cutter.
First, wash and peel the sweet potatoes. You can use a vegetable peeler or a paring knife to remove the skin. If needed, cut off the ends of the sweet potatoes to make the peeling process easier.
Next, cut the sweet potatoes into rounds. The thickness of the rounds will determine the size of your final diced pieces. For smaller cubes, cut the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch thick rounds. For larger cubes, you can go up to 1-inch thick rounds.
Now, take each round and cut it into 1/2-inch thick slices. You can use a ruler or eyeball this step. Then, cut these slices into 1/2-inch thick sticks, also known as batonnets. Finally, cut the batonnets into 1/2-inch cubes. Try to keep the cubes a similar size so that they cook evenly.
If you find cutting sweet potatoes challenging, here are a few tips:
- Cut a flat bottom on the sweet potato so that it rests safely on the cutting board.
- Microwave the sweet potato for a couple of minutes to soften it before cutting.
- Cut the sweet potato in half so that the widest part becomes the base, making it easier to cut into vertical slices.
- Use a sharp knife and apply pressure with the hand on top of the blade to help push down while slicing.
Once you have your sweet potato cubes, you can season them and cook them in the air fryer for about 10 minutes at 400°F for the perfect crispy texture.
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Seasoning and oil options
When it comes to seasoning and oil options for your air-fried sweet potato cubes, there are a variety of choices to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
For oils, you can use any oil you like. Avocado oil and canola oil are recommended due to their high smoke points, but olive oil is also a popular choice for its flavour. You can also use cooking spray or oil spray, which will help to ensure an even coating on your sweet potato cubes.
For seasoning, a simple blend of garlic powder, salt, and pepper can be used, with the addition of paprika for a touch of heat. If you're looking for something more complex, try a harissa spice blend, which includes sweet paprika, garlic, caraway, and hot chili powder. You can also make your own blend with these spices, adjusting the quantities to your taste. Cumin, coriander, and curry powder are other great options for adding depth of flavour.
If you're feeling creative, you can experiment with cinnamon, especially if you plan to use the sweet potatoes in oatmeal. For a savoury option, try adding basic seasoning and a combination of chopped bacon and grated Parmesan cheese.
Don't be afraid to mix and match spices and herbs to find a blend that suits your taste. A little seasoning goes a long way, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed. You can always add more, but it's difficult to reverse the effects of overseasoning.
Additionally, a unique "secret step" is to add your sweet potato cubes to a microwave-safe bowl with a small amount of water and cook them for a couple of minutes before transferring them to the air fryer. This helps to ensure even cooking and a tender texture.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for cubed sweet potatoes in an air fryer depend on the size of the cubes and the desired texture. Most recipes recommend cutting the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes, although some suggest 1/2- to 3/4-inch cubes. Try to keep the cubes a similar size so that they cook evenly.
Before cooking, the sweet potato cubes should be seasoned and tossed in oil. Suggested seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and chili powder. For a sweeter option, cinnamon can be added. Avocado, olive, and canola oil can all be used.
When cooking, the sweet potato cubes should be arranged in a single layer in the air fryer basket to avoid overcrowding. The cooking time will vary depending on the desired texture. For a tender interior and crispy exterior, cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For a crunchier texture, add a couple of extra minutes. If cooking more than one batch, the second batch may cook faster due to the air fryer being hotter, so be careful with the timing.
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Reheating tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or up to 5 days. When you're ready to reheat, there are a few options. You can pop them back into the air fryer for 7-8 minutes at 300-375°F, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can use the microwave, stove top, or simply add them to a meal you're cooking and heat them up that way. If you're using the air fryer, be sure to not overcrowd the basket and give them a shake halfway through to ensure even heating.
If you're reheating from frozen, there's no need to thaw first. Simply add oil and seasonings to your frozen diced sweet potatoes and pop them into the air fryer. You may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature depending on the size of your air fryer and the quantity of potatoes you're reheating.
You can also reheat in the oven. Spread the potatoes on a lined baking sheet in a single layer and roast at 425°F for 22 minutes. Then, increase the temperature to broil and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until crispy.
If you're short on time, you can use the microwave. Place your sweet potato cubes in a microwave-safe bowl and add about 1/4 cup of water. Microwave for 2 minutes, give them a quick stir, and then cook for another 2 minutes. The potatoes should be fork-tender but not mushy.
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Dishes to serve with
Air fryer sweet potato cubes are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas for dishes to serve with air fryer sweet potato cubes:
Salads
Air fryer sweet potato cubes make a great addition to salads. Their crispy exterior and tender interior can add texture and flavour to a variety of salad combinations. Try adding them to a salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, avocados, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. You can also include other roasted vegetables, such as eggplant or zucchini, for a heartier salad option.
Tacos
Sweet potato tacos, anyone? Air fryer sweet potato cubes are an excellent filling for tacos, providing a tasty contrast to the soft tortilla. Top your tacos with some salsa, avocado, or a squeeze of lime for a flavour boost. You can also add some black beans or grilled chicken for extra protein.
Breakfast Bowls
Sweet potato cubes are a delicious addition to breakfast bowls. Try serving them with some scrambled eggs, sautéed spinach, and a dollop of guacamole for a nutritious and satisfying morning meal. You could also add some chopped bacon and grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavour.
Rice Bowls
For a heartier meal, serve your air fryer sweet potato cubes on a bed of rice. Add some grilled vegetables, tofu, or chicken for protein, and top it off with a tasty sauce like teriyaki or peanut sauce. You can also sprinkle on some green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavour and texture.
Snacks and Appetizers
Air fryer sweet potato cubes can also be enjoyed as a snack on their own or as part of an appetizer platter. Serve them with a variety of dips, such as hummus, tzatziki, or a spicy salsa. They can be a healthy and delicious alternative to chips or crackers.
Main Courses
Sweet potato cubes can also accompany various main courses. Try serving them alongside a juicy steak, a piece of grilled salmon, or a vegetarian option like a portobello mushroom burger. They can add a touch of sweetness and a pop of colour to the plate.
With their versatility and delicious flavour, air fryer sweet potato cubes are a great addition to any meal. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite ways to serve them!
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 10-12 minutes to cook cubed sweet potatoes in an air fryer.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
Wash, peel, and cut the sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes.
Place the cubes in a bowl, add oil and seasonings, and toss to coat.
Spread the seasoned cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
