Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots: Cooking Time Perfection

Sweet potato tots are a tasty and versatile snack or side dish that can be made in an air fryer. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions, offering a crispy, golden exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. The cooking time for sweet potato tots in an air fryer varies depending on the desired level of crispiness, but on average, they take around 8 to 12 minutes to cook at 400°F. It is important to ensure that the tots are spread out evenly in the air fryer basket without overcrowding, and they may need to be flipped or shaken halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness.

How to make sweet potato tots from scratch

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes
• Grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Colby Jack, Parmesan, etc.)
• Breadcrumbs
• Egg
• Olive oil spray or coconut oil
• Cornstarch
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder or fresh sage
• Salt
• Cajun seasoning (optional)

Method

First, parboil or steam the sweet potatoes until soft but still firm. You can also roast them in the oven at 400°F for 40-45 minutes or microwave for 5-10 minutes. Let the potatoes cool, then peel and grate them into a large bowl. Next, add the rest of the ingredients to the bowl: cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, olive oil or coconut oil, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder or fresh sage, and salt. You can also add some Cajun seasoning for extra spice.

Stir the mixture until everything is well combined. Use a tablespoon to scoop out portions of the mixture and shape them into tot-sized cylinders with your hands. Place the tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, making sure they are not touching each other. Spray or brush the tots with olive oil or coconut oil to get that crispy exterior.

Now it's time to cook your sweet potato tots! You can either bake them in the oven at 400°F for 20-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, or cook them in an air fryer at 390-400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping them after 6-8 minutes. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking sweet potato tots in an air fryer vary depending on the recipe and the desired level of crispiness. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). This should take around 3 to 5 minutes.
• While the air fryer is heating up, you can prepare the sweet potato tots by mixing the grated sweet potatoes with Cajun seasoning, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, sage, and salt in a large bowl. You can also use store-bought mashed sweet potatoes as a shortcut.
• Form the mixture into tot-shaped cylinders or scoop out 1-tablespoon portions using a cookie scoop.
• Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This step is optional but helps to ensure the tots don't stick and adds to the crispiness.
• Place the tots in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded and leaving space between them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
• Set the cooking time for 8 to 12 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For softer tots, cook for a shorter duration, and for crispier tots, cook for a longer duration.
• Shake or flip the tots halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Once the tots are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and season with salt, if desired.
• Serve immediately for the best crispiness.

How to get the perfect crisp

The key to getting the perfect crisp on your sweet potato tots is to ensure they are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket, allowing hot air to circulate and crisp up all sides. It is recommended to cook them in batches of around 10 tots at a time, depending on the size of your air fryer. Space them about 1 inch apart.

Before cooking, spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray, and lightly spray or brush the tots with oil. This will help to achieve a crisp texture without the need for deep frying in oil. You can also sprinkle the tots with seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, seasoning salt, or your favorite herbs and spices.

Cook the tots for around 8-12 minutes at 390-400°F (200°C), flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on your air fryer and the desired level of crispiness. For extra crispy tots, add a few minutes to the cooking time.

Finally, serve the tots immediately to enjoy that perfect crisp! They go well with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or spicy sriracha mayo.

Dipping sauces

To make sweet potato tots in an air fryer, you'll need to cook them for around 8 minutes, flip them, and then cook for another 8 minutes. You may want to spray them with olive oil and sprinkle them with salt before and after flipping.

Now, for the fun part—the dipping sauces! There are many different sauces you can pair with your sweet potato tots, and here are some ideas to get you started:

Aioli

Aioli is a fancy word for gourmet mayonnaise, and it can be a great base for your dipping sauces. You can make it at home by emulsifying egg, oil, and a little Dijon mustard. From there, you can add different flavors to make it fancier than your traditional mayonnaise. For example, you can add garlic to make a delicious garlic aioli.

Marshmallow Dip

This sweet and savory dip is a unique and genius pairing with sweet potato tots. It's a must-try for those who want to explore beyond traditional savory dips.

Spicy Mayo

For a simple yet tasty dip, mix two parts mayonnaise with one part mustard. Add a little salt and pepper to taste, and you're done! This dip is perfect for those who want a creamy and tangy sauce with a kick.

Cilantro Lime Sauce

For a refreshing dip to balance out the richness of the sweet potato tots, blend lime, cilantro, plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, cumin, and salt and pepper. This sauce will add a bright and tangy flavor to your tots.

Smoky Spicy Sauce

This creamy, spicy, and smoky sauce is a perfect match for sweet potato tots. It only needs three ingredients: mayonnaise, chili sauce, and smoked paprika. Simply whisk them together in a small bowl, and you're ready to dip! If you want to add some heat, use extra hot chili sauce and amp it up with red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.

With these dipping sauce ideas, you can elevate your sweet potato tots and impress your family and friends. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors and finding your favorite combinations!

Storing and reheating

Storing your sweet potato tots

If you have leftover sweet potato tots, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure they are completely cooled down before storing them to prevent sogginess.

Freezing your sweet potato tots

If you have extra cooked tots, let them cool completely before storing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once they are frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating your sweet potato tots in the air fryer

To reheat your sweet potato tots, simply pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until crispy again. You can also reheat them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Reheating your sweet potato tots in the oven

If you prefer to use your oven for reheating, preheat it to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the tots in a single layer, spaced slightly apart. Spray them lightly with cooking spray and bake for about 15 minutes, or until crispy, flipping them once halfway through.

No matter which reheating method you choose, your sweet potato tots will come out crispy and delicious, ready to be enjoyed as a snack or side dish!

Frequently asked questions