Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer sweet potato cubes are a quick, easy, and healthy side dish. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a perfect addition to any meal. This recipe uses simple ingredients and takes less than 15 minutes to make. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious sweet potato cubes in an air fryer.

Choosing the right sweet potatoes

Variety

There are several varieties of sweet potatoes, and you can use any of them for this recipe. However, for the best results, it is recommended to go for the red-skinned, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. These have a beautiful colour and a sweet, creamy texture. The Garnet variety is a great option, with its vibrant orange skin and moist, sweet flesh.

Quality

When selecting your sweet potatoes, look for firm ones that are free from bruises or discolourations. Avoid any that feel soft or seem to be going bad. You want to ensure your sweet potatoes are fresh and of good quality to get the best flavour and texture in your dish.

Quantity

This recipe typically calls for one large or two medium-sized sweet potatoes. This amount should yield around 2 to 2 1/2 cups of sweet potato cubes, which is perfect for a side dish. If you need more, you can easily double the recipe, but remember to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.

Storage

Store your sweet potatoes in a cool, dry, dark, and well-ventilated place. They should keep well in these conditions and remain fresh until you are ready to use them.

Preparation

Before cooking, give your sweet potatoes a good wash and peel to remove any dirt or residue. Then, cut them into uniform cubes of about 1/2-inch in size. Try to keep the sizes as consistent as possible to ensure even cooking.

In summary, choosing the right sweet potatoes for air fryer cubes involves selecting the right variety, ensuring good quality and freshness, and preparing them properly. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and crispy air fryer sweet potato cubes!

Preparing the potatoes for cooking

Firstly, select the right type of sweet potatoes. While you can use any variety, it is recommended to choose red-skinned, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes for the best results. These potatoes are known for their moist, sweet, and creamy texture. Look for firm potatoes without bruises or discolourations.

Next, wash and scrub the sweet potatoes to remove any dirt or residue. This step ensures that your potatoes are clean and ready for the next step. After washing, grab a vegetable peeler and carefully peel off the skin from the potatoes. You can skip this step if you prefer to keep the skin on, but peeling is generally recommended for this recipe.

Now, it's time to cut the sweet potatoes into cubes. Using a sharp chef's knife, cut the potatoes in half crosswise. Then, slice each half lengthwise into three planks. Place each plank flat-side down on a cutting board and cut them into strips, aiming for a thickness of about 1/2-inch. Finally, cut the strips into 1/2-inch cubes. It's important to try and keep the cubes a similar size so they cook evenly.

Once you have your perfectly cubed potatoes, it's time to season them. Place the cubes into a large mixing bowl and drizzle them with olive oil or avocado oil. You can also use other types of cooking oil, such as canola or peanut oil. Add your desired seasonings to the bowl. Some popular options include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cinnamon. You can also get creative and experiment with other spices and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Use your hands or a large spoon to toss the potatoes until each piece is evenly coated with oil and seasoning.

Your sweet potato cubes are now ready for the air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the seasoned potato cubes into the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches. With these simple steps, your sweet potatoes are now prepared and ready for cooking!

Seasoning the potatoes

• Use a variety of spices: You can experiment with different spices to find your favourite combination. Some popular options include smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cumin, curry powder, and chili powder or cayenne pepper for an extra kick. You can also use pre-made seasoning blends such as Italian seasoning or a savoury spice blend.
• Add sweetness: If you have a sweet tooth, consider adding cinnamon, brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey to your sweet potatoes. This can be especially delicious for a holiday or Thanksgiving dish.
• Oil: Oil is essential to help the seasonings stick to the potatoes and create a crispy exterior. Olive oil, avocado oil, or canola oil are all great choices. Just use enough to coat the potatoes lightly.
• Salt and pepper: Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to taste! This will enhance the flavours of the other spices and bring out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
• Fresh herbs: For a pop of colour and flavour, add some fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme. These can be sprinkled on just before serving.
• Customise to your taste: The beauty of this recipe is that it can be tailored to your preferences. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of spices, herbs, and sweet additions.

Cooking the potatoes in the air fryer

Now that you have your sweet potatoes cut into cubes, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer: Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) before adding the potatoes. This helps to achieve a crispy texture.
• Prepare the seasoning: In a large mixing bowl, combine your cubed sweet potatoes with olive oil or avocado oil, and your choice of seasonings. You can use salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried thyme, cumin, or other spices of your choice. Mix well to ensure all potato pieces are coated with oil and seasoning.
• Arrange the potatoes in the air fryer: Place the seasoned sweet potato cubes in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer. Make sure they are not overcrowded to allow for even cooking and crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
• Air fry the potatoes: Cook the sweet potato cubes for 10-14 minutes at 400°F. Shake the basket or rotate the potatoes halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the desired level of crispiness, so keep an eye on them.
• Serve: Once the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, they are ready to be served. Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a pop of colour and extra flavour. Enjoy them as a side dish, in salads, tacos, or as a healthy snack.

Your air fryer sweet potato cubes are now ready to be devoured! Enjoy the perfect combination of crispy exteriors and tender, flavourful interiors.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer sweet potato cubes are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• As a side dish: These crispy and tender sweet potato cubes make the perfect side dish for any meal. Serve them alongside a simple protein such as air fryer chicken tenders, pork loin, or chicken legs. They also pair well with main dishes like chicken spaghetti, London broil, or steak fajitas.
• In a breakfast bowl: Try adding sweet potato cubes to a breakfast bowl with some eggs, chicken sausage, or bacon for a hearty and nutritious start to your day.
• In tacos: Warm up some black beans and add them to a tortilla shell with sweet potato cubes. Top with cheese, slaw, and your favourite sauce for a tasty and satisfying meal.
• As a snack: Sweet potato cubes are a perfectly acceptable and healthy snack option, especially if you're looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth.
• With a dipping sauce: The natural sweetness of the sweet potato cubes pairs well with a savoury dip or sauce. Try basil cashew pesto, healthy tomato sauce, or cucumber dill tzatziki.
• As a holiday side dish: If you're looking for something a little lighter to balance out the heavy, cheesy, and carb-filled dishes on your holiday table, these sweet potato cubes are a great option.
• In a loaded bowl: Add sweet potato cubes to a warm grain bowl or loaded salad for a hearty and nutritious meal.
• As a substitute for fries: If you're looking for a healthier potato option to pair with your chicken nuggets or burgers, swap out the fries for these crispy and tasty sweet potato cubes.

When serving, it's best to enjoy these sweet potato cubes fresh out of the air fryer as they tend to lose their crispness over time. You can also store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days and reheat them in the air fryer to regain some of that crispness.

Frequently asked questions