Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes are the perfect quick and healthy side dish that delivers crispy edges with a tender, caramelized center. They come together fast and are a wonderful addition to any meal, snack, or salad topping. Whether you like them sweet with a touch of cinnamon or savory with smoky spices, these cubes satisfy every craving with minimal effort.

I first made these on a whim for a weeknight dinner and now they are a staple in my kitchen. My family especially loves them with a dash of honey and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes: Two large sweet potatoes peeled and cut into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and perfect texture
• Oil: One tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil to promote crispiness and enhance flavor
• Salt: Half a teaspoon salt to bring out the natural sweetness of the potatoes
• Black pepper: Half a teaspoon black pepper for a touch of mild heat
• Garlic powder: Half a teaspoon garlic powder for subtle savory depth
• Smoked paprika: Half a teaspoon smoked paprika which adds a lovely smoky warmth look for good quality Spanish smoked paprika for the best aroma
• Cinnamon: Half a teaspoon cinnamon optional but highly recommended for a sweet twist use fresh and aromatic cinnamon for best results
• Fresh parsley: Fresh parsley for garnish to add brightness if desired
• Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup to enhance sweetness when serving
• Parmesan: Parmesan cheese for a savory finishing touch

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. Peel the sweet potatoes carefully and cut them into half inch cubes. This size helps them cook evenly and develop a crispy outside while staying tender inside.

Season the Sweet Potatoes:

In a mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cinnamon if you want a sweet option. Make sure every cube is coated thoroughly to ensure consistent flavor and texture.

Air Fry the Sweet Potatoes:

Arrange the seasoned cubes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding so the cubes crisp up perfectly. Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking. This helps them cook evenly and develop a golden brown, crispy coating.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once cooked, garnish with fresh parsley, honey or maple syrup for sweetness, or Parmesan cheese for a savory kick. Serve hot as a side dish, a tasty snack, or a salad topping.

My favorite ingredient has to be the smoked paprika because it brings an unexpected depth and warmth that makes these sweet potato cubes so memorable. One family dinner I remember putting these on the table and everyone immediately asked for seconds, especially with a drizzle of honey on top.

Storage tips

Store leftover cubes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for three to five minutes to bring back their crispiness. Avoid freezing as the texture changes and can become mushy when thawed.

Ingredient substitutions

You can swap olive oil for avocado or coconut oil depending on your preference. For seasoning, cumin or chili powder works beautifully if you want a smoky twist, or try Italian seasoning for an herbaceous alternative. If you want to skip oil altogether, lightly spraying with cooking spray still delivers tasty results, just less crispy.

Serving suggestions

Pair these cubes with eggs and avocado for a hearty breakfast or alongside grilled chicken or steak for a nutritious dinner side. They also make an excellent topping for grain bowls or salads, adding warmth, sweetness, and texture. Try dipping them in ranch, chipotle mayo, or honey mustard for a flavorful snack.

These air fried sweet potato cubes are an easy versatile side that you can customize for any season. Serve them hot and enjoy.

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Can these be made without oil?

Yes, they can be prepared without oil, though the cubes may be less crispy. A light cooking spray helps achieve better crispiness.

→ Is it possible to use frozen sweet potatoes?

Frozen sweet potatoes can be used, but increase the cooking time by 3-5 minutes and shake the basket occasionally for even results.

→ What seasonings work well beyond the basics?

Try cumin, chili powder, Italian seasoning, or brown sugar to vary the flavor profile from savory to sweet.

→ How do I achieve extra crispiness?

Air frying for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end enhances crispiness without drying out the cubes.

→ What are good serving suggestions?

Pair with eggs and avocado for breakfast, serve alongside chicken or steak, or use as a crunchy salad topping.