These crispy and tender air fryer sweet potato cubes are ready in under 15 minutes! Tossed with garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper, they're a healthy and tasty side for any meal or a delicious addition to salads and bowls.
I am obsessed with these extra crispy air fryer sweet potato cubes! They're golden on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with flavor from paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper. Plus, they cook in just 12 minutes—so much faster than roasting!
I think that sweet potatoes are the best kind of potato—who's with me? I'm a little obsessed and have so many sweet potato recipes on my blog, from sweet potato french fries, chicken parmesan stuffed sweet potatoes, and cheesy scalloped sweet potatoes. But these air fryer cubes? Next-level delicious.
I can't wait for you to try this easy, foolproof recipe. Whether you serve them as a side, toss them in a salad, or snack on them straight from the basket, they will surely be a hit!
Why you'll love this recipe:
- Fast Cooking: Air fryer sweet potato cubes only take 15 minutes to make.
- Extra Crispy: Perfectly golden on the outside, soft and fluffy inside.
- No Oven Needed: Air frying in 15 minutes is way better than oven-roasted sweet potatoes that take 30 to 40 minutes to roast.
- Kid-Approved: Kids will love crispy sweet potato cubes.
- Meal Prep Friendly: A quick and healthy option for meal prep lunches and dinners.
The ingredients
Sweet Potatoes: Peel and cut two medium sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. I recommend using Garnet or Jewel sweet potatoes, but white-fleshed varieties will work, too.
Olive Oil: A light coating helps prevent dryness and adds a nice crisp.
Salt & Pepper: For basic seasoning and flavor.
Paprika & Garlic Powder: A winning combo for a little extra flavor. If you prefer, you can swap garlic powder for onion powder.
How to make crispy air fryer sweet potato cubes
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and lightly grease it with olive oil or non-stick spray.
Peel (or leave the skin on) and cut your sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Toss them in a large bowl with olive oil and seasonings until fully coated.
Add the cubes to the air fryer basket and cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through. Once they're golden, tender, and crispy, please remove them and enjoy!
Top Tips
- Uniform Cubes: Cut sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Single Layer: Arrange the sweet potato cubes in a single layer in the air fryer for the crispiest results.
- Shake or Flip: Shake the basket or flip the cubes halfway for even crispness.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy right away for the best crispy texture.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Tongs
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Tools
Substitutions & Variations
- Customize Seasonings: Get creative with your spices! Try adding dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, or chili powder for different flavor profiles.
- Sweet Potato Variety: Choose garnet or jewel sweet potatoes for a naturally sweeter and creamier texture when air-fried.
- Make Them Sweet: For a sweeter twist, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of coconut or brown sugar over the cubes before air frying.
- Add a Smoky Flavor: Try smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for a deeper, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweet potatoes.
Serving suggestions
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or thyme for a burst of freshness.
- Pair with a squeeze of lime for a zesty kick.
- Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
- Serve alongside a protein, like grilled chicken, fish, turkey burgers, or tofu, to complete the meal.
- Toss in a salad with greens, nuts, and a tangy dressing for a balanced dish.
- Pair with a dipping sauce like tzatziki, ranch, or spicy mayo for extra flavor.
How to Store & Meal Prep
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. I don't recommend microwaving them, as they won't stay crispy, but you can microwave them for 60 seconds if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
To keep them tender, lightly coat the cubes with olive or avocado oil before air frying. This helps retain moisture and prevents dryness.
While garnet or jewel sweet potatoes are best for a sweet and creamy texture, Japanese sweet potatoes will work fine, too. Just make sure to coat them with a bit more oil, as they tend to be drier.
I don't recommend using minced garlic in place of garlic powder. The minced garlic can burn in the air fryer and taste bitter. Stick with garlic powder for the best flavor.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the sweet potato cubes for 12-15 minutes. Be sure to shake the basket or flip the cubes halfway through for even crispiness.
Yes! You can prepare and season the sweet potato cubes ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, pop them in the air fryer for a quick reheat.
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don't forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
📖 Recipe
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F and lightly grease with avocado, olive oil, non-stick spray.
- Meanwhile, prepare your sweet potatoes by carefully peeling and cutting them into 1-inch bite-sized pieces. If you prefer to keep the skin on, you can.
- Add to a large mixing bowl with olive oil and seasonings. Mix until they are fully coated.
- Once the air fryer is heated, add sweet potato cubes in and cook for 10 - 12 minutes, until tender and slightly crispy. Remember to shake the basket halfway through.
- Remove from the air fryer and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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Lily says
So crispy! Loved them
Kira Sturgess says
So quick and easy!