Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

 

These air fryer sweet potato cubes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor. They make the perfect quick side dish, healthy snack, or meal prep addition. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy perfectly roasted sweet potatoes in a fraction of the time it takes in the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air frying sweet potatoes gives you beautifully caramelized edges with less oil and less cooking time than traditional roasting. It’s an easy, beginner-friendly recipe that delivers consistent results every time.

These sweet potato cubes are:

• Perfectly crispy with a soft and fluffy center
• Ready in just 15 minutes from start to finish
• Great for meal prep, salads, wraps, bowls, and snacks
• Easy to customize with savory or sweet seasonings
• Made with simple pantry spices

Whether you need a quick weeknight side dish or something to add to your lunch bowls for the week, this recipe makes it effortless.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 medium sweet potato, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon ground paprika
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, thinly sliced

Directions

1. Scrub the sweet potato thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt. Pat dry.
2. Using a sharp knife, cut the sweet potato into evenly sized ½-inch cubes. Keeping the cubes uniform ensures even cooking.
3. Place the cubes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil if using. Sprinkle in the salt, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and cumin. Toss well until all pieces are evenly coated.
4. Arrange the seasoned sweet potato cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded or overlapping.
5. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes.
6. Shake the basket to flip the cubes, then continue cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes, until the edges are crispy and the centers are fork-tender.
7. Transfer to a serving bowl and toss with freshly sliced parsley. Serve immediately for maximum crispiness.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

If using a larger sweet potato or doubling the recipe, you may need to add 3 to 5 additional minutes and cook in batches for best results.

Variations

Sweet version
Skip the olive oil and savory spices. Toss the cubes with 1 tablespoon maple syrup, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon salt before air frying for a lightly caramelized sweet option.

Spicy version
Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder for a kick of heat.

Herb version
Mix in ½ teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme before cooking for an earthy flavor.

Smoky flavor
Replace regular paprika with smoked paprika for deeper flavor.

Simple salt and pepper
Keep it minimal with just salt and black pepper for a clean, classic taste.

Storage/Reheating

Storage
Allow the sweet potatoes to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating
For best crispiness, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 5 minutes until heated through.
If crispiness is not important, microwave for 1 to 2 minutes.
If reheating from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the air fryer time.

FAQs

Do I need to peel the sweet potato first?

No, peeling is optional. The skin contains fiber and nutrients and becomes tender when air fried. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can peel it before cutting.

Do I need to soak sweet potatoes before air frying?

No, sweet potatoes contain less starch than white potatoes and do not require soaking. They crisp up well without this extra step.

Why aren’t my sweet potatoes getting crispy?

They may be overcrowded in the basket. Make sure they are arranged in a single layer with space between them. You may also need to cook them a few minutes longer.

Can I make this recipe without oil?

Yes. The oil helps enhance browning, but the sweet potatoes will still cook and crisp without it.

How do I cook frozen sweet potato cubes?

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Spread the frozen cubes in a single layer and cook until heated through and crispy, adding a few extra minutes as needed.

What size should I cut the cubes?

Cut them into approximately ½-inch cubes. Even sizing ensures uniform cooking and prevents some pieces from burning while others remain undercooked.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overlapping cubes will steam instead of crisp.

How do I know when they’re done?

They should be golden brown on the outside and easily pierced with a fork. The exterior will feel slightly crisp when shaken in the basket.

What can I serve with air fryer sweet potato cubes?

They pair well with grain bowls, salads, wraps, tacos, curries, or as a simple side dish with your favorite protein.

Can I meal prep these?

Absolutely. Store them in the refrigerator and quickly reheat in the air fryer before serving to bring back their crisp texture.

Conclusion

Air fryer sweet potato cubes are a fast, flavorful, and versatile addition to any meal. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, you can create crispy, caramelized bites that work as a side dish, snack, or meal prep staple. Once you try them in the air fryer, you may never go back to oven roasting again.

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