Subtly sweet and oh-so-filling, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes are a super healthy, quick and easy air fryer side dish. They’re versatile too – make these air fried sweet potatoes sweet or savory, serve them as a side dish, or add to salads and bowls for a burst of flavor.
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I’m a big fan of “good food, fast.” (I mean, who isn’t?) But my air fryer has taken my noshing to a whole new level. When I finally put two and two together and realized I could be cranking out “roasted” vegetables at the push of a button, I went a little crazy (even for me).
I blame the ease and crispiness of air fryer potatoes (the white kind), so of course healthier sweet potatoes variety followed.
I regret nothing.
Because air fryer sweet potatoes are an awesome veggie side dish that’s ready in just 20 minutes. And yes, they’re delicious as is, but they’re also a time saver when you’re using roasted diced sweet potatoes to elevate other flavors. Add them to a grain bowl with black beans for a vegetarian lunch, use them as a base for a quick(er) sweet potato hash, or serve over greens for a savory breakfast salad.
For a condensed post, click the view the web story for these air fryer sweet potatoes!
Why Cook Sweet Potatoes in the Air Fryer?
I’ve found that most sweet potato lovers fall into one of two camps – those who crave holiday-style sweet potatoes, and those who rely on sweet potatoes as a healthy starch.
The first group will happily nosh on maple-sweetened standards like sweet potato casserole and cinnamon roasted sweet potatoes, while the second is trading them for white potatoes at every opportunity available (I don’t blame you – I’ll never go back to regular steak bites).
But diced air fryer sweet potatoes are a variation we can all get behind:
- They’re fast. The air fryer is super speedy, and they cook in half the time required for oven roasting.
- The texture is perfect. Crispy skin and tender interiors, oh my! The way an air fryer cooks (by circulating very hot air all around the food) means perfect texture every single time.
- They’re healthier. The air fryer requires less oil, and if you’re minding your calories or fat intake, it’s a definite win.
How to Cook Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
How can something so delicious be so nutritious? Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes are a quick and easy side dish that doubles as a base for bowls or a sweet salad booster. Plus, they’re loaded with fiber and antioxidants, and broadly compliant for nearly every diet.
- Combine sweet potatoes, olive oil, and your choice of seasonings.
- Arrange in the air fryer in an even layer.
- Air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
- For the sweet version, drizzle the maple syrup over the sweet potatoes and cook 1-2 minutes more.
Chef’s Tips!
- Cook time may vary based on the size of the sweet potato dice. We used a 1-inch dice for both quick cooking and easy piercing.
- Go savory instead of sweet – skip the maple syrup and use herbs and spices. See the recipe card for options.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed, and keep cooked potatoes in a 200°F oven to keep warm.
- There’s no need to peel the sweet potatoes first (just give ’em a good scrub first, then dry well), but you can if you prefer them without skins.
Seasoning Variations
- Sweet: ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, 1 tablespoon maple syrup.
- Savory: ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon ground pepper.
- Nuts and/or Seeds: garnish with â…“ cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or roasted pepitas; toast nuts and seeds first for deeper flavor.
- Dried Fruit: add 2-3 tablespoons of raisins, dried apples or apricots; dice larger pieces first, add with the maple syrup, and cook 1-2 minutes to soften.
More Simple Air Fryer Side Dishes
- Air Fryer Green Beans
- Air Fryer Mushrooms
- Air Fryer Potatoes
- Air Fryer Potato Wedges
- Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Have you tried sweet potatoes in the air fryer?? I’d love to know how they turned out! Leave a comment and a rating below.
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Recipe
Crispy 20-Minute Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Print Recipe Rate this Recipe Pin RecipeRecommended Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb sweet potatoes, about 2 large
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
Sweet Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
Savoy Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground pepper
Instructions
- Combine sweet potatoes, olive oil, and seasonings (sweet or savory).
- Transfer to air fryer basket and arrange in an even layer.
- Air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes; stir or shake once halfway through.
- For the sweet version, drizzle the maple syrup over the sweet potatoes and cook 2 minutes more.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Nutritional information calculated base on “sweet” variation.
- Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.
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