Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

There’s nothing quite like these Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes for a quick, healthy treat that delivers crispy edges with a tender inside. They make an excellent side dish, snack, or even a topping for salads and bowls. You can easily customize the flavor to be sweet or savory, which adds a lot of versatility to your meal planning. These cubes have become a favorite in my kitchen because they come together fast and satisfy every time.

I first made these during a busy week and they quickly became a go-to snack for me and my family. Now, whenever I pull out the air fryer, the recipe is requested without fail.

Ingredients

• Two large sweet potatoes: peeled and cut into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Fresh, firm sweet potatoes work best
• One tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil: to help the spices stick and create that crispy crust. Choose a good quality cold-pressed oil for a clean flavor
• Half a teaspoon salt: to enhance the natural sweetness of the potatoes
• Half a teaspoon black pepper: for a subtle kick
• Half a teaspoon garlic powder: adding savory depth and aroma
• Half a teaspoon smoked paprika: for a smoky warmth that complements the sweetness
• Half a teaspoon cinnamon (optional): which brings out a cozy, sweet note if you prefer that flavor profile
• Optional toppings: like fresh parsley for brightness, honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness, or Parmesan cheese for a savory finishing touch

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius. This ensures it’s hot enough to start crisping the potatoes as soon as they go in. Meanwhile, peel and cut the sweet potatoes into half—inch cubes so they cook evenly.

Season the Cubes:

Place the sweet potato cubes in a mixing bowl and drizzle with the olive oil. Sprinkle over salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and if you like, cinnamon. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so every cube is evenly coated with oil and spices.

Arrange for Air Frying:

Spread the sweet potato cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket so the air can circulate freely, which is key for achieving crispy edges. If needed, cook in batches.

Air Fry and Shake:

Cook for 12 to 15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Halfway through cooking, give the basket a good shake to turn the cubes. This helps them cook and brown evenly on all sides.

Serve and Garnish:

Remove the sweet potatoes when they are golden brown and crispy outside, soft inside. Sprinkle fresh parsley for color, drizzle honey or maple syrup if you want a sweeter bite, or add Parmesan cheese for a savory twist. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy their crisp texture.

My favorite part is the smoky paprika which balances the natural sweetness perfectly. This recipe takes me back to family dinners where these cubes were the unexpected crowd-pleaser that everyone went back for seconds!

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. When reheating, use the air fryer at a lower temperature around 375 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes to bring back that crispiness rather than the microwave which can make them soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or a touch of chili powder adds a nice alternative smoky or spicy flavor. For oil, avocado oil works just as well and adds a subtle buttery flavor. Cinnamon is optional, but you can skip it or swap with nutmeg for a different sweet note.

Serving Suggestions

These cubes shine with breakfast dishes like eggs and avocado. For lunch or dinner, pair them with grilled chicken or steak for a sweet and savory balance. They are also lovely served with dipping sauces such as ranch, chipotle mayo, or honey mustard for snacking.

These air fryer sweet potato cubes are an easy, customizable side that comes together quickly. Enjoy them hot for the best texture.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ Can I prepare the sweet potatoes without oil?

Yes, omitting oil reduces crispiness but they remain tasty. Using a light cooking spray helps retain a crispy texture.

→ Is it possible to use frozen sweet potato cubes?

Frozen cubes can be used, but increase the air frying time by 3-5 minutes and shake the basket regularly to ensure even cooking.

→ What seasoning variations work well with this dish?

Try cumin, chili powder, Italian herbs, or a touch of brown sugar to create different flavor profiles.

→ How can I achieve extra crispiness?

Air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes after the initial cooking time and avoid overcrowding the basket.

→ What are some serving suggestions for these sweet potato cubes?

Serve alongside eggs and avocado for breakfast, with grilled chicken or steak, or add to salads and grain bowls for texture.