Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes: Ingredients

• Sweet Potatoes (2 medium): The star of the show! I always grab the ones with a deep orange flesh, they tend to be sweeter and roast up beautifully. Don’t use the pale ones, just don’t.
• Olive Oil (1-2 tablespoons): This is your secret to crispy edges. I’ve tried other oils, and while avocado oil works, olive oil just gives that familiar, rich flavor. Don’t skimp, but don’t drown them either.

• Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a lovely warmth and a hint of smoky flavor that I swear by. I once ran out and used regular paprika, it was fine, kinda, but the smoked really makes a difference.

• Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Because everything is better with garlic, right? I’m a garlic fiend, so sometimes I add a full teaspoon. You do you, hon.

• Salt (1/2 teaspoon): A must for enhancing all those sweet and savory notes. I usually use sea salt, but honestly, whatever you have works. Just don’t forget it, or they’ll taste flat.

• Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just a little kick to round out the flavors. I love freshly ground, but pre-ground is totally okay.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes: Instructions

Prep Your Sweet Potatoes:

First things first, grab those beautiful sweet potatoes. Give them a good scrub under cold water, no need to peel them unless you really want to I never do, the skin gets wonderfully crisp! Then, grab your sharpest knife (please be careful!) and cube them into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. Try to keep them uniform, otherwise, you’ll have some burnt bits and some raw bits. I learned that the hard way, trust me, uneven cubes are a recipe for frustration!

Season Them Up:

Toss those lovely cubes into a big bowl. Now, drizzle with the olive oil. Get your hands in there and really coat every single piece. This is where the magic happens for crispiness! Next, sprinkle on the smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Again, get those hands dirty and toss everything until every cube is beautifully coated. I sometimes add a tiny pinch of cayenne here for a little extra warmth don’t tell anyone, it’s my secret!

Preheat Your Air Fryer:

This step is crucial, don’t skip it! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. A hot air fryer means instant crisping when the sweet potatoes hit the basket. It smells like anticipation, honestly! While it’s preheating, I usually clean up my cutting board, because kitchen chaos is real, right?

Air Fry in Batches:

Here’s a big one: do NOT overcrowd the basket. This is where I messed up so many times! If you pile them in, they’ll steam instead of crisp, and we definitely don’t want soggy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes. Work in batches if you need to, laying them in a single layer. This ensures that wonderful golden-brown, crispy exterior we’re aiming for. It might take an extra minute, but it’s worth it.

Cook and Shake:

Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through (around the 8-10 minute mark). That shake is important! It helps them cook evenly and get crispy all over. You’ll see them start to brown and get those lovely caramelized edges. The smell in your kitchen right now should be absolutely divine sweet, savory, and just a little smoky.

Check for Doneness:

Once the timer goes off, grab a fork and poke a cube. It should be tender on the inside and beautifully crisp on the outside. If they’re not quite there, give them another 2-3 minutes. Every air fryer is a little different, so trust your eyes and your fork! I like mine extra crispy, so I usually push it a minute or two longer. These Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes are ready when they’re golden perfection!

Storing Your Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Okay, so these Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes are definitely best eaten fresh, right out of the air fryer when they’re still hot and wonderfully crisp. But, let’s be real, sometimes you have leftovers! If you do, let them cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. I’ve found they keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Now, a word of caution: I microwaved them once, hoping for a quick reheat, and they turned a bit soft and sad. Don’t do that, lol. For the best reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes until they crisp up again. Or, honestly, they’re pretty good cold mixed into a salad the next day!

Ingredient Substitutions for Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

I’m all about using what you have, so don’t fret if you’re missing something! For the sweet potatoes, honestly, I haven’t found a perfect substitute that captures the same sweetness and texture. I tried regular russet potatoes once, and while they were good, kinda, they just weren’t the same magical experience. For the oil, avocado oil or even a light vegetable oil would work fine if you don’t have olive oil. As for the spices, get creative! A pinch of chili powder adds a nice kick, or a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg can lean into the sweet side if that’s what you’re craving. I’ve even done a version with rosemary and thyme that was surprisingly delicious. It’s your kitchen, experiment!

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

These Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes are so versatile, it’s almost unfair! They make an absolutely stellar side dish for grilled chicken, baked salmon, or even a simple veggie burger. For a real treat, I love them alongside a big, juicy steak. But honestly, my favorite way to enjoy them is as a healthy snack, maybe with a dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with a little sriracha for a spicy kick, or just a simple sprinkle of fresh parsley for brightness. They’re also fantastic thrown into a breakfast hash or a hearty lunch bowl. And for a cozy night in? Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes and a rom-com? Yes please!

The Story Behind My Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Sweet potatoes have always held a special place in my heart. Growing up, my grandma, Mama Tessa, would make the most incredible roasted sweet potatoes, often with a hint of cinnamon and brown sugar. It was her way of bringing warmth to the table, especially on chilly evenings. My Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes are my modern twist on that comforting memory. While hers were baked low and slow, mine are quick and crispy, a nod to our busy lives but still packed with that same love and nourishment. It’s a way for me to feel connected to her kitchen, even when I’m just whipping up a quick snack for myself. It’s simple food, but it carries so much heart.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes ahead of time?

You can definitely prep the sweet potato cubes by cutting and seasoning them a few hours in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. But for the best crispiness, I always recommend air frying right before serving!

→ What if I don’t have smoked paprika for these Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes?

No worries! You can use regular paprika, but you’ll miss that lovely smoky depth. A tiny pinch of chili powder can add a similar warmth if you have it. Don’t stress, they’ll still be delicious!

→ My Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes aren’t getting crispy, what am I doing wrong?

Ah, the classic crispiness conundrum! The most common culprits are overcrowding the basket or not preheating the air fryer. Make sure they’re in a single layer and the air fryer is hot before they go in. My first batch was a total soggy mess, so I get it!

→ How long do cooked Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes last in the fridge?

Cooked Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes will last 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. They do lose some crispiness, but they’re still great for adding to salads or warming up gently in the air fryer for a few minutes.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! I’ve tossed in broccoli florets or bell peppers with these Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes, but be mindful that different veggies cook at different rates. You might need to add them partway through or cook them separately to get the best texture.