Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
These air fryer sweet potato chunks become crisp on the outside and tender within, delivering caramelized edges and deeply sweet flavor with minimal oil.
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 220kcal
Equipment
- Air fryer - For dry heat circulation and crispy texture
- Sharp chef's knife - Ensures uniform cubes for even cooking
- Mixing bowl - For tossing oil and spices evenly
- Spatula or tongs - For easy flipping without tearing
Ingredients
- 600 g 1.3 lb sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 15 ml 1 tbsp olive oil
- 5 g 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 g 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 g 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 g 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 5 g 1 tsp cornstarch optional
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 200C / 400F for 5 minutes. Preheating ensures immediate hot air contact for crispy surfaces.
- Pat the sweet potato cubes dry with a clean towel to remove excess moisture. Dry cubes sear and brown more effectively, producing crisp edges.
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. If using cornstarch, toss cubes with cornstarch first, then add oil and spices.
- Gently toss the cubes in the seasoned oil until evenly coated. You should see a light sheen, not pooling oil, which helps even browning and prevents sogginess.
- Arrange cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Crowding traps steam and prevents the crunchy exterior you want.
- Air fry at 200C / 400F for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking or flipping once at 7 minutes. Look for deep golden edges and fork-tender centers as visual cues.
- Remove to a cooling rack for 2 minutes to let steam escape, preserving crispness. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed.
- Serve immediately with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a squeeze of lime for brightness, and enjoy the contrast between crisp exterior and creamy interior.
Notes
- Soaking option: Soak cubes in cold water for 30 minutes, then dry to remove excess starch for extra crunch.
- Even cubes: Cut uniform pieces to ensure consistent cooking times and even caramelization.
- Single layer: Work in batches if needed to avoid steaming and maintain crispness.