When I want a fast, feel-good side that tastes like it came from a cozy bistro, I make these Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes. They crisp up beautifully with caramelized edges and tender centers, and the seasoning is simple enough to pair with almost anything on your table.
With just a handful of pantry staples and a few smart tips, you can serve golden, irresistible sweet potatoes in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a hearty brunch plate.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
- Perfect texture: crispy outside, creamy inside with caramelized edges.
- Quick and easy: ready in about 15 to 20 minutes total.
- Budget friendly and nutrient dense with fiber, vitamin A, and potassium.
- Endlessly versatile: sweet, savory, spicy, or herby to match your menu.
- Meal prep friendly: reheat like a pro without losing that crisp.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes Ingredients & Substitutions
- 2 large sweet potatoes, about 1.5 pounds total, scrubbed and dried (skin on or peeled)
- 1.5 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil for higher heat)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (reduce to 3/4 teaspoon if using fine salt)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (swap for sweet paprika or chili powder)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 minced garlic clove added after cooking)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1 teaspoon cornstarch for extra crisp
Simple swaps: Use cinnamon instead of paprika for a sweeter profile, or add 1 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary for an herby side. To make it no-salt, skip salt and finish with a bright squeeze of lemon.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Preheat the air fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes. A hot basket jump-starts browning and better crisping.
Cube the sweet potatoes
Cut into 3/4 inch cubes for even cooking. Aim for uniform pieces so everything crisps at the same time.
Season the cubes
In a large bowl, toss cubes with olive oil, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. If using cornstarch, sprinkle it on and toss again until lightly coated.
Arrange in the basket
Spread in a single layer with a little space between pieces. Work in batches if needed. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping.
Air fry to golden perfection
Cook at 400°F for 12 to 16 minutes total, shaking the basket or tossing with tongs at the 7 minute mark. Cook until edges are golden-brown and centers are tender when pierced.
Finish and serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. For a bright finish, add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon and a sprinkle of flaky salt. Serve hot.
Tips for Success
- Dry very well after washing to avoid steaming.
- Cut evenly. Consistent 3/4 inch cubes crisp best and cook evenly.
- Do not overcrowd. Air circulation is the secret to crisp edges.
- Preheat the air fryer so the potatoes start sizzling on contact.
- Use cornstarch for extra crunch. A thin dusting helps crisping.
- Wait to add fresh garlic or delicate herbs until after cooking so they do not scorch.
Variations of Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
- Sweet Cinnamon Maple: 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, pinch of salt, finish with 1 to 2 teaspoons warm maple syrup.
- Herb Garlic: 1 teaspoon chopped rosemary or thyme, finish with minced garlic and a little olive oil after cooking.
- Spicy Chipotle Lime: 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder, finish with lime zest and juice.
- BBQ Savory: 1 teaspoon BBQ seasoning, finish with a light drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Taco-Style: 1 teaspoon taco seasoning, finish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime for taco bowls.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
- Grilled or roasted chicken, salmon, or steak for a balanced dinner.
- Fried or jammy eggs with avocado for a hearty breakfast plate.
- Grain bowls with quinoa, black beans, greens, and a yogurt-lime sauce.
- Stuffed into tacos with shredded cabbage, crema, and salsa verde.
- Drizzle with tahini-lemon or chimichurri for a fresh finish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days. For best texture, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5 to 8 minutes, or in a 425°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. A hot skillet with a touch of oil also works, 4 to 6 minutes, tossing occasionally. You can freeze in a single layer, then store up to 2 months; reheat from frozen at 380°F for 8 to 12 minutes, shaking once. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crisp.
Memories Made Around the Table
These sweet potato cubes were my weeknight compromise that became a family favorite. I still remember the first batch disappearing straight from the basket while the rest of dinner waited. Simple food can feel like a little celebration.
FAQs
Do I need to soak sweet potatoes before air frying?
No soaking is required. Unlike white potatoes, sweet potatoes crisp well with proper drying, preheating, and space in the basket.
Why are my sweet potato cubes soggy?
They were likely crowded or not dried well. Work in batches, pat them dry, and preheat. A teaspoon of cornstarch also helps.
Can I make these without oil?
Yes, but they will be less caramelized and crisp. If oil-free, cook a bit longer and consider a cornstarch dusting for texture.
Should I peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling is optional. The skin adds fiber and gets pleasantly toasty. If the skin is thick or rough, peel for a more tender bite.
What size should I cut the cubes?
About 3/4 inch cubes give the best balance of crispy edges and creamy centers. Smaller pieces cook faster but can dry out.
Final Thoughts
With a few pantry spices and a hot air fryer, these sweet potato cubes deliver big flavor and weeknight ease. Make them once and they will become your reliable, crowd-pleasing side.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes, Crispy and Caramelized
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 Large bowl
- 1 Tongs (for tossing/shaking)
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Measuring spoons (optional)
Ingredients
Main
- 1.5 lb sweet potatoes about 2 large; scrubbed and dried; skin on or peeled
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt reduce to 3/4 tsp if using fine salt
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika or sweet paprika or chili powder
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder or 1 minced garlic clove added after cooking
- 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground
- 1 tsp cornstarch optional, for extra crisp
Instructions
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 to 5 minutes so the basket is hot and ready for crisping.
- Cut the sweet potatoes into 3/4-inch cubes for even cooking. Aim for uniform pieces so everything crisps at the same time.
- In a large bowl, toss the cubes with olive oil, salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. If using cornstarch, sprinkle it on and toss again until lightly coated.
- Spread the cubes in a single layer with a little space between pieces. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding, which causes steaming.
- Cook at 400°F for 12 to 16 minutes total, shaking the basket or tossing with tongs at the 7-minute mark. Continue until edges are golden-brown and centers are tender when pierced.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. For a bright finish, add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon and a sprinkle of flaky salt. Serve hot.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5 to 8 minutes, or in a 425°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Freeze in a single layer, then store up to 2 months; reheat from frozen at 380°F for 8 to 12 minutes, shaking once.