10 Reasons To Love Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes (And How To Make Them)
It started on a busy Tuesday evening. I had just 30 minutes to pull together something healthy, filling, and toddler-approved. The fridge? Barely stocked. But there, in the veggie drawer, sat two lonely sweet potatoes. Not exactly exciting until I chopped them into bite-sized cubes, tossed them with paprika and garlic powder, and popped them in the air fryer.
What came out blew me away.
Golden, crispy on the outside, perfectly tender inside, and packed with flavor those air fryer sweet potato cubes disappeared faster than anything else on the table. Even my picky eater asked for seconds. From that day on, it became a weekly ritual.
If you’re craving crispy and healthy sweet potato cubes that are quick to make and don’t require tons of oil or oven time, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll dive into every tip, trick, and method to help you nail the perfect batch plus answer questions like how long to cook sweet potato cubes, whether you need to soak them, and how to season them just right.
Looking for inspiration? Try these frozen sweet potato fries in the air fryer for another quick and tasty variation.
Table of Contents
Why Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes Are a Healthy and Delicious Choice
Benefits of Cooking Sweet Potatoes in an Air Fryer
Air fryer sweet potato cubes are a simple, healthy side you’ll want on repeat. The air fryer crisps them up with little to no oil, cutting calories while keeping all the flavor. It uses hot circulating air to cook cubes fast no oven needed, no messy frying pans.
Compared to roasting or frying, air frying is quicker, cleaner, and better for your health. Plus, the texture is unbeatable: crispy outside, soft inside every time.
Want a fry-style version? Check out this sweet potato fries recipe made for the air fryer.
Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Potato Cubes
Sweet potatoes are naturally high in:
- Vitamin A (over 300% DV)
- Fiber for gut health
- Potassium and vitamin C
When you cube and air fry them, you keep nutrients intact without adding unhealthy fats. That makes air fryer sweet potato cubes a great choice for weight loss, meal prep, or clean eating.
Need healthy snack ideas? Don’t miss our list of air fryer snacks for weight loss.
Air Fryer vs. Other Cooking Methods
| Method | Time | Texture | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Fryer | 12–15 min | Crispy | ~120 |
| Roasted | 30–35 min | Soft | ~160 |
| Fried | 8–10 min | Greasy Crisp | ~250+ |
When it comes to balance, air fryer sweet potato cubes win. They’re easy, fast, and deliciously healthy.
Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Equipment
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, or cooking spray)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and peel (optional) the sweet potatoes. Cut into even ½‑inch cubes.
- Optional: Soak cubes in cold water for 20 minutes to remove excess starch, then dry thoroughly.
- Pat cubes dry with a paper towel for crispiness.
- In a bowl, toss cubes with olive oil (if using), salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F (204 °C). Add cubes in a single layer—work in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking or tossing halfway through until golden and crisp.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
Preparing Sweet Potato Cubes for the Air Fryer
Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes
To get perfect air fryer sweet potato cubes, start with the right kind of sweet potato. Look for firm, smooth-skinned orange varieties like Jewel or Garnet. They’re sweeter, roast better, and deliver that soft-inside, crispy-outside texture everyone loves.
Avoid overly soft or sprouting potatoes they won’t cube or cook evenly.
Cutting Even Cubes for Best Results
For even cooking, cut your sweet potatoes into ½-inch cubes. The goal is consistency. Uneven cubes can burn or stay undercooked.
Quick tip:
- Wash, peel (optional), slice into rounds, then strips, then cubes.
Dry the cubes with a paper towel to remove moisture. Dry potatoes = crispier bites.
Want more snack-worthy veggie sides? Check out our healthy air fryer snack list.
Peel or No Peel?
Both work. Leaving the skin on adds texture and fiber, while peeling gives a cleaner bite. Just scrub well if keeping the skin.
Either way, you’re on track to golden, tasty air fryer sweet potato cubes every time.
How to Make Crispy & Healthy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Ingredients List for Classic and Healthy Versions
You only need a few ingredients to make air fryer sweet potato cubes crispy, healthy, and flavorful. Here’s a basic go-to list:
Classic Version:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (diced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or spray)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Healthy/Oil-Free Version:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- ½ teaspoon cumin or cinnamon
- Dash of salt
- Cooking spray (optional for extra crisp)
Whether you’re going savory or sweet, these ingredients keep things light, clean, and flavorful.
Step-by-Step Air Frying Instructions
- Prep the potatoes: Wash, peel (if desired), and cube into ½-inch pieces.
- Soak (optional): For extra crisp, soak cubes in cold water for 20 minutes, then dry completely.
- Season: Toss with oil and seasonings or coat dry cubes with spices only for an oil-free option.
- Air fry:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Add cubes in a single layer.
- Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Serve hot: Enjoy right away while the edges are still crisp.
These steps create the perfect crispy sweet potato cubes crunchy on the outside, fluffy inside.
Looking for variety? Don’t miss our crispy red potato air fryer recipe for another potato snack with texture and flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid for Best Results
- Skipping the dry step: Damp cubes = soggy results. Always pat dry.
- Overcrowding: Spread cubes in one layer. Cook in batches if needed.
- Using too much oil: A light coat or spray is all you need too much will make them soft, not crisp.
With the right prep and a few simple tips, your air fryer sweet potato cubes will turn out restaurant-worthy every time.
Conclusion: Crispy, Simple, and So Worth It
Whether you’re cooking a quick snack, prepping meals for the week, or trying to eat cleaner, air fryer sweet potato cubes deliver every time. They’re crispy, naturally sweet, easy to season, and incredibly versatile. Best of all? You don’t need much just a few ingredients, an air fryer, and 15 minutes.
From savory spice blends to sweet cinnamon twists, you can customize these cubes to match any meal or mood. Plus, they store well, reheat beautifully, and make sticking to healthy habits effortless.
Ready to expand your air fryer game? Don’t miss our full guide to the best air fryer vegetables for more crisp, flavorful ideas.
So grab those sweet potatoes and get cooking air fryer sweet potato cubes might just become your new favorite side.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook sweet potato cubes in the air fryer?
Cook air fryer sweet potato cubes at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway for even crisping.
Do you need to soak sweet potatoes before air frying?
No, but soaking for 20 minutes in cold water helps them crisp better by removing excess starch.
Can I make sweet potato cubes without oil in the air fryer?
Yes! Air fryer sweet potato cubes get crispy even without oil just dry them well and don’t overcrowd the basket.
What are good seasonings for sweet potato cubes?
Try:
Paprika + garlic powder (savory)
Cinnamon + sea salt (sweet)
Or go bold with chili, cumin, or ranch mix
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