These air fryer roasted sweet potato cubes are one of those simple recipes I make on repeat. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside, and packed with flavor. The air fryer makes them golden and caramelized in half the time of the oven. You’ll love how easy they are and how they go with almost anything.
Servings: 4
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: About 25 minutes
Right after you pull them out of the air fryer, they’re perfectly crispy and ready to serve.
Why I Love This Recipe
The first time I made these, I was just trying to use up a couple of sweet potatoes sitting on the counter. I tossed them with olive oil, salt, and a little paprika and hoped for the best. When I opened the air fryer, I couldn’t believe how crispy they looked. That caramelized smell filled the kitchen, and I knew I had a winner.
Now I make them all the time because:
- They’re quick and don’t heat up the whole kitchen
- They turn out crispy without deep frying
- They’re naturally sweet and full of flavor
- They pair with almost any main dish
- They’re simple but feel special
What You’ll Need
- 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1 ½ pounds), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Tools Required
- Air fryer
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula or tongs
Recipe & Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Sweet Potatoes
Peel 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1 ½ pounds total). Cut them into 1-inch cubes. Try to keep them about the same size so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Season the Cubes
Place the 1-inch sweet potato cubes into a large mixing bowl. Add 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Toss well until every cube is coated and glossy.
Step 3: Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Spread the seasoned sweet potato cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The cubes should be golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, transfer the crispy sweet potato cubes to a round white bowl. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley if using. Serve warm.
Pro Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed for crispier edges.
- Cut cubes evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Shake halfway through cooking for even browning.
- If you like extra crisp, cook 2–3 minutes longer but watch closely.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Sweet potatoes are high in natural sugars. When cooked at high heat, those sugars caramelize. That’s what gives you those golden brown edges and deep flavor. The air fryer uses hot circulating air, which pulls moisture from the outside and helps create a crispy surface without needing much oil.
Macros Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 190
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap paprika for smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Add ½ teaspoon garlic powder for more savory taste.
- Sprinkle cinnamon instead of paprika for a sweeter version.
- Use avocado oil instead of olive oil.
Make Ahead Tips
You can peel and cube the sweet potatoes up to 24 hours ahead. Store them in water in the fridge. Drain and dry very well before seasoning.
Common Mistakes
- Cutting cubes too big. They won’t cook through evenly.
- Skipping the preheat. You’ll miss out on crispiness.
- Not drying the cubes well if rinsed. Extra moisture causes steaming.
- Overcrowding the basket. That makes them soft instead of crispy.
What to Serve With
- Grilled chicken
- Baked salmon
- Burgers
- Fried or scrambled eggs
- A fresh green salad
They’re also great tossed into a grain bowl.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes to bring back the crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want them crispy.
FAQ
Can I leave the skin on?
Yes. Just scrub them well. The skin gets slightly crispy too.
Do I have to peel them?
No, peeling is optional. It’s just a texture preference.
Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
Yes, but they may not get as crispy. Add a few extra minutes of cook time.
How do I make them spicier?
Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
Final Thoughts
This is one of those recipes that proves simple is best. A few basic ingredients, a hot air fryer, and you’ve got crispy, golden sweet potato cubes that taste amazing. Give them a try and make them your own. Once you do, you’ll want to keep them in your regular meal rotation.