Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots: A Healthy & Delicious Side Dish

Sweet potato tots are a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional potato tots. Air frying them takes it to another level, resulting in crispy, golden-brown tots with a tender, slightly sweet interior. This recipe is easy to follow and yields perfect tots every time. Whether you’re looking for a kid-friendly snack, a healthy side dish, or a tasty appetizer, these air fryer sweet potato tots are sure to be a hit.

## Why Air Fry Sweet Potato Tots?

Air frying offers several advantages over traditional baking or deep frying:

* **Healthier:** Air frying uses significantly less oil than deep frying, reducing the fat content of the tots. It also avoids the need for excessive oil when baking, making it a much healthier choice.
* **Crispier Texture:** The circulating hot air in an air fryer creates a uniformly crispy exterior that is difficult to achieve in a conventional oven.
* **Faster Cooking Time:** Air frying cooks food much faster than baking, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
* **Easy Cleanup:** Air fryers are typically easy to clean, especially if you use parchment paper liners.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Sweet Potatoes:** About 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed.
* **Tapioca Starch (or Cornstarch):** This helps bind the tots and create a crispy exterior. 2 tablespoons is generally sufficient.
* **Spices:** A blend of spices adds flavor and depth. Suggested spices include: 1 teaspoon of Garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of Onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of Smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon of Salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of Black pepper. You can adjust these based on your preference.
* **Olive Oil (or Avocado Oil):** A little bit of oil helps to promote browning and crispiness. 1 tablespoon is generally sufficient.
* **Optional Add-ins:** For extra flavor and nutrition, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme), or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

## Equipment Needed

* **Air Fryer:** Any air fryer will work, but a larger capacity air fryer is ideal for cooking larger batches.
* **Food Processor (or Potato Ricer):** A food processor makes quick work of pureeing the sweet potatoes. A potato ricer can also be used for a smoother texture.
* **Mixing Bowl:** For combining the ingredients.
* **Parchment Paper (Optional):** To line the air fryer basket for easier cleanup.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to making perfect air fryer sweet potato tots:

**1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:**

* Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes. Smaller, uniform cubes will cook more evenly.

**2. Cook the Sweet Potatoes:**

* **Steaming:** The best way to cook the sweet potatoes for tots is steaming. Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a steamer basket over boiling water. Steam for 10-15 minutes, or until they are fork-tender but not mushy. This method helps retain more of the sweet potato’s natural sweetness and prevents them from becoming waterlogged.
* **Boiling (Alternative):** You can also boil the sweet potatoes. Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a pot of cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until fork-tender. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become mushy.
* **Microwaving (Quick Option):** If you’re short on time, you can microwave the sweet potatoes. Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a microwave-safe bowl with a tablespoon of water. Cover and microwave on high for 5-8 minutes, or until fork-tender. Check periodically to avoid overcooking.

**3. Puree the Sweet Potatoes:**

* **Food Processor:** Once the sweet potatoes are cooked and slightly cooled, place them in a food processor. Pulse until smooth. Be careful not to over-process, as this can make the puree gummy.
* **Potato Ricer:** Alternatively, you can use a potato ricer for a smoother texture. Press the cooked sweet potatoes through the ricer into a bowl.
* **Mash by Hand (Not Recommended):** Mashing by hand can leave lumps in the puree, so it’s best to use a food processor or potato ricer for a smoother, more uniform texture.

**4. Combine the Ingredients:**

* In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato puree, tapioca starch (or cornstarch), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

**5. Form the Tots:**

* This step can be a little messy, but it’s worth it! Take a small amount of the sweet potato mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons) and shape it into a tot. You can make them any size you like, but try to keep them consistent for even cooking. Aim for a cylindrical or oval shape, similar to store-bought tots.
* **Tips for Shaping:** Wet your hands slightly with water to prevent the mixture from sticking. You can also use a small cookie scoop or a spoon to portion out the mixture.
* **Alternative Shaping:** For a different presentation, consider shaping the mixture into small patties instead of tots.

**6. Air Fry the Tots:**

* Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is important for achieving a crispy exterior.
* Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or avocado oil. This will prevent the tots from sticking.
* Arrange the tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this will prevent them from cooking evenly. You may need to cook them in batches.
* Air fry for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the tots are golden brown and crispy. The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the size of the tots.
* **Checking for Doneness:** The tots are done when they are crispy on the outside and heated through on the inside. You can insert a toothpick into a tot to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, the tots are ready.

**7. Serve and Enjoy!**

* Remove the air fryer sweet potato tots from the air fryer and serve immediately. They are best enjoyed while they are still hot and crispy.
* **Serving Suggestions:** These tots are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of dipping sauces. Some popular options include ketchup, ranch dressing, honey mustard, sriracha mayo, or a homemade avocado crema. They also pair well with burgers, sandwiches, salads, or as a side dish to any main course.
* **Garnish:** Garnish the tots with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or chives, for added flavor and visual appeal.

## Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots

* **Don’t Overcook the Sweet Potatoes:** Overcooked sweet potatoes will result in mushy tots. Steam or boil them until they are fork-tender but still slightly firm.
* **Use Tapioca Starch or Cornstarch:** These starches help bind the tots and create a crispy exterior. Don’t skip this ingredient!
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket:** Overcrowding will prevent the tots from cooking evenly and becoming crispy. Cook them in batches if necessary.
* **Flip the Tots Halfway Through:** Flipping ensures that both sides of the tots are evenly cooked and crispy.
* **Adjust Cooking Time as Needed:** The exact cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the size of the tots. Keep an eye on them and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Preheat is Key:** Always preheat your air fryer before cooking. This helps to ensure even cooking and crispy results.
* **Parchment Paper for Easy Cleanup:** Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper for easier cleanup. Make sure the parchment paper is properly secured to prevent it from flying around inside the air fryer.
* **Add a Touch of Sweetness:** If you prefer sweeter tots, add a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey to the sweet potato mixture.
* **Experiment with Spices:** Feel free to experiment with different spices to create your own unique flavor combinations. Some other options include cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, or chili powder.

## Variations and Add-ins

* **Spicy Sweet Potato Tots:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sweet potato mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Cheesy Sweet Potato Tots:** Add grated Parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, or mozzarella cheese to the sweet potato mixture for cheesy tots. You can also sprinkle cheese on top of the tots during the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Herb Sweet Potato Tots:** Add chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley, to the sweet potato mixture for herby tots.
* **Garlic Parmesan Sweet Potato Tots:** Combine grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning to the sweet potato mixture for a savory and flavorful variation.
* **Vegan Sweet Potato Tots:** Ensure all ingredients are vegan-friendly. Use plant-based milk (if needed for consistency) and omit any cheese or animal-derived ingredients.
* **Loaded Sweet Potato Tots:** After air frying, top the tots with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, sour cream, chives, or salsa.

## Serving Suggestions

Air fryer sweet potato tots are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

* **Snack:** Serve them as a healthy and satisfying snack on their own or with a dipping sauce.
* **Side Dish:** Serve them as a side dish to burgers, sandwiches, chicken, or fish.
* **Appetizer:** Serve them as an appetizer at parties or gatherings.
* **Breakfast:** Serve them as a breakfast side dish with eggs or bacon.
* **Salad Topping:** Use them as a topping for salads for added flavor and texture.

## Dipping Sauce Ideas

* **Ketchup:** A classic choice for dipping tots.
* **Ranch Dressing:** A creamy and flavorful option.
* **Honey Mustard:** A sweet and tangy choice.
* **Sriracha Mayo:** A spicy and creamy option.
* **Avocado Crema:** A healthy and flavorful option made with avocado, lime juice, cilantro, and sour cream.
* **Spicy Ketchup:** Mix ketchup with a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Garlic Aioli:** A creamy and garlicky dip that complements the sweetness of the potatoes.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover air fryer sweet potato tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Air fry the tots for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in a conventional oven or microwave, but they will not be as crispy.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 150-200
* Fat: 5-8g
* Saturated Fat: 1-2g
* Cholesterol: 0mg
* Sodium: 100-200mg
* Carbohydrates: 25-35g
* Fiber: 3-5g
* Sugar: 5-10g
* Protein: 2-3g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Conclusion

These air fryer sweet potato tots are a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make side dish that everyone will love. With just a few simple ingredients and an air fryer, you can enjoy crispy, golden-brown tots that are packed with flavor and nutrients. So, give this recipe a try and discover your new favorite way to enjoy sweet potatoes!