These Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with natural sweetness and savory spices. They’re quick, easy, and perfect as a healthy side dish, snack, or meal prep option. With minimal oil and a fast cook time, these sweet potato cubes are a delicious way to enjoy this nutritious root vegetable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy outside and soft inside without deep-frying
- Quick and easy—ready in under 20 minutes
- Healthy, gluten-free, and naturally sweet
- Perfect as a side dish, salad topping, or snack
- Customizable with your favorite seasonings
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for a sweet-savory combo)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup for sweetness
Directions

- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare the sweet potatoes:
- Peel and cut the sweet potatoes into evenly sized ½-inch cubes for even cooking.
- In a large bowl, toss the cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cinnamon (if using), salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Air fry the sweet potatoes:
- Place the sweet potato cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket (cook in batches if necessary).
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping.
- Serve:
- Remove from the air fryer and sprinkle with fresh parsley or a drizzle of honey if desired. Serve hot as a side dish or snack.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Sweet Potatoes: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder for extra heat.
- Sweet Version: Toss with cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup after cooking for a sweet treat.
- Herb-Roasted: Add rosemary, thyme, or oregano for a more savory, herbaceous flavor.
- Parmesan-Crusted: Toss with grated Parmesan after cooking for a cheesy twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy again.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer.
FAQs
Can I cook frozen sweet potato cubes in the air fryer?
Yes, but increase the cook time to 18-20 minutes and shake the basket every 5 minutes for even cooking.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling is optional! The skin contains fiber and crisps up nicely in the air fryer. Just scrub them well if you leave the skin on.
How do I get the sweet potato cubes extra crispy?
Make sure the cubes are cut evenly, don’t overcrowd the basket, and cook in batches if necessary. A little cornstarch tossed with the seasoning can also help add crispiness.
What oil works best for air frying?
Olive oil, avocado oil, or grapeseed oil work well due to their high smoke points.
Can I make these without oil?
Yes, but the cubes may not get as crispy. You can use a light spray of cooking oil for better results.
Are sweet potatoes healthier than regular potatoes?
Yes, sweet potatoes are high in fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious choice.
What’s the best dipping sauce for sweet potato cubes?
Try garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, honey mustard, or a yogurt-based dip for extra flavor.
Can I add cheese to sweet potato cubes?
Yes! Add grated Parmesan in the last 2-3 minutes of air frying for a cheesy, crispy finish.
Do sweet potato cubes work for meal prep?
Yes, they reheat well and are great for adding to salads, bowls, or wraps throughout the week.
Can I season sweet potatoes after cooking?
Yes, but seasoning them before cooking allows the spices to stick better and enhances the flavor during air frying.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes are the perfect combination of crispy, tender, and naturally sweet. Quick to prepare and easy to customize, they’re a healthy and flavorful addition to any meal. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, a snack, or part of a meal prep plan, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
PrintAir Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes Recipe
These Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavor! With just a handful of ingredients, this quick and healthy side dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. They’re naturally gluten-free, vegan, and ready in under 20 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for extra depth)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
2. Prepare the sweet potatoes:
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the sweet potato cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cumin (if using), salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Cook the sweet potatoes:
- Place the seasoned sweet potato cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding).
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
4. Serve:
- Once golden brown and crispy on the outside, remove from the air fryer.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve immediately as a side dish, salad topping, or snack.
Notes
- Sweet & Spicy: Add 1 teaspoon of brown sugar and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Herb-Infused: Toss with rosemary or thyme for a fragrant twist.
- Parmesan Garlic: Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the sweet potatoes during the last 2 minutes of air frying.