Looking for a quick and healthy way to enjoy sweet potatoes? If you’re trying air fryer sweet potato cubes for the first time, you’ll be surprised at how easy and satisfying they are. With minimal oil and loads of flavor, they’re everything you want in a clean, comfort-style recipe.
Whether you’re prepping lunch, putting together salads, or building a nourish bowl, these golden, crunchy cubes fit right in. They’re also great for dipping into your favorite sauce or serving up with tacos. With less oil, this frying method gives you that classic roasting flavor and texture without the mess, and you can prepare everything so quickly and easily. Honestly, it’s one of the best ways I’ve found to make sweet potatoes taste this delish and healthy while still feeling like a treat.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
- 1x, 2x, or 3x — choose your batch size
- 1 pound Sweet Potatoes — peeled and ready
- 1 tablespoon Avocado Oil or olive oil — for coating
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic powder — adds flavor
- 1/3 teaspoon Salt — pink Himalayan salt works great
- 1/8 teaspoon Black Pepper — freshly cracked
Best Sweet Potatoes for Air Frying
When roasting sweet potatoes, your choice matters. After trying many varieties, I’ve found that orange-skinned types, especially Garnet sweet potatoes, always come out moist, creamy, and sweet. Make sure they’re firm and avoid any with bruises, discoloration, or turning softer. For freshness, store them in a cool, dry, and dark place that is well ventilated. Using Garnet sweet potatoes gives your air fryer sweet potato cubes the perfect creamy inside and crisp edges.
How to Cut Sweet Potatoes for Air Frying
Start by washing and peeling the skin, unless you’re using organic ones—some people like to skip peeling. Use a sharp chef’s knife because sweet potatoes can be firm and hard to cut. Slice them into halves or 3 pieces based on the length. Then place each portion vertically on a cutting board and make ½ inch slices. Lay each slice flat, then cut into cubes. Keeping the chunks or wedges similar in size ensures even cooking time. Uniform chunks help your air fryer sweet potato cubes cook evenly and get that golden roasted finish.
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes (Step-by-Step)
Place the cubes in a bowl and toss with avocado oil or olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is coated well. If your air fryer has a preheat feature like the Instant Vortex, set it to 400°F. Otherwise, you can skip preheating—both methods work. Put the cubes in a single layer in the basket to roast properly.
Set the air fryer to cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking it at 6 minutes for even texture. Want them crunchier? Add a few extra minutes. On regular days, I prefer the air fryer over the oven—it’s quicker and great for small quantities. For babies, chop into smaller pieces and cook for 8–10 minutes. If using the oven, preheat to 425°F and bake for 30 minutes, tossing every 10–15 minutes to cook evenly.
Best Seasonings for Extra Flavor
Garlic powder, smoked paprika, cinnamon, or even cumin bring out the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes. Tossing them with sea salt and cracked pepper enhances their roasted edges. For spicy lovers, a dash of chili flakes adds a kick. Experimenting with herbs can create new favorites every time. You can easily adjust the flavor of your air fryer sweet potato cubes depending on your mood—sweet, savory, or spicy.
Air Fryer vs Oven: Why Air Frying Wins
Air frying works by using rapid hot air circulation to cook food evenly from all sides. This creates that golden, crispy texture without needing to submerge anything in oil. Unlike oven roasting, where preheating can take 10–15 minutes and the whole kitchen gets warm, the air fryer heats instantly and keeps the space cool. It’s perfect for small meals and snacks, especially when you’re short on time. Plus, it uses significantly less oil, making it a healthier option without losing flavor or crunch. Whether you’re making sweet potatoes, fries, or veggies, air frying gives you that same roasted effect in nearly half the time with way less mess.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
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Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket — cubes need space to crisp up.
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Shake or flip at the halfway mark to get even browning on all sides.
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Use parchment paper with holes (perforated liners) for easier cleanup.
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Always taste and adjust seasoning after cooking — a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon can make a difference.
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Batch cooking tip: If making a larger quantity, cook in multiple small batches instead of one overloaded one.
Following these simple tricks will make your air fryer sweet potato cubes extra crispy every single time.
Also read:
Storage Tips for Leftovers
After cooking, allow the sweet potato cubes to cool completely before storing—this prevents moisture buildup that can make them soggy. Transfer them into a clean, airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, pop them back into the air fryer for about 3–4 minutes. This method helps restore the crispiness without drying them out. Avoid using a microwave, as it tends to make the cubes soft and uneven in texture, which takes away that perfect roasted bite. Reheating your leftover air fryer sweet potato cubes in the air fryer helps bring back that crispy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
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How to cook sweet potatoes in an air fryer in cubes?
Toss cubed sweet potatoes with oil and seasoning, place in a single layer, and air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through. -
Why do you soak sweet potatoes in water before air frying?
Soaking removes excess starch, which helps the cubes turn out crispier when air-fried. -
What temperature is for air frying sweet potatoes?
400°F is ideal for roasting sweet potatoes in the air fryer. -
What is the best way to cut potatoes for air frying?
Peel, slice into ½-inch rounds, lay flat, and cut into even cubes for uniform cooking.
Air fryer sweet potato cubes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash, peel, and cut the sweet potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Try to keep them evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Place the cubes in a mixing bowl. Add avocado oil or olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss well until all the cubes are evenly coated.
- If your air fryer has a preheat option (like the Instant Vortex), set it to 400°F and preheat for a few minutes. You can also skip this step—both methods work well.
- Transfer the seasoned cubes into the air fryer basket. Spread them out in a single layer so they crisp up nicely. Don’t overcrowd the basket.
- Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10–12 minutes. Shake the basket at the 6-minute mark to ensure even browning.
- If you like extra crispy cubes, add 2–3 more minutes of cook time. For babies or softer cubes, reduce the size and cook for 8–10 minutes.
- Serve hot as a side dish, snack, or add them to salads, nourish bowls, or tacos. They’re also great with dipping sauces!