Oh, sweet potatoes, the humble root that manages to steal the spotlight in any dish! These crispy air fryer sweet potato cubes—it’s like a texture party, with that perfect crunch on the outside and a soft, buttery inside. Honestly, they remind me of those fall evenings when the air is crisp, and everything feels cozy.
Steps
- Begin by washing and peeling one pound of sweet potatoes, typically about two large ones. Use a sharp knife to slice each potato into rounds that are half to one inch thick.
- Cut each round into half-inch cubes. Ensure that all sweet potato pieces are similar in size to allow for even cooking.
- Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a bowl and add one tablespoon of olive oil. Season with half a teaspoon of harissa, half a teaspoon of garlic powder, a quarter plus an eighth teaspoon of salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Arrange the seasoned sweet potato cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer is small, work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook the sweet potatoes at 400°F for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Check for doneness around the 8-minute mark as cooking times may vary based on the air fryer and cube size.
- Once cooked, remove the sweet potatoes and enjoy them as a snack or incorporate them into meals like rice bowls, tacos, or salads.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (approx. 2 large) Red Garnet sweet potatoes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon harissa spice blend (or substitute with smoked paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 174kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 288mg | Potassium: 519mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 21456IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 1mg
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of sweet potato for this recipe?
- Absolutely! While the recipe uses the Red Garnet variety, you can substitute it with any other sweet potato type, such as Beauregard or Japanese sweet potatoes. Just remember, the sweetness and texture might slightly vary.
- What if I don’t have harissa spice blend?
- If harissa is unavailable, you can swap it with smoked paprika, or simply season with salt and pepper. Other spices like cumin, coriander, or curry powder can also add great flavors.
- Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
- Yes, it’s recommended to preheat your air fryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure even cooking. This helps achieve the perfect crispy edges on the sweet potatoes.
- How do I ensure the sweet potatoes cook evenly?
- To cook evenly, cut the sweet potatoes into uniform-sized cubes and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to uneven cooking.
- What are some serving suggestions for air-fried sweet potatoes?
- These sweet potatoes can be enjoyed as a snack or added to various dishes like rice bowls, salads, or tacos. They pair well with chutneys or can be mixed with chickpeas for a hearty meal.
Tips
- Ensure all sweet potato cubes are of uniform size to promote even cooking in the air fryer.
- Arrange the cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent them from becoming crispy.
- If cooking in batches due to a smaller air fryer, note that subsequent batches may cook faster as the air fryer will be hotter from the previous batch.
- Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, such as cumin, coriander, or cinnamon, depending on your taste preferences or how you plan to serve the sweet potatoes.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – Essential for cooking the sweet potatoes as described in the recipe.
- Oil Spray Bottle – Useful for evenly coating the sweet potatoes with oil before air frying.
- Sharp Knife – For cutting the sweet potatoes into rounds and cubes.
