Homemade Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots Magic in 20 Minutes
Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside sweet potato tot that’s both guilt-free and incredibly delicious. These air fryer sweet potato tots are game-changers for busy families and health-conscious snackers alike.
Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep, they’re the perfect alternative to store-bought frozen tots. Just like our popular air fryer chicken wings, these tots prove that air frying creates restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite side dish!
What Are Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots?
Ever wonder why these little bundles of joy are called “tots”? Think tiny, think cute, think totally irresistible! These bite-sized pieces of heaven transform humble sweet potatoes into crispy golden nuggets that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.
They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and trust me, these sweet potato tots are the express route. Whether you call them tots, bites, or little potato pillows, one thing’s certain: you need to make them today!
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots Recipe
Nutritious Without Sacrificing Flavor
These air fryer sweet potato tots deliver all the crispy, satisfying crunch you crave with a fraction of the oil used in traditional deep-frying. Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin A, fiber, and natural sweetness that makes every bite absolutely delightful. The air fryer works its magic to create that perfect golden exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender.
Budget-Friendly Home Cooking
Making these tots at home costs significantly less than buying frozen varieties at the store. A couple of sweet potatoes, basic pantry spices, and a tiny drizzle of oil are all you need. You’ll save money while controlling exactly what goes into your family’s food—no preservatives, no mystery ingredients, just pure wholesome goodness.
Endless Flavor Possibilities
The beauty of homemade tots lies in customization. Season them with smoky paprika, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne for a savory kick. Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an elevated touch. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces—sriracha mayo, honey mustard, or classic ketchup all work beautifully. Similar to our air fryer zucchini fries, these tots are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with any meal.
Ready to transform your snack game? Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots
Quick Overview
These air fryer sweet potato tots are remarkably simple to prepare, requiring just basic ingredients and minimal hands-on time. The recipe delivers perfectly crispy exteriors with fluffy, flavorful centers that rival any restaurant version.
Time Breakdown:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 30-33 minutes
- Servings: 4-6 people (about 24 tots)
The key to success is getting the moisture out of the grated sweet potatoes and shaping them into compact cylinders. Your air fryer does the heavy lifting, creating that coveted crispiness without deep frying.
Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots
- 2 large sweet potatoes (about 1.5 pounds) – peeled and grated
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch or flour – helps bind the tots together
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – adds savory depth
- 1 teaspoon paprika – for color and mild smokiness
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – enhances overall flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – adds gentle heat
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) – for spice lovers
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray – ensures crispiness
- 1 large egg – binds everything together
Optional additions: Fresh chopped parsley, shredded Parmesan cheese, or your favorite seasoning blend
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling your sweet potatoes and grating them using the large holes of a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment. This creates uniform shreds that cook evenly. Once grated, place all the sweet potato shreds into a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels.
Step 2: Remove Excess Moisture
This is the most crucial step for crispy tots! Wrap the grated sweet potatoes tightly in the towel and squeeze firmly over the sink. You’ll be amazed at how much liquid comes out. Keep squeezing until no more moisture drips out. This step ensures your tots hold together and get crispy rather than soggy.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
Transfer the dried sweet potato to a large mixing bowl. Add the cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using. Crack in the egg and mix everything together thoroughly using your hands or a sturdy spoon. The mixture should hold together when pressed but won’t be overly wet.
Step 4: Shape the Tots
Take about 1-2 tablespoons of the mixture and roll it between your palms into a small cylinder or oval shape, similar to traditional tater tots. Press firmly so they hold together well. Place each formed tot on a plate or baking sheet. You should get approximately 24 tots from this recipe.
Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures even cooking from the moment the tots go in. While it’s heating, lightly brush or spray each tot with olive oil on all sides. This helps achieve that beautiful golden color and crispy texture.
Step 6: Air Fry in Batches
Arrange the tots in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking and less crispiness. Depending on your air fryer size, you’ll likely need to cook them in 2-3 batches.
Step 7: Cook and Flip
Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, then carefully flip each tot using tongs or a spatula. Continue cooking for another 7-10 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy all over. The total cooking time is 15-18 minutes per batch.
Step 8: Keep Warm and Serve
As each batch finishes, transfer the cooked tots to a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to keep warm while you cook the remaining batches. Once all tots are ready, serve immediately while hot and crispy with your favorite dipping sauces.
What to Serve Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots With
These versatile tots complement countless dishes and occasions:
For Game Day Spreads: Serve alongside buffalo chicken dip, loaded nachos, and chicken wings for the ultimate snack table. Add a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, and BBQ for variety.
As a Side Dish: These tots pair beautifully with burgers, grilled chicken, pulled pork sandwiches, or fish tacos. They’re a healthier alternative to traditional French fries that everyone will love.
For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve them with scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, and fresh fruit for a sweet and savory morning meal. They’re especially delicious with a sunny-side-up egg on top!
Dipping Sauce Ideas:
- Spicy sriracha mayo (mix mayo with sriracha and lime juice)
- Honey mustard
- Garlic aioli
- Chipotle ranch
- Classic ketchup
- Avocado crema
- Sweet chili sauce
Beverage Pairings: These tots go great with craft beers, fresh lemonade, iced tea, or sparkling water with citrus.
Top Tips for Perfecting Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots
Get the Moisture Out
The number one secret to crispy tots is removing as much liquid as possible from the grated sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes contain more moisture than regular potatoes, so be aggressive with squeezing. If you skip this step, your tots will fall apart and turn mushy.
Don’t Skip the Egg
While some recipes claim you can make tots without eggs, the egg acts as essential glue that holds everything together during air frying. For vegan versions, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit 5 minutes).
Size Matters
Keep your tots uniform in size so they cook evenly. Aim for about 1-2 tablespoons of mixture per tot. If some are much larger, they’ll need extra cooking time while smaller ones might burn.
Give Them Space
Never overcrowd the air fryer basket. Proper air circulation is what creates that crispy exterior. Leave at least 1/4 inch between each tot for optimal results.
Adjust for Your Air Fryer
All air fryers cook slightly differently. Start checking your tots at the 12-minute mark. Some may need up to 20 minutes depending on the model. Look for deep golden-brown color and firm texture.
Boost the Flavor
Experiment with different seasonings! Try Italian herbs, taco seasoning, ranch seasoning mix, or everything bagel seasoning. You can also mix in finely grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Make Ahead Option
Shape the tots and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze for 2 hours until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen by adding 3-5 extra minutes to the cooking time.
Rescue Soggy Tots
If your tots aren’t getting crispy enough, spray them with a bit more oil halfway through cooking and increase the temperature to 425°F for the last few minutes.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator Storage
Allow leftover tots to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freezing Instructions
For longer storage, freeze the cooked tots on a baking sheet until solid (about 2 hours), then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll maintain quality for up to 3 months. Label with the date so you remember when you made them.
Reheating for Best Results
The air fryer is your best friend for reheating! Preheat to 375°F and cook refrigerated tots for 3-5 minutes or frozen tots for 8-10 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwaving, as this makes them soggy and ruins the texture.
Oven Reheating Alternative
If you don’t have an air fryer available, reheat in a 400°F oven on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes. The wire rack allows air circulation underneath, helping them crisp up nicely.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (6 tots) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145 |
| Total Fat | 4g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Sodium | 225mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Vitamin A | 180% DV |
| Vitamin C | 15% DV |
| Calcium | 4% DV |
| Iron | 6% DV |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these air fryer sweet potato tots without an egg?
Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or 2 tablespoons of unsweetened applesauce. The egg helps bind the ingredients, so make sure you really squeeze out the moisture from the sweet potatoes if using alternatives.
Why are my sweet potato tots falling apart?
The most common reason is too much moisture in the grated sweet potatoes. Make sure you squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a kitchen towel. Also, ensure you’re using enough binding agent (cornstarch and egg) and pressing the mixture firmly when shaping the tots.
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Regular russet or Yukon gold potatoes work great with this same method. You might need slightly less cornstarch since regular potatoes contain less moisture than sweet potatoes. The cooking time remains the same.
How do I keep my sweet potato tots crispy?
The key is removing moisture before cooking and not overcrowding the air fryer basket. Make sure to lightly oil the tots before cooking, and serve them immediately for maximum crispiness. Reheating in the air fryer also helps restore crispiness.
Can I bake these in a regular oven instead?
Yes! Preheat your oven to 425°F and place the tots on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. They won’t be quite as crispy as air-fried versions but still delicious.
What’s the best dipping sauce for sweet potato tots?
Popular options include sriracha mayo, chipotle ranch, honey mustard, garlic aioli, or classic ketchup. The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes pairs wonderfully with spicy or tangy sauces.
Can I add cheese to the sweet potato tot mixture?
Yes! Mix in 1/4 cup of finely grated Parmesan, cheddar, or your favorite cheese into the mixture. This adds extra flavor and helps with binding. Just be aware that cheese can burn easily, so watch them carefully during the last few minutes of cooking.
How long do homemade sweet potato tots last?
Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, they’ll stay fresh for 3-4 days. Frozen tots last up to 3 months. Always reheat in the air fryer or oven for best texture.
Can I make these tots spicier?
Definitely! Increase the cayenne pepper, add some red pepper flakes, or mix in a tablespoon of hot sauce to the mixture. You can also toss the cooked tots in buffalo sauce or serve with spicy dipping sauces.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
While peeling creates a more uniform texture and appearance, you can leave the skin on for extra nutrition and fiber. Just scrub the sweet potatoes well before grating if keeping the skin on.
Expert Tips from a Recipe Developer
After making these air fryer sweet potato tots countless times, I’ve discovered that the brand of sweet potato matters. Look for sweet potatoes that feel firm and heavy for their size—these contain less water and produce crispier results. Avoid any with soft spots or sprouting eyes.
Temperature consistency is crucial. If you’re making multiple batches, give your air fryer a minute to come back up to temperature between batches. This ensures each batch gets that perfect golden exterior.
For entertaining, I love setting up a “tot bar” with various dipping sauces, toppings like crumbled bacon or chives, and different seasoning blends guests can sprinkle on. It becomes an interactive experience that everyone enjoys!
Finally, don’t be discouraged if your first batch isn’t perfect. Air fryer cooking has a learning curve, and each model behaves differently. Take notes on timing and temperature adjustments that work for your specific air fryer, and you’ll be making restaurant-quality tots in no time!
These air fryer sweet potato tots have become a weekly staple in my kitchen, and I know they’ll become a favorite in yours too. They’re proof that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing the foods you love—it just means making smarter choices. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish, party snack, or guilty pleasure, these tots deliver every single time. Happy cooking!
