Name: Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups sweet potato puree; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon coriander; ½ cup Panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs; Spray oil (for coating)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 3 reviews

I am absolutely thrilled to share my recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots with you. These tots deliver the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors wrapped in an irresistibly crunchy exterior that always delights my family and friends. What makes them truly special is how easy they are to whip up with just a handful of simple ingredients, plus they crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, creating a snack or side dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Whether you want a quick afternoon bite or a fun addition to dinner, these tots hit the spot every time.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots

From the first bite, I’m captivated by the sweet potato’s natural sweetness complemented by warm spices like cumin and coriander that add depth and a subtle earthiness. The crispiness on the outside contrasts perfectly with the soft, creamy interior, making these tots incredibly satisfying to eat. I love that the spices are delicate enough to let the sweet potato shine, yet they bring a comforting flavor that feels homey and special at the same time.

One of the best parts for me is how simple the preparation is. I just mix everything in one bowl, shape the tots, and air fry them with a light spray of oil. No deep frying, no messy cleanup. I have made these for casual family dinners, holiday gatherings, and even kid-friendly parties because they are universally loved. Plus, making them ahead and freezing makes snack time a breeze, which is perfect for busy days. This ease combined with flavor and texture is exactly why these Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots have become a staple in my kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass measuring bowl is placed on a white marbled surface, containing several layers of ingredients. The bottom layer is a coarse, light brown crumbly texture, taking up about half of the bowl's space. On top of this is a bright orange mashed mixture with a smooth, slightly chunky texture. Scattered over the orange layer are several small piles of fine, light brown and gray spices in uneven shapes. A red silicone spatula with a smooth handle rests inside the bowl, angled slightly to the right. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for these Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots are wonderfully simple but so important to achieving that perfect taste and texture. Each element brings something unique to the party, from the creamy base to the subtle seasonings and crunchy coating.

Sweet potato puree: The star of the recipe, this provides natural sweetness and a smooth texture inside the tots.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
Cumin: Adds a warm, slightly smoky note that deepens the flavor profile.
Coriander: Brings a subtle citrusy brightness that keeps the flavor fresh and interesting.
Panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs: These create the crisp, golden exterior that makes these tots irresistible.
Spray oil: Just a light mist helps achieve the perfect crisp without extra greasiness.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) so it’s ready to perfectly crisp your tots the moment they go in.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the sweet potato puree, salt, cumin, coriander, and breadcrumbs until everything is evenly mixed. This ensures every tot has a perfect flavor and texture balance.

Step 3: Shape the mixture into 1 tablespoon-sized tots. I find using a cookie scoop really speeds this up and keeps them uniform. Place the formed tots on one or two plates to prepare for cooking.

Step 4: Spray the tots lightly with spray oil, then gently move them around so the bottoms get coated as well. This helps them crisp evenly on all sides.

Step 5: Arrange the tots carefully in the air fryer basket, making sure to leave some space between each one. You’ll likely need to cook in 2-3 batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 6: Cook for 6-7 minutes, then gently flip each tot. If the tots feel very soft or mushy when you turn them, leave them an extra minute or two to firm up.

Step 7: Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes or until both sides are nicely crispy without burning.

Step 8: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like guacamole, ketchup, or a smoky chipotle mayo for a burst of flavor.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 25 crispy tots, perfect for sharing with family or friends as a snack or side. The prep time is a quick 10 minutes, and cooking takes about 12 minutes per batch in the air fryer, so the total active time is around 22 minutes. If you make these ahead and freeze them, you add some resting time but save time when cooking on the day you want to serve them. These tots are best enjoyed hot and fresh from the air fryer.

How to Serve This Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots

The image shows a basket lined with brown paper printed with red logos, filled with many small, round, golden-brown crispy bites. Each bite is uniformly sized and has a crunchy, textured surface. The basket is placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. The lighting highlights the warm, inviting color of the crispy bites, making them look fresh and appetizing. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving these Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots as a versatile snack or side that pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. For a comforting meal, pair them with juicy grilled chicken or a fresh green salad dressed with tangy vinaigrette. The sweet and savory tots create a delightful contrast with crisp veggies or creamy dips.

Presentation is fun and easy. I like to arrange the tots in a shallow bowl or on a wooden tray surrounded by small ramekins of dipping sauces like guacamole, classic ketchup, or a zesty chipotle mayo. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like chopped cilantro or parsley, can brighten up the plate and add a touch of color that makes the dish pop.

When it comes to beverages, I find these tots go well with something refreshing like a sparkling lemonade or a light, fruity white wine. For casual gatherings or kid-approved parties, a cold soda or iced tea complements them perfectly. Serving these tots hot or warm is ideal because that’s when their crispy texture and rich flavor really shine.

Variations

I’ve experimented with a few variations of these sweet potato tots that I think you’ll love. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to maintain that crunchy texture. You can also swap regular breadcrumbs for panko to achieve an even lighter crispiness.

If you’re vegan or looking to reduce oil, skip the spray oil and try brushing the tots lightly with olive oil instead. Flavor-wise, I’ve loved adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a little cayenne for a spicy kick. You can also mix in some finely grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast for an umami boost if you like a cheesy note.

For those who don’t have an air fryer, baking is a fantastic alternative. Just bake the tots at 425°F for 20 minutes and then broil for a few minutes to get them crispy at the end. It’s almost as good and still much healthier and easier than deep frying.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots, I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I usually transfer them once cooled completely to keep their texture intact. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days, perfect for enjoying later in the week as a quick snack or side.

Freezing

These tots freeze wonderfully, which is great for meal prep. After forming the tots, I freeze them spread out on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a large freezer bag, pressing out excess air. This way, they won’t stick together. Frozen tots keep well for up to 1-2 months without losing flavor or texture, making it super convenient for busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, the air fryer is your best friend because it brings back that crisp exterior beautifully. Simply heat at 390°F for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soggy and lose their charm. If you’re using the oven, bake at 425°F for about 10 minutes to restore crunch.

FAQs

Can I use fresh sweet potatoes instead of puree?

Absolutely! You can cook and mash fresh sweet potatoes until smooth to make your own puree. Just be sure to remove as much moisture as possible by draining excess water or baking to avoid soggy tots.

Do I have to use coriander and cumin?

While coriander and cumin add lovely warmth and depth, you can customize the spices to your preference. Paprika, smoked paprika, or chili powder can also work well if you want a different flavor profile.

Can these be made vegetarian or vegan?

This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be vegan by choosing plant-based breadcrumbs. Just ensure any dips or accompaniments are vegan-friendly too.

What if my tots fall apart during cooking?

If your tots feel too soft or start to crumble, it often means the mixture is too wet. Try adding a bit more breadcrumbs or chilling the formed tots in the fridge before cooking to help them hold together better.

Can I cook these in a conventional oven?

Yes! Baking at 425°F for around 20 minutes, then broiling for 3-5 minutes to crisp up works well. Just keep an eye on them during broiling to avoid burning.

Conclusion

I honestly can’t recommend these Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots enough. They’re quick to make, irresistibly tasty, and perfect for so many occasions—whether a casual snack or a fun addition to dinner. Give them a try, and I’m sure they’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!