Let me tell you about my favorite kitchen shortcut – air fryer roasted sweet potato cubes. I used to avoid making roasted veggies because heating up the whole oven for one tray felt ridiculous. Then I discovered the magic of air frying, and wow, what a game-changer. These little golden cubes come out perfectly crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and ready in half the time of traditional roasting. The best part? You only need a tablespoon of oil to make them shine. My kids actually fight over these now – that’s how good they are. Trust me, once you try air fryer sweet potatoes, you’ll never go back to soggy microwave versions again.
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Crispy Air Fryer Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes in 20 Minutes
Crispy and tender sweet potato cubes made in the air fryer for a quick and healthy side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Place cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Remove when golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Cut sweet potatoes into even-sized cubes for uniform cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes
Let me count the ways these sweet potato cubes will steal your heart:
- They’re crazy fast – Done in 20 minutes flat (no waiting for the oven to preheat)
- That perfect crunch – Crispy edges with pillowy-soft centers, every single time
- Guilt-free goodness – Just a glug of oil makes them healthier than deep-fried fries
- Goes with EVERYTHING – Breakfast bowls, salad toppers, taco fillings – you name it.
Seriously, these little orange gems might just become your new kitchen MVP. I know they’re mine. You can find more inspiration for quick sides like this on Pinterest.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes
Here’s all you need for sweet potato perfection – I promise your pantry already has most of this:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes (about 1 lb total), peeled and cubed (trust me, peeling makes a difference)
- 1 tbsp olive oil – just enough to make them glisten
- 1/2 tsp salt – brings out all that natural sweetness
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – for that little kick
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional but oh-so-good)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
No olive oil? Avocado oil works great too – anything with a high smoke point. Skip the paprika if you’re not into smoky flavors (though my kids swear it makes them taste like french fries). The real secret? Cubes cut exactly the same size. I aim for 3/4-inch pieces – too big and they won’t crisp, too small and they’ll dry out. And don’t even get me started on leaving the skins on – they get weirdly tough in the air fryer.
How to Make Air Fryer Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes
Okay, here’s my foolproof method for perfect sweet potato cubes every single time – I’ve burned enough batches to know what works.
- Preheat that air fryer to 400°F (200°C) – this is non-negotiable for crispiness. Mine takes about 3 minutes to heat up.
- Toss your cubed sweet potatoes with oil and spices in a big bowl. Get in there with your hands – you want every little piece coated.
- Single layer is key – Spread them in the basket without overlapping. (If they’re piled up, they’ll steam instead of roast. Disaster)
- Cook for 10 minutes, then shake that basket like a Polaroid picture. This is when I do my little “check for doneness” dance.
- Cook another 5-10 minutes until they’re golden and crispy at the edges. Test one – it should be fork-tender inside.
That’s it, You’ve just made the easiest, tastiest side dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. Pro tip: the cook time might vary by a few minutes depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them after the first shake.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
After burning, undercooking, and generally messing up more batches than I’d like to admit, here’s what I’ve learned: Don’t crowd the basket (I split mine into two batches if needed). Uneven cuts = uneven cooking (get that knife work precise). And if they’re not crispy enough? Add 2-3 more minutes – sweet potatoes can take it.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes
Oh, the places these sweet potato cubes will go. My absolute favorite is tossing them into a big kale salad with goat cheese and balsamic – the sweet and tangy combo just sings. They’re also killer alongside simple grilled chicken or piled onto breakfast tacos with scrambled eggs. Last week I got wild and mixed them into my grain bowl with quinoa and tahini, and wow, game changer. Basically, if you can eat it, these sweet potato cubes will make it better. (Though fair warning – they rarely make it to the plate in my house because I keep “taste testing” straight from the basket)
Storage & Reheating Instructions
These sweet potato cubes keep surprisingly well. Pop any leftovers in an airtight container – they’ll stay good in the fridge for 3-4 days (if they last that long). When you’re ready to revive them, toss them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes. They’ll crisp right back up like magic – way better than soggy microwave reheating. Pro tip: I sometimes make a double batch just to have these ready for quick meals all week.
Air Fryer Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes Nutritional Information
Let’s talk nutrition – these sweet potato cubes pack all the good stuff. Naturally rich in vitamins and fiber, they’re a guilt-free side that actually tastes indulgent. (Just remember – nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and brands.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave the skins on my sweet potatoes?
I don’t recommend it – the skins get weirdly tough and chewy in the air fryer. Peeling gives you that perfect tender interior texture we all love. (Though if you’re feeling rebellious, give it a try and see what you think)
How do I prevent sticking without using too much oil?
Make sure your basket is nice and hot before adding the potatoes, and don’t skip that preheating step. A light coating of oil on the cubes themselves is plenty – no need to grease the basket.
Can I make these ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely, They reheat beautifully in the air fryer. Just store them in the fridge and give them a quick 3-4 minute warm-up when you’re ready to eat. They won’t be quite as crispy as fresh, but still way better than most meal prep veggies. Meal prepping sides like this makes weeknight dinners a breeze.
Why are my sweet potato cubes soggy?
Two likely culprits: overcrowding the basket (they steam instead of crisp) or not shaking halfway through. Give them space and that mid-cook shake, and you’ll get perfect crispiness every time. If you are looking for other crispy vegetable ideas, check out our crispy smashed potatoes with rosemary.
