Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes Recipe

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 medium sweet potatoes (about 500g), peeled and cut into 2cm cubes</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp olive oil</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp smoked paprika</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp garlic powder</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp onion powder</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp dried thyme</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">3/4 tsp salt</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp black pepper</li> </ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing bowl</li> </ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 3 minutes. Preheating ensures the sweet potatoes start cooking immediately when they enter the air fryer, which helps develop that perfect crispy exterior. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> While the air fryer preheats, peel your sweet potatoes and cut them into even 2cm cubes. Try to keep the cubes as uniform as possible to ensure they cook evenly. Smaller cubes will cook faster and become crispier, while larger pieces will stay more tender inside. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Place the sweet potato cubes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss well to coat each piece evenly. The thin coating of oil is essential for creating that beautifully crisp exterior while helping the seasonings adhere to the surface. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture over the oiled sweet potatoes and toss thoroughly until each cube is evenly coated. The spices will create a flavorful crust as they cook. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> Open your preheated air fryer and arrange the seasoned sweet potato cubes in a single layer, giving them a little space between pieces. Avoid overcrowding, as this will cause them to steam rather than becoming crispy. If needed, cook in batches for the best results. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Cook the sweet potato cubes at 200°C (390°F) for 8 minutes, then open the air fryer basket and gently shake or use tongs to flip the cubes. This ensures they brown evenly on all sides. The sweet potatoes should be starting to brown on some edges but still be slightly firm. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, checking occasionally, until the sweet potato cubes are golden brown on the outside and fork-tender on the inside. The natural sugars in sweet potatoes caramelize beautifully in the high heat of the air fryer, creating those irresistible crispy edges. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Carefully remove the sweet potato cubes from the air fryer – they'll be very hot! Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, perhaps adding a final light sprinkle of salt while they're still hot. Serve immediately while they're at their crispiest, as they will gradually soften as they cool. </li> </ol>