Name: Sweet Potato Tots
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lb peeled sweet potatoes; 3 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tbsp olive oil; salt to taste; flaky sea salt for garnish

Jump to Recipe · Leave a Review

Sweet potato tots are the ultimate comfort food with a delightful twist. Picture golden bites, crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, bursting with the natural sweetness of fresh sweet potatoes. These little gems are more than just a side dish; they’re a snack that invites friends and family to gather around the table. Not only are they incredibly tasty, but they’re also a fun addition to any meal, making them perfect for kids (and kids at heart) who might be a bit skeptical about vegetables.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Sweet Potato Tots
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Sweet Potato Tots

I stumbled upon making these sweet potato tots when I was craving something crispy yet healthy. After trying out various recipes, I found that with just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that’s as good as any restaurant version — if not better! With their budget-friendly nature and crowd-pleasing appeal, you’ll want to whip up a batch for your next gathering or a simple family dinner. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking — trust me, you’ll want to try these!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: With only 15 minutes of prep and 45 minutes to bake, you can have these tots ready for snacking in no time!
Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet potatoes, garlic, and spices will have your taste buds dancing.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Who can resist tiny, golden, crispy nuggets that are just begging to be dipped?
Flexible Serving: Perfect as a snack, side dish, or appetizer—great for parties or casual nights at home!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by substituting with gluten-free flour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 lb peeled sweet potatoes: Choose firm, fresh sweet potatoes to ensure the best flavor and texture. Substitute with butternut squash if unavailable.
3 tbsp all-purpose flour: This helps bind the sweet potatoes while giving them an ideal crispy texture. For a gluten-free version, almond flour or coconut flour can work.
1 tsp paprika: Adds a mild sweetness and vibrant color. Smoked paprika can give a lovely depth of flavor!
1 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the savory note of the tots. Fresh minced garlic can also be used, though you may need to adjust the quantity.
1 tsp dried oregano: Offers an herbaceous lift. Other herbs like thyme or Italian seasoning can be swapped in as well.
1 tbsp olive oil: For mixing and brushing, contributing to that perfect golden crust. Avocado oil is a great alternative if you prefer a higher smoke point.
Salt to taste: Essential for bringing out the natural sweetness. Don’t forget to taste and adjust accordingly!
Flaky sea salt for garnish: A final sprinkle balances the sweetness and adds a beautiful finishing touch.

How to Make Sweet Potato Tots

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Boil the sweet potatoes: Fill a large pot with about 4 cups of water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a vigorous boil. Once boiling, carefully add the peeled sweet potatoes and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until they’re about two-thirds cooked. This softening step is crucial for the perfect texture!

Grate the sweet potatoes: Remove the sweet potatoes from the pot and allow them to cool slightly. Once they are manageable, grate them into a large bowl for a light, fluffy mixture.

Mix the ingredients: To the grated sweet potatoes, add 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, a sprinkle of salt, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix until well combined; this blend of flavors is what makes the sweet potato tots stand out!

Shape the tots: Using a tablespoon scoop or your hands, form the mixture into small tater-tot shapes and neatly arrange them on the lined baking sheet. Your hands might get a little messy, but that’s part of the fun!

Brush with olive oil: Lightly brush each tater tot with the remaining olive oil, ensuring they will crisp up nicely as they bake. This small step makes a big difference in texture!

Bake until golden: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. After that, flip each tot carefully with a spatula and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crisp. You’ll want to start salivating at the lovely aromas wafting from your oven!

Cool slightly before serving: Once baked, allow the sweet potato tots to cool slightly so they can firm up before you dig in. The wait will be worth it when you savor that first bite!

Storing & Reheating

To store any leftover sweet potato tots, keep them at room temperature for up to 2 hours if you plan to enjoy them soon. For longer storage, refrigerate them in an airtight container, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the tots individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a sealed bag, which helps avoid clumping. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in a 400°F (204°C) oven for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Just a heads up: the texture may change slightly after freezing, but a quick reheat should bring back some of that delightful crispiness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Watch for overcooking: Your sweet potatoes should be tender enough to grate but not mushy. If they become too soft, the tots may not hold their shape.
Using cold sweet potatoes will make grating more difficult — give them just enough time to cool.
If you want a crispier texture, consider adding a bit of cornmeal to the mixture; it helps with crunch!
Experiment with spices: Feel free to play around with different seasonings based on your flavor preferences, like cumin or chili powder for a spicy kick.
Make in advance: You can shape the sweet potato tots ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for an hour before baking, making them a quick option for busy days.

Sweet potato tots are truly a delightful treat that countless variations can make. I encourage you to experiment and find the perfect flavor combinations for yourself. Whether you enjoy them as a snack during movie night or as a fun side at dinner, they’re bound to be a hit with everyone. So gather your ingredients, bring your loved ones together, and experience the joy of these tasty bites.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Absolutely! While sweet potatoes give these tots their signature flavor, you can use regular russet or Yukon gold potatoes if you prefer. Just note that the final taste and sweetness will differ.

How do I make these tots crispy?

For extra crispiness, ensure that your baking sheet is well-oiled, and do not overcrowd the tots on the sheet. Spacing them out allows for even crisping in the oven. Flipping them midway through baking helps, too!

Can I make sweet potato tots ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and form the tots a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Alternatively, you can bake them ahead of time and reheat when needed.

How do I serve sweet potato tots?

These little bites are incredibly versatile! Serve them as an appetizer with various dips like ranch, guacamole, or even a sweet chili sauce. They also pair wonderfully with burgers or grilled meats. Enjoy them however you like!

More Air Fryer Recipes

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card