Crispy on the outside, yet fluffy on the inside, these Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes make a perfect side dish or snack. Better yet, this recipe will only take you 30 minutes or less from prep to plate!

Jump to:
- Watch the Video
- Sweet Potato Cubes in the Air Fryer
- What We'll Cover
- Why air fry sweet potato cubes?
- What do I need to roast sweet potato cubes in the air fryer?
- Picking Sweet Potatoes for Roasting
- Storing Sweet Potatoes Before Cooking Them
- Cutting Sweet Potatoes into Cubes
- How to Air Fry Sweet Potato Cubes
- Toaster Oven Style Air Fryer Instructions
- Recipe Tips
- Try this recipe with...
- What to Make with Sweet Potato Cubes
- Flavor Variations
- Storing Leftovers
- FAQ
- Air Fryer Vegetables
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
- Feedback
Watch the Video
Sweet Potato Cubes in the Air Fryer
Sweet potatoes have long been one of our favorite vegetable side dishes to serve with dinner, and they're better than ever in the air fryer. Air frying sweet potato cubes renders them beautifully golden brown and crispy on the outside, while leaving them soft and fluffy on the inside. It is truly the best way to roast sweet potatoes!
What We'll Cover
Below, we'll cover what you'll need to air fry sweet potato cubes, in addition to picking the best sweet potatoes for roasting, cutting sweet potatoes into cubes, how to store the potatoes before cooking them, and full instructions for making this recipe in both basket-style and tray-style air fryer ovens.
If you need more help or want to let us know what you think, feel free to leave a comment at the bottom of the page. Or, if you're looking for answers to a specific question, check the table of contents above for a quick index.
Why air fry sweet potato cubes?
- It's quick: Between waiting for the oven to preheat and the actual roasting time, it can take up to an hour to make sweet potato cubes in the oven. Air frying, on the other hand, will only take you 30 minutes at most.
- It's easy: The only effort you're going to put into this dish is cutting the sweet potatoes, and that's not difficult at all. This recipe is as simple as seasoning the sweet potatoes and adding them to the air fryer with a little shake halfway through.
- The results are unbeatable: We're repeating ourselves here, but we mean it when we say these sweet potato cubes are delicious air fried. They're the perfect combination of textures: super crispy with a satisfying crunch, yet still fluffy and creamy with a sweet flavor.
- It's energy efficient, too: We've tested air frying vs. oven roasting when it comes to speed and energy efficiency, and the air fryer is much more efficient. See our article on air fryer energy efficiency for more info - coming soon!
What do I need to roast sweet potato cubes in the air fryer?

- Sweet Potatoes: The star of the dish, rich in vitamins and fiber. We love sweet potatoes because they are full of nutritional value (source). Look for medium-sized sweet potatoes that are firm, smooth, and free from blemishes or soft spots.
- Olive Oil or Avocado Oil: Oil such as light or extra virgin olive oil, or avocado oil, adds a healthy fat (source) to keep the sweet potatoes from drying out and to help with crispiness. If you'd prefer using another type of oil, see our comprehensive guide to oils in the air fryer.
- Seasoning: We're using a savory spice blend mix of kosher salt, garlic powder, dried Italian seasoning, and black pepper that enhances the naturally sweet flavor of the sweet potatoes. Feel free to add other spices like onion powder or thyme, if you would prefer. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, or use chili seasoning instead!
- Chopped Chives (Optional): A fresh garnish of chopped chives brightens up the dish. We love pairing sweet potato cubes with chives!
Picking Sweet Potatoes for Roasting
When shopping for sweet potatoes for roasting, look for medium-sized sweet potatoes that are firm, smooth, and free from blemishes or soft spots. Keep in mind that sweet potatoes do not last as long as regular potatoes, so you want to be sure you're buying fresh potatoes.
While there are many different varieties of sweet potatoes (source), we prefer the commonly found orange-skinned sweet potato variety for a nice balance of sweet and savory. However, feel free to use whichever sweet potato variety you have on hand, or test with air frying a different kind if you'd like! This recipe will work with any variety of sweet potato.
Storing Sweet Potatoes Before Cooking Them
Store sweet potatoes in a cool, dry place, such as your pantry. Keep stored potatoes away from heat sources, and do not store them in the refrigerator, where they can develop an undesirable taste. You can also freeze them, but only after cooking - we'll get into that a little further down the page!
Cutting Sweet Potatoes into Cubes
If you need a little guidance cutting sweet potatoes into cubes, see our guide on How to Cut Sweet Potatoes Into Cubes for an easy method with step-by-step instructions and images, as well as tips.
How to Air Fry Sweet Potato Cubes

Step 1 - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Add the diced sweet potato cubes to a large mixing bowl with oil, kosher slat, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Toss to completely coat the sweet potatoes with the seasoning.

Step 2 - Add the seasoned sweet potato cubes to the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd the air fryer. However, as pictured above, it is okay if some pieces overlap!

Step 3 - Air fry for 20-25 minutes at 400°F, or until the sweet potato cubes reach your desired crispness. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time. When they're done, remove the sweet potatoes from the air fryer basket to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped chives if desired, and enjoy!
Toaster Oven Style Air Fryer Instructions
The following instructions are for toaster-oven style air fryers with a tray, such as the Breville Smart Oven Air. Note that these models take longer to cook than air fryers with a basket.
- Preheat air fryer oven to 400°F.
- Place the diced sweet potatoes in a medium mixing bowl and add oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix to coat the sweet potatoes completely in the seasoning.
- Place the sweet potatoes in a single layer on the air fryer tray set on the middle oven rack.
- Air fry at 400°F for 25-30 minutes or until desired crispness, using a wooden spoon to move the potatoes around halfway through air frying.
- Remove the potatoes from the air fryer oven to a serving dish and garnish with chopped chives. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Be careful when peeling the sweet potatoes. Use caution when working with a sharp vegetable peeler.
- Use a sharp knife to dice sweet potatoes as evenly as possible. A nice small, even dice will cook more evenly. Dice into ½ inch cubes.
- If your sweet potatoes are diced larger than pictured, then you will likely need to add more time to cook them to a crispy outside with a soft center.
- Cook time may vary depending on your specific air fryer. All brands vary and may require different timing, so experiment!
- If cooking in multiple batches, be sure to check on the remaining batches early, as they may cook more quickly.
What to Make with Sweet Potato Cubes
- Side Dish: Serve air fryer sweet potato cubes as a side dish alongside your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
- Snack: Enjoy them as a wholesome and satisfying snack. Dip them in a variety of sauces like ketchup, yogurt-based ranch, or hummus.
- Bowl Topping: Add sweet potato cubes to grain bowls or salads for extra texture and flavor. They pair well with quinoa, brown rice, or mixed greens.
- Breakfast Hash: Use leftover sweet potato cubes to create a breakfast hash. Cook them with onions, bell peppers, and your choice of protein for a hearty morning meal.
- Taco Filling: Incorporate air fryer sweet potato cubes into tacos or burritos. They provide a sweet and savory element that pairs nicely with your favorite fillings.
- Pasta Salad: Mix sweet potato cubes into a cold pasta salad for a contrasting texture and a hint of sweetness.
- Kids' Lunch: Make them as a kid-friendly lunchbox addition. They're a nutritious alternative to traditional potato chips.
- Nachos: Create sweet potato nachos by using the cubes as a base and topping them with cheese, beans, and your preferred toppings.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Sweet Potato Cubes: Add a pinch of chili powder or red pepper flakes for some heat or sprinkle with smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Sweet and Savory: Drizzle maple syrup over the sweet potato cubes after air frying for a sweet and savory combination.
- Herb-Infused: Experiment with different herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, or paprika for a unique flavor profile.
- Honey Glazed: Drizzle with honey to enhance the natural sweetness of the sweet potato chunks.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve with various dipping sauces such as sriracha mayo, tahini, or balsamic reduction for a healthy snack.
- Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle balsamic glaze over the sweet potato cubes after air frying for a tangy twist.
Storing Leftovers
- If you have leftover cubed sweet potatoes, store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes or so to regain their crispiness.
FAQ
Yes, you can. Bake them at 425°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
No, they are different. Sweet potatoes have orange flesh, while yams have a darker, reddish-brown skin and white, purple, or reddish flesh. Be sure to use sweet potatoes for this recipe.
Air Fryer Vegetables
- Air Fryer Broccoli
- Sliced Potatoes in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Potatoes and Onions
- Frozen Sweet Potato Fries
- See all of our air fryer vegetable recipes!
Leave a comment and review for us below if you enjoyed this recipe, or if you have questions about any of our air fryer recipes!

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 pounds sweet potatoes peeled and diced; about 4 medium sweet potatoes
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Chives chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Place diced and peeled 2 pounds sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl and add 2 Tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Mix to coat the sweet potatoes.
- Open the air fryer and pour the sweet potatoes into the preheated air fryer basket. Be careful not to crowd the basket.
- Air fry at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until desired crispness, shaking the basket halfway through air frying.
- Remove the sweet potatoes from the air fryer to a serving dish and garnish with chopped Chives if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- Be careful when peeling the sweet potatoes. Use caution when working with a sharp vegetable peeler.
- Use a sharp knife to dice sweet potatoes as evenly as possible. A nice small, even dice will cook more evenly. Dice into ½ inch cubes.
- If your sweet potatoes are diced larger than pictured, then you will likely need to add more time to cook them to a crispy outside with a soft center.
- Cook time may vary depending on your specific air fryer. All brands vary and may require different timing, so experiment!
- If cooking in multiple batches, be sure to check on the remaining batches early, as they may cook more quickly.
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