These crispy, golden Sweet Potato Tots transform a humble vegetable into a flavorful, family-friendly treat.
Packed with fiber, vitamin A, and plant-based nutrients, they’re a healthy alternative to traditional tots while being low in saturated fat.
Quick to make and perfect for meal prep, this recipe offers a satisfying, nutrient-rich option for weeknight dinners, snacks, or sides everyone will love.
Crispy Sweet Potato Tots
Equipment
- 1 Baking sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Steamer basket
- Medium mixing bowl
- Potato masher
- Measuring Spoons
- Air Fryer (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 pound sweet potatoes about 3 small
- ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Olive oil spray as needed
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Equipment: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature before cooking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even browning. If using an air fryer, lightly spray or brush the basket with olive oil to ensure tots cook evenly and do not stick.
- Peel and Dice Sweet Potatoes: Start by washing your sweet potatoes under running water to remove dirt and impurities. Use a sharp vegetable peeler to carefully remove the skin, exposing the sweet flesh underneath. Dice the sweet potatoes into uniform cubes, about 1-inch in size, so they cook evenly during steaming and result in consistent texture in the tots.
- Steam Sweet Potatoes Until Tender: Pour about 2 inches of water into a pot and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Place a steamer basket inside, making sure it sits above the water. Add the diced sweet potatoes into the basket, cover with a lid, and steam for about 10–15 minutes. Check tenderness by poking a cube with a fork — it should pierce easily without crumbling. Avoid overcooking to prevent excess moisture that can affect tot texture.
- Cool Sweet Potatoes Before Mashing: Transfer the steamed sweet potatoes to a clean bowl or plate and allow them to cool for at least 5 minutes. Cooling slightly prevents the egg from cooking prematurely when mixed and helps create a smooth, workable mixture for shaping tots.
- Combine Ingredients into a Smooth Mixture: Place the cooled sweet potatoes in a medium mixing bowl. Add ½ cup seasoned bread crumbs, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 large egg, ½ teaspoon garlic powder (or onion powder), and ¼ teaspoon salt. Use a potato masher to mash the sweet potatoes thoroughly until smooth. Stir the mixture well to evenly incorporate all ingredients into a cohesive batter that holds together when shaped.
- Shape Sweet Potato Tots: Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to portion the mixture. With clean hands, roll each portion into a small cylindrical shape about 1 inch in diameter and 2 inches long. Place each tot onto the prepared baking sheet or into the greased air fryer basket. Leave a small gap between tots to allow for proper heat circulation and even cooking.
- Lightly Coat Tots with Olive Oil: Lightly spray or brush each tot with olive oil to encourage a golden, crispy exterior during cooking. This step adds flavor and texture while keeping them healthier than deep-fried versions. Use just enough oil to coat without making the tots greasy.
- Bake or Air Fry to Perfection: For oven baking, place the prepared baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20–22 minutes, flipping tots halfway through to achieve even browning and crispness. For air frying, cook tots at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure all sides crisp evenly.
- Serve Immediately with Favorite Dip: Remove cooked tots from the oven or air fryer and let them cool slightly for about 2 minutes. This helps them hold their shape while enhancing texture. Serve warm alongside your favorite dip, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, guacamole, salsa, or sour cream, for a flavorful and satisfying treat.
- Store Leftovers Properly: Allow any leftover tots to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze tots in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture, ideally at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
Notes
- Use evenly sized sweet potato cubes for consistent cooking.
- Seasoned bread crumbs add extra flavor, but plain crumbs with extra seasoning work well too.
- Cooling the sweet potatoes slightly before mixing helps prevent the egg from cooking prematurely and improves texture.
- For crispier tots, bake or air fry in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Sweet Potato Tots are best enjoyed fresh but store well for meal prep.
Chef’s Secrets: Enhancing Tot Flavor
The magic of these sweet potato tots lies in balancing texture and flavor.
Steaming the sweet potatoes instead of boiling preserves nutrients and ensures a moist interior.
For extra flavor depth, try adding finely chopped herbs such as rosemary or thyme, or a pinch of smoked paprika.
Using seasoned bread crumbs elevates taste, but you can make your own blend for a more personalized flavor profile.
Lightly spraying olive oil before cooking ensures crisp edges while keeping tots healthy.
Serving Suggestions: Creative Eating Ideas
Sweet Potato Tots are versatile and pair well with many dishes.
Serve them as a healthy side for burgers, sandwiches, or grilled chicken.
They make a great snack with dips like guacamole, spicy sriracha mayo, or classic ketchup.
For a family-friendly dinner, pair tots with a fresh green salad and roasted vegetables.
They also work wonderfully as part of a brunch platter alongside scrambled eggs and avocado toast.
Storage Tips: Keeping Tots Fresh Longer
Store cooked tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days to maintain flavor and texture.
For longer storage, freeze tots in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
This prevents clumping.
To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to retain crispiness rather than a microwave, which can make them soft.
For best results, reheat at 350°F for 8–10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make sweet potato tots ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tot mixture in advance. Shape them, store in a container in the fridge, and bake or air fry when ready. This makes them perfect for quick weeknight meals.
2. Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?
While fresh sweet potatoes are ideal for texture, you can use frozen ones. Thaw them completely, drain excess moisture, and proceed with the recipe to ensure the tots hold together.
3. Are these tots gluten-free?
If you substitute the bread crumbs with gluten-free bread crumbs, this recipe can be entirely gluten-free while still delicious and crispy.
4. Can I add extra ingredients to the tots?
Absolutely! You can add finely chopped spinach, shredded carrots, or diced bell peppers to boost nutrition and flavor. Just ensure additional ingredients are finely chopped so the tots hold their shape.
5. What’s the best way to make them extra crispy?
For extra crispiness, coat tots lightly with oil before baking or air frying. Avoid overcrowding the cooking tray or basket, and flip halfway through cooking for even browning.
