Sweet Potato Tots

Making sweet potato tots is easier than you might think, and you don’t need a deep fryer. This recipe is the perfect way to satisfy a classic childhood craving—with a healthy twist. Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and nutrient-dense, making them the ideal base for a lightened-up take on classic Tater Tots. Plus, their deep orange hue makes them as eye-catching as they are delicious.

The secret to crunchy tots without all the oil? A little cornstarch and a trusty air fryer. After boiling and grating a couple of sweet potatoes, you’ll mix them with savory pantry spices and cornstarch to help them hold together and crisp up beautifully. A quick spritz of cooking spray and a few minutes in the air fryer give you golden, crunchy tots without the extra grease.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Tots

• Sweet potatoes: You’ll need 2 pounds total, roughly two large or three medium sweet potatoes. No need to peel them before boiling them; the skins should slip right off after they’ve cooled.
• Olive oil: A bit of oil adds moisture to blend the tot mixture and keep them from drying out in the air fryer. Swap in avocado or vegetable oil for a more neutral flavor.
• Cornstarch: The powdery texture helps bind the mixture and gives the tots a crispy finish. If you don’t have cornstarch, use all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder.
• Seasoning: A simple blend of salt, garlic powder, paprika and onion powder adds a boost of savory depth that complements the potatoes’ natural sweetness.
• Cooking spray: No need for tons of oil when air-frying! A light spritz of cooking spray helps the tots turn golden brown and perfectly crispy.
• Serving suggestion: Drizzle your tots with maple syrup or honey for a sweet twist, or pair them with your favorite dipping sauces. Ketchup and honey mustard are classic, or try a fun french fry dip for something different. Ranch dressing or fry sauce are perfect if you’re craving something creamy, and aioli will provide a garlicky finish.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the potatoes

Place the unpeeled sweet potatoes in a large saucepan and add enough water to cover them. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for about 15 minutes. Drain and set the potatoes aside to cool to room temperature.

Editor’s Tip: The sweet potatoes are ready when they are just tender, and you can easily pierce one with a fork or paring knife.

Step 2: Peel and grate the potatoes

Once the sweet potatoes are cool enough to handle, peel off the skins and grate them into a large bowl.

Editor’s Tip: A box grater works great for shredding the potatoes, but a food processor fitted with a shredding disc will make the job even faster.

Step 3: Add the remaining ingredients

Add the olive oil, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, paprika and onion powder to the grated sweet potatoes. Stir until they’re well combined.

Step 4: Shape the tots

Measure 1 tablespoon of the mixture for each tot, then roll it into a 1-inch-long cylinder.

Step 5: Air-fry the tots

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Grease the air-fryer basket with cooking spray.

Working in batches, arrange the sweet potato tots in a single layer in the greased air fryer basket, leaving a little space between to let the hot air circulate and ensure maximum crispiness. Lightly mist the tots with cooking spray.

Cook the tots for five minutes, then carefully flip them over. Continue cooking them for five to seven minutes until they’re golden and crispy. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Editor’s Tip: Air-frying in batches? Spread the tots on a baking sheet and pop them in a 200° oven to keep them warm until the rest are ready.

Recipe Variations

• Switch up the seasoning: Give your sweet potato tots a kick with a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika, or play up their natural sweetness with a sprinkle of cozy cinnamon or nutmeg.
• Sneak in extra veggies: Stir finely chopped spinach into the sweet potato mixture, or replace one sweet potato with grated zucchini (squeeze it dry before mixing it in), carrot or parsnip to add color, flavor and extra nutrition.
• Add fresh herbs: Mix chopped rosemary, thyme or parsley into the sweet potato tot mixture for a fresh, aromatic twist.
• Make ’em cheesy: Stir in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar, pepper jack or Parmesan for melty, savory goodness in every bite.
• Coat them in bread crumbs: After shaping, roll the tots in crispy panko bread crumbs for an extra crunchy exterior.

How to Store Sweet Potato Tater Tots

These sweet potato tots are best enjoyed fresh while they’re still warm and crispy, but you can store leftovers. Let the tots cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to four days.

Can you freeze sweet potato tots?

Yes, you can freeze sweet potato tots. Prepare and air-fry them as directed, then let the tots cool. Freeze them on a parchment-lined baking sheet until they’re firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and return them to the freezer for up to three months.

How do you reheat sweet potato Tater Tots?

To reheat sweet potato Tater Tots, pop them back into the air fryer at 375° and cook them for about five minutes until they’re warmed through and crispy. If reheating sweet potato tots from frozen, simply increase the time to 10 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Sweet Potato Tot Tips

Are sweet potato Tater Tots good for you?

Yes! These sweet potato tots are a lighter take on classic Tater Tots. Sweet potatoes are loaded with essential nutrients, like vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber and potassium—and what better way to get your fix than with a basket of crispy, dunkable tots? Air-frying uses considerably less oil than traditional deep-frying, so these tots are lower in fat and calories, but still crispy and delicious.

Can I bake sweet potato Tater Tots instead of air frying?

Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the sweet potato tots at 375° in a standard oven or toaster oven. Arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly spritz them with cooking spray. Bake them until they’re golden and crispy, about 15 to 20 minutes, turning them halfway through.

Why are my sweet potato tots falling apart?

If your tots are falling apart, the sweet potatoes may have been overcooked. Make sure to simmer them just until they’re tender. They should not be mushy. If the tot mixture feels too wet or sticky when you’re mixing and shaping it, add a little extra cornstarch to help everything bind together.

What can you serve with sweet potato tots?

Crispy sweet potato tots are an excellent alternative to french fries. Serve them alongside juicy cheeseburgers, hot dogs or a turkey club sandwich. Or try them instead of mashed potatoes with a classic weeknight dinner of meatloaf or grilled chicken.

They’re also perfect finger food for game days and parties. Line them up with sliders or wings and your go-to dipping sauces, or use them as a base for loaded nacho tots, topping them with melted cheese, sour cream and green onions for a crowd-pleasing snack.