Sweet Potato Tots

Okay, so let me tell you, if there’s one thing I’ve perfected in my kitchen that always gets rave reviews, it’s these incredible homemade Sweet Potato Tots! Seriously, forget those frozen bags at the store; these are a whole different ballgame. They’re like the superhero version of your favorite childhood snack – all the crispy, dippable fun, but with the added goodness of sweet potatoes. I originally whipped these up trying to sneak more veggies into my picky eater’s diet, and little did I know, they’d become a staple for everyone, including the adults!

There’s just something so satisfying about biting into a perfectly golden, crispy Sweet Potato Tot, knowing exactly what went into it. They’re a fantastic healthier alternative to traditional potato tots, offering that delightful slightly sweet and savory flavor that just hits the spot. Whether I’m making them for a casual family dinner or a game-day snack for friends, these Sweet Potato Tots always disappear fast. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never go back!

Why You’ll Love These Sweet Potato Tots

Oh, where do I even begin with why these Sweet Potato Tots are going to become your new obsession? Seriously, they’re just *that* good! First off, they’re totally a healthier alternative to those greasy, deep-fried versions you might be used to. But don’t let “healthy” fool you – they deliver on flavor AND that satisfying crunch we all crave. They’re super versatile too; perfect as a fun side dish, or honestly, I just snack on them straight off the baking sheet sometimes!

• They’re a fantastic, healthier twist on a classic.
• That crispy exterior and tender, sweet interior are just *chef’s kiss*.
• Perfect for picky eaters (they won’t even realize how many veggies they’re eating!).
• So easy to make, whether you’re baking or air frying.
• Great as a side, snack, or even a fun appetizer!

The Allure of Homemade Sweet Potato Tots

There’s just something incredibly satisfying about whipping up a batch of these Sweet Potato Tots yourself. You get to control every single ingredient, which means no mystery oils or weird additives. It’s truly a labor of love, but a super easy one! Plus, the smell that fills your kitchen while they’re cooking? Pure comfort. You’ll feel like a kitchen wizard, creating these golden nuggets of deliciousness from scratch!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Sweet Potato Tots

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! You don’t need a crazy long list for these Sweet Potato Tots, which is part of their charm. We’re keeping it simple and focusing on quality because, trust me, it makes all the difference. We’re starting with two large sweet potatoes – and yes, “large” is key here, we want plenty of that vibrant orange goodness! You’ll also need some all-purpose flour and cornstarch, which are our secret weapons for that incredible crispy coating. Then, for flavor, we’re grabbing garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (don’t skip this, it adds so much!), and of course, a pinch of salt and pepper. And finally, a little olive oil for baking or air frying. That’s it! Simple, right?

Gathering Your Sweet Potato Tots Supplies

Now, let’s get those ingredients ready! When you’re picking out your sweet potatoes, go for ones that feel firm and don’t have any soft spots or green bits. I usually look for ones that are pretty uniform in size, just makes grating a bit easier. For the flour and cornstarch, any good quality brand from your pantry will do the trick. As for the spices, make sure they’re fresh! Old, stale spices just don’t pack the same punch, and we want these Sweet Potato Tots bursting with flavor. A good olive oil is always a winner for baking, so grab your favorite bottle. Having everything measured out and ready to go before you start makes the whole process so much smoother!

How to Prepare Your Sweet Potato Tots

Okay, now for the fun part – actually making these amazing Sweet Potato Tots! Don’t worry, it’s super straightforward, but there are a couple of crucial steps that make all the difference between a soggy mess and crispy, golden perfection. So, let’s dive in! First things first, you’ll want to get your oven or air fryer ready. If you’re baking, preheat your oven to a good and hot 400°F (that’s 200°C). If you’re air frying, set it to 375°F (190°C). Getting that heat up early is important!

Once your sweet potatoes are peeled, it’s grating time! You can use a trusty box grater – the medium holes are usually perfect – or if you’re feeling fancy or have a lot to do, a food processor with a grating attachment makes quick work of it. Just be careful with those fingers! After grating, we hit the most important step for truly crispy Sweet Potato Tots: moisture removal. Grab a clean kitchen towel (one you don’t mind getting a little orange!) and load up those grated sweet potatoes. Squeeze, squeeze, squeeze! You want to get out as much liquid as humanly possible. This is the secret to preventing soggy tots, so put some muscle into it!

Now, in a big bowl, combine your super-dry sweet potatoes with the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a really good mix until everything is evenly combined. You want to make sure every little shred of sweet potato gets coated in that flavor and crisp-making goodness. Next, it’s time to get your hands dirty (in a good way!). Take small portions of the mixture and form them into those classic, cute little tot shapes, about an inch long. They don’t have to be perfect; homemade charm is part of it!

Arrange your newly formed Sweet Potato Tots in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in your air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd them, or they won’t get crispy! Give them a light spray or brush with olive oil. This helps with the golden-brown color and that extra crunch. Bake for 20-25 minutes, making sure to flip them about halfway through so they get nicely browned on all sides. If you’re air frying, it’ll be about 15-20 minutes – just remember to shake that basket occasionally. You’re looking for golden, crispy, and irresistible! Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, and prepare for them to disappear!

Prepping the Sweet Potatoes for Crispy Sweet Potato Tots

Okay, this is where we lay the foundation for incredible, crispy Sweet Potato Tots. First, you’ve got to peel those beautiful orange spuds. Then, grab your grater! I always go for the medium-sized holes on my box grater; it gives you nice shreds that hold their shape but still cook through beautifully. Once you’ve got a mountain of grated sweet potato, it’s squeeze-time! This step, I cannot stress enough, is CRUCIAL. Take a clean kitchen towel, pile the grated sweet potato in the middle, gather the edges, and twist, twist, twist! Seriously, wring it out like you’re trying to get every last drop of water from a wet sponge. You’ll be amazed how much liquid comes out, and that liquid is the enemy of crispiness. Getting them as dry as possible means maximum crunch for your Sweet Potato Tots!

Forming and Cooking Your Sweet Potato Tots

Now that your sweet potato mixture is perfectly seasoned and ready, it’s time to shape those little beauties! I like to grab a small amount, about a tablespoon, and roll it between my palms to create a cylindrical shape, roughly an inch long. Don’t worry about perfection; rustic is good! Once you have a tray full of these adorable Sweet Potato Tots, it’s cooking time. If you’re baking, spread them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet – no crowding, please! A quick spritz or brush of olive oil helps them get that gorgeous golden crust. Into the 400°F oven they go for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For my air fryer lovers, pop them into the basket in a single layer, spray with oil, and air fry at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes or so. You’ll know they’re done when they’re beautifully golden brown and super crispy. Enjoy those perfect Sweet Potato Tots!

Tips for Achieving the Best Sweet Potato Tots

Okay, you’ve got the basic recipe down, but here are a few little secrets to push your Sweet Potato Tots from “good” to “OMG, give me more!” First tip: if you want them *super* crispy, like, next-level crispy, try freezing the formed tots for about 30 minutes before you bake or air fry them. It really locks in that texture! Also, don’t be afraid to play with the seasonings. I’ve been known to throw in a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick, or even some dried thyme for an earthy note. And for storage? If by some miracle you have leftovers (which, honestly, rarely happens in my house), pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just reheat them in the oven or air fryer to bring back that amazing crispiness – microwaving is a no-go, trust me!

Sweet Potato Tots Variations and Serving Suggestions

Once you’ve mastered the classic Sweet Potato Tots, the world is your oyster for variations! Want to spice things up? Add a dash of chili powder or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mix. For a slightly different flavor profile, a touch of ground cumin can be really lovely. And for serving? Oh, the possibilities! My absolute favorite is a simple dip of plain yogurt mixed with a little garlic powder and fresh dill. A smoky chipotle aioli is also divine, or even just good old ketchup. They’re fantastic alongside a juicy beef burger, as a fun side for grilled chicken, or even just as a snack on their own. Sometimes I’ll even crumble them over a salad for extra crunch and sweetness!

Sweet Potato Tots Frequently Asked Questions

I get a lot of questions about these Sweet Potato Tots, and I love it! It means you’re just as excited about them as I am. So, let’s tackle some of the common ones that pop up in my inbox or when friends are over munching on a fresh batch. Knowing these little tidbits will help you make the absolute best Sweet Potato Tots every single time!

Can I Make Sweet Potato Tots Ahead of Time?

Oh, absolutely! This is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or when you’re planning a party. You can totally prep these Sweet Potato Tots ahead of time. I like to grate the sweet potatoes, squeeze out all that moisture, mix in the seasonings, and form the tots. Then, you can either pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for a day or two (cook them straight from cold) or even freeze them! If you’re freezing them, arrange them on a baking sheet first until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to cook, just bake or air fry them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. It’s a fantastic way to have homemade Sweet Potato Tots ready when the craving strikes!

What Makes Sweet Potato Tots Crispy?

Ah, the million-dollar question for any tot enthusiast! The secret to truly crispy Sweet Potato Tots comes down to a few key things. First, and I can’t stress this enough, is getting rid of that excess moisture from the grated sweet potatoes. Water is the enemy of crispiness! Squeeze, squeeze, squeeze! Second, the cornstarch in our recipe is a magical ingredient; it helps create that fantastic crunchy exterior. Third, not overcrowding your baking sheet or air fryer basket is crucial. Give those tots some space, so the air can circulate and get them nice and golden brown. And finally, cooking them at a high temperature ensures they crisp up beautifully without becoming soggy. Follow those steps, and you’ll have perfectly crispy Sweet Potato Tots every time!

Are Sweet Potato Tots a Healthy Option?

Compared to traditional, often deep-fried potato tots, these Sweet Potato Tots are definitely a healthier choice! Sweet potatoes themselves are packed with vitamins, especially Vitamin A, and fiber, which is always a good thing. We’re baking or air frying them with just a little olive oil, rather than deep-frying, which drastically cuts down on unhealthy fats. Plus, you’re controlling all the ingredients, so no weird additives or excessive sodium. While they’re still a treat, they’re a much more nutritious one that you can feel good about serving to your family. So yes, these Sweet Potato Tots are a fantastic way to enjoy a healthier, delicious snack or side dish!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Sweet Potato Tots

I know many of you like to keep an eye on what you’re eating, and I totally get it! While these Sweet Potato Tots are a healthier option, here’s an estimated look at the nutritional breakdown per serving. Just remember, these are approximate values and can vary based on the exact size of your sweet potatoes and how much oil you use. Think of it as a helpful guide, not a strict rule!

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Share Your Sweet Potato Tots Experience

Alright, you’ve got the recipe, you’ve got the tips, now it’s YOUR turn! I absolutely LOVE hearing from you, so please, please, please leave a comment below and tell me how your Sweet Potato Tots turned out. Did you try a fun variation? What’s your favorite dipping sauce? Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your amazing creations on social media! Tag me, I can’t wait to see your golden, crispy masterpieces!

Print