Crispy Sweet Potato Tater Tots (Oven, Air Fryer, or Fried)

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Sweet potato tater tots are the ultimate combination of comfort and nutrition. They take everything you love about traditional tater tots and elevate it by using sweet potatoes, which offer a wealth of health benefits while still delivering that irresistible crispy texture and mouthwatering flavor. Whether you prefer to bake, fry, or air fry your tots, these homemade treats will satisfy your craving for a crispy snack, side dish, or appetizer.

In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to make the perfect batch of sweet potato tater tots, including how to make them crispy, seasoning options, and the best cooking methods. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Sweet Potato Tater Tots

If you’re on the hunt for a snack or side dish that’s not only delicious but also better for you, look no further. Sweet potato tater tots are a fantastic alternative to regular tater tots, offering the same golden, crispy outside and soft inside, but with the added benefit of nutrient-packed sweet potatoes.

Here’s why you’ll love making these crispy sweet potato tater tots:

• Health Benefits: Sweet potatoes are a powerhouse of nutrients. They’re rich in vitamins A and C, providing a boost to your immune system. They’re also high in fiber, which is great for digestive health and keeping you feeling full longer. By making your tots with sweet potatoes, you’re not only enjoying a treat but also nourishing your body.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you’re in the mood to bake, fry, or air fry your tots, they will come out crispy and delicious every time. You have the freedom to choose the cooking method that fits your time, energy, and kitchen setup.
• Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time that ranges from 12 to 25 minutes depending on your chosen method, these tots are quick to make, so you can enjoy them in no time. They’re also great for meal prep if you need a snack or side dish throughout the week.
• Customizable: Sweet potato tater tots are incredibly customizable. You can experiment with different spices, seasonings, or herbs to suit your flavor preferences. Whether you enjoy a bit of heat, an earthy touch of Italian seasoning, or the savory goodness of garlic powder, these tots can be made to fit your taste.

Ingredients for Perfect Sweet Potato Tater Tots

Making the perfect batch of crispy sweet potato tater tots starts with the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredient	Quantity
Sweet potatoes (peeled)	2 large (1 ½ lbs)
All-purpose flour or cornstarch	1 ½ tbsp
Salt	1 tsp
Ground black pepper	½ tsp
Garlic powder (or nutritional yeast)	1 tsp
Paprika	½ tsp
Italian seasoning	½ tsp
Fresh parsley (for garnish)	1 tsp

Ingredient Notes:

• Sweet Potatoes: You want to use large sweet potatoes that are firm and free of blemishes. The sweet potatoes are boiled, then grated, so ensure they’re cooked just enough to soften, but not too much to release excess moisture.
• Flour vs. Cornstarch: If you’re aiming for a gluten-free version, cornstarch works great in place of all-purpose flour. Both options will help the tots hold together while adding a crisp exterior.
• Seasoning Choices: While this recipe uses a simple combination of garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning, feel free to adjust the spices to suit your personal preferences. You could add cayenne pepper for some heat, or nutritional yeast for a cheesy, vegan-friendly option.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy Sweet Potato Tater Tots

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to make your crispy sweet potato tater tots! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious tots ready to serve in no time.

1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

Start by peeling the sweet potatoes. Once peeled, place them in a large pot of cold water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 8-10 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are softened but not mushy.

Pro Tip: Avoid overcooking the sweet potatoes. You want them tender but not falling apart. Overcooked potatoes will release too much moisture and could result in soggy tots.

2. Grate and Squeeze Out Excess Moisture

Once the sweet potatoes are cooked and softened, drain them well and let them cool. After they’re cooled to room temperature, grate the sweet potatoes into thin strips using a box grater.

Pro Tip: Make sure to remove as much moisture as possible to achieve the crispiest texture. Wrap the grated sweet potatoes in a clean dish towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess moisture.

3. Mix and Season

Place the grated sweet potatoes into a large mixing bowl. Add the flour (or cornstarch), salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir the mixture well, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Pro Tip: Taste the mixture before shaping the tots to ensure it’s properly seasoned. You can always adjust the seasoning to your liking.

4. Shape the Tater Tots

Now it’s time to shape the sweet potato mixture into small tots. Take a spoonful of the mixture and roll it into a small ball, then shape it into a mini tot shape. Place each shaped tot on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure to space them evenly apart.

Tip: Try to make the tots roughly the same size to ensure they cook evenly.

5. Choose Your Cooking Method

This recipe gives you three cooking options: baking, frying, and air frying. Here’s how to do each:

To Bake:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Lightly spray the tops of the tots with cooking oil.
• Bake the tots for 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. For extra crispiness, broil on high for 4-5 minutes at the end of baking.

To Fry:

• Heat 2 inches of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. The oil should be around 350°F.
• Once the oil is hot, carefully drop the tots in batches into the oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden and crispy.
• Remove the tots and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

To Air Fry:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Arrange the tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Pro Tip: No matter which method you choose, don’t overcrowd the cooking surface (whether it’s a baking sheet, frying oil, or air fryer basket). Giving the tots space to cook evenly will result in a crispier texture.

Serving Suggestions and Dipping Sauces

These crispy sweet potato tater tots are great on their own, but they’re even better when paired with your favorite dipping sauce. Here are a few ideas for serving:

• Ketchup: The classic choice. Sweet and tangy, it complements the sweetness of the potatoes.
• Spicy Mayo: A creamy, spicy dip that adds a kick to your tots.
• Garlic Aioli: For a more decadent dip, garlic aioli offers a smooth, garlicky flavor that pairs perfectly with crispy tots.
• Sriracha: If you love heat, sriracha is the perfect complement to your sweet potato tots.

You can also serve these tots as a side dish with grilled chicken, a veggie burger, or any other main course. They make a fantastic appetizer for parties or a simple snack that’s perfect for any time of day.

Nutrition Information for Sweet Potato Tater Tots

One of the best things about these sweet potato tater tots is that they’re not only delicious, but they’re also a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content:

• Calories (per serving, baked tots): 150
• Other nutrients:
  • Fiber: 4 grams
  • Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin A (from the sweet potatoes), as well as a good source of Vitamin C
  • Antioxidants: Sweet potatoes are packed with antioxidants like beta-carotene, which can help fight inflammation and improve eye health.

Serving size: 4 servings total. garlic bread or steamed vegetables.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Filet Mignon with Shrimp and Lobster Cream

These tots are also lower in fat compared to traditional deep-fried versions, especially if you opt to bake or air fry them. They’re an excellent choice if you’re looking for a healthier alternative without sacrificing flavor.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Sweet Potato Tater Tots

• Remove Excess Moisture: Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the grated sweet potatoes. Too much moisture can prevent the tots from crisping up properly.
• Use Parchment Paper: Whether baking or air frying, parchment paper helps the tots crisp up evenly without sticking.
• Flip and Rotate: If you’re baking, flip the tots halfway through to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. For air frying, shaking the basket halfway through helps achieve even crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I make my sweet potato tater tots crispy?

To get the crispiest tots, ensure that you remove excess moisture from the sweet potatoes, and make sure they are spaced out evenly during cooking. Spraying with a light layer of cooking oil before baking or air frying will also help.

Can I make these sweet potato tots ahead of time?

Yes! You can shape the tots ahead of time and freeze them. Simply freeze the shaped tots on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a bag or container. Bake, fry, or air fry them directly from the freezer when you’re ready to cook.

Can I make these sweet potato tater tots without flour?

Yes, you can substitute flour with cornstarch or omit it entirely. If you’re going gluten-free, cornstarch is a great option that will still help bind the tots together.

How long will the leftovers last?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispy texture.

Conclusion: A Crispy, Healthier Snack You’ll Love

These crispy sweet potato tater tots are the perfect combination of flavor, texture, and nutrition. Whether you bake, fry, or air fry them, you’re sure to enjoy a golden, crispy snack that’s packed with the goodness of sweet potatoes. Customize the seasoning to your liking, and serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for the ultimate treat.

Now that you have the recipe and tips to make perfect sweet potato tater tots, it’s time to get cooking! Try out all three cooking methods and let us know which one is your favorite. Your taste buds will thank you

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