Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tater Tots

These air fryer sweet potato tater tots are the simplest little side dish or appetizer to dip into your favorite sauce.

If this is your kind of recipe, also try my tater tot casserole, these chicken parmesan meatballs, or these cozy breakfast burritos.

Why You’ll Love It

Crispy texture: The air fryer makes them perfectly crunchy outside while keeping the inside soft and yummy.
Quick and easy: These crispy air fryer sweet potato tots come together in 20 minutes with simple ingredients and minimal prep.
Perfect for dipping: These tots are made to be dipped, whether in ranch dressing, ketchup or your favorite sauce!

Air Fried Sweet Potato Tater Tots Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Sweet potato puree: These make a naturally sweet, smooth base for the sweet potato tots.
Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor that enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
Garlic powder: Gives a subtle garlicky kick, adding depth to the overall flavor.
Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly spicy note that you’ll love!
Panko breadcrumbs: You can use plain panko or seasoned. I like the garlic-seasoned panko.
Thyme (optional): Dried or fresh are both great.

How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tater Tots

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Mix the ingredients: Add the cumin, sweet potato puree, garlic powder, salt, smoked paprika, thyme (if using) and breadcrumbs to a mixing bowl. Mix everything.
Shape the homemade tater tots: Roll a tablespoon of mixture at a time into round tater tots.
Arrange in the air fryer basket: Pop the tater tots in the basket. Each tot must have space between each one.
Cook the tater tots: Cook the tater tots for 5 minutes, flip, and repeat until golden brown.
Finish and serve: Top with flaky sea salt and serve hot with ranch dressing.

Substitutions and Variations

Sweet potato puree: Swap sweet potatoes for regular mashed potatoes or even mashed butternut squash. You can use canned sweet potatoes and mash well, boil 2 or 3 large sweet potatoes for 30 minutes, then scoop out the potatoes and mash well.
Spices: Experiment with spices like chili powder or cayenne for something spicier. Try Italian seasoning for a herb-forward taste. You can use onion powder instead of garlic in your tater tot mixture.
Panko breadcrumbs: Use gluten-free panko (I love this brand!) or crushed cornflakes as a substitute for a gluten-free option. You can also use regular breadcrumbs for a different texture.
Herbs: Replace thyme with fresh parsley, rosemary, or cilantro.
Extra crispy: For a crunchier texture, lightly coat the air-fried sweet potato tots with a spray of olive oil before air frying.
Vegan variation: To keep this recipe vegan, serve with a dairy-free dipping sauce or your favorite plant-based ranch dressing.
Cheesy twist: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese, maybe cheddar or parmesan.
Gluten-free and vegan-friendly: Simple ingredient swaps like gluten-free breadcrumbs or dairy-free dips make these tots suitable for various dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizer: Serve these with your favorite dipping sauces and watch them disappear!
Main: Make marry-me chicken meatballs, paccheri pasta or this turkey casserole.
Dessert: End with ginger apple cake or a scoop (or two) of my blueberry cheesecake ice cream.

How to Store Sweet Potato Tater Tots

Store: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Remember to cool them first before packing them for storage.
Freezer: After shaping the tater tots, place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1 or 2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to cook, air fry frozen tater tots straight from the freezer. Add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. You can also freeze the cooked tater tots. Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Thaw: They can defrost at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat: Reheat them in the air fryer at 400°F for 5 to 7 minutes or until crispy.