If your kids are anything like mine, getting them to eat veggies can feel like a full-time job. But these air fryer sweet potato fritters? Total game-changer. They’re fun to eat, easy to make, and disappear fast — especially with a little sour cream or maple dip on the side!
There’s something magical about sweet potatoes in the air fryer. The natural sugars caramelize, the edges get beautifully crispy, and the insides stay soft and tender. Plus, no standing over a pan of hot oil.
These fritters are lightly spiced with garlic and paprika, but still mild enough for picky eaters. You can keep them savory or go sweet with a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar — trust me, both versions are a hit.
They take about 20 minutes total, from mixing to munching, and use just a handful of ingredients. Whether it’s for lunch, a snack, or a fun dinner side, this one’s a keeper. Let’s jump in!
🥕 Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside fritters:
- Sweet Potato: Look for firm, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes. Peel and shred them finely using a box grater or food processor. Pro Tip: Squeeze out excess moisture with a clean towel to avoid soggy fritters.
- Egg: Acts as the binder to hold everything together.
- Flour: Just enough to thicken the batter. Use all-purpose or a gluten-free blend.
- Garlic Powder & Paprika: Add subtle flavor without overpowering.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for bringing out the sweet and savory balance.
Optional: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy twist — especially if serving with maple dip.
For a gluten-free version, swap in almond or oat flour. For added fiber or protein, sneak in a tablespoon of flaxseed or hemp hearts.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Shred the Sweet Potato: Peel and finely grate 2 cups of sweet potato. Squeeze out moisture with a towel.
- Mix the Batter: In a bowl, combine shredded sweet potato, 1 egg, 2 tbsp flour, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
- Shape the Fritters: Use your hands or a scoop to form small, even patties — about 2 tablespoons each.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set it to 375°F and let it preheat for 2-3 minutes.
- Air Fry (Part 1): Lightly spray the basket with oil. Place fritters in a single layer. Air fry at 375°F for 5-6 minutes.
- Flip and Finish: Flip the fritters gently, then air fry for another 5-6 minutes until golden and crisp.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket — air circulation is key to crispiness.
Optional Sweet Version: Sprinkle the hot fritters with cinnamon sugar right after air frying.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not squeezing out excess moisture from the shredded sweet potato
- Using too much flour, which makes them doughy instead of crisp
- Overcrowding the basket (they won’t crisp up)
- Skipping the flip halfway through cooking
- Making the patties too thick (they won’t cook evenly)
🎨 Variations & Add-Ons
- Healthy: Use almond flour, add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed, and serve with Greek yogurt.
- Spicy: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. Serve with chipotle mayo.
- Gluten-Free: Swap regular flour for oat flour or a gluten-free baking mix.
- Kid-Friendly: Keep the spices mild and serve with a touch of maple syrup for dipping.
- Comfort Food: Add shredded cheese to the mix and serve with ranch or sour cream.
You can also toss in chopped green onions, a little cooked bacon, or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
📦 Make Ahead & Storage
These sweet potato fritters are great for meal prep:
- Make Ahead: Mix the batter up to a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge.
- Fridge: Cooked fritters keep well in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Flash freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 3–5 minutes or until warmed through. They stay crispy!
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fritters
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Shred sweet potato and squeeze out moisture.
- Mix all ingredients into a thick batter.
- Shape into small patties.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Air fry patties for 5-6 minutes.
- Flip and air fry for another 5-6 minutes until golden.
Notes
- For a sweet twist, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat in air fryer for best texture.
Nutrition Highlights
These fritters are naturally vegetarian, rich in fiber and vitamin A, and easily made gluten-free or dairy-free.
If you give these sweet potato fritters a try, I’d love to hear how they turn out! They’ve been a surprise hit with my kids — and I may have eaten a few straight from the air fryer myself. Play around with seasonings or dipping sauces to make them your own. And if you’re craving another veggie snack, check out my air fryer zucchini chips — they’re crispy, salty, and ready in minutes!
