It’s 6pm, you’re tired, and everyone’s hungry. You need a side dish that is fast, healthy, and satisfying. These roasted sweet potatoes are the answer to your busy evening stress.
They come out of the oven with golden edges and soft centers. Your family will love the hint of smoky spice. This recipe works perfectly for a simple weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This recipe is a total winner because it is incredibly versatile. You can use your oven or your air fryer. It is ready in 40 minutes from start to finish.
The blend of garlic and smoked paprika adds a savory depth. It balances the natural sweetness of the potatoes perfectly. This is a great choice for cozy fall evenings when you want comfort food.
Easy Cooking Steps
Making these potatoes is very straightforward and beginner-friendly. You just peel, chop, and toss them with oil and spices. The high-heat roasting method ensures they don’t get mushy.
If you are in a rush, use the air fryer. It cuts the cooking time in half. You will get perfectly caramelized edges every single time you make them.
Simple Ingredients
You likely have most of these items in your pantry right now.
- 1.5 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into uniform 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
Step-by-Step
- Preheat thermal equipment: Set conventional oven to 425°F (220°C) or preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Mechanical preparation: Rinse, peel, and dice the sweet potatoes into precise 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes to facilitate even heat distribution.
- Seasoning application: In a large non-reactive mixing bowl, combine the cubed potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss until all surfaces are thoroughly emulsified with oil and spices.
- OVEN METHOD: Distribute the cubes in a single layer on a heavy-gauge baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, agitating the cubes with a spatula at the 15-minute mark to promote uniform browning.
- AIR FRYER METHOD: Transfer the cubes to the air fryer basket, ensuring no overlap to allow for optimal airflow. Process at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes until the exterior reaches a crisp state.
- Quality control: Verify doneness using a fork to confirm the core is tender. Remove from heat and serve immediately to maintain structural integrity.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these roasted sweet potatoes warm alongside a piece of grilled chicken. They are also fantastic tossed into a fresh green salad. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt on top for extra creaminess.
For a complete meal, pair them with black beans and avocado. This makes a nutritious power bowl for your lunch. Set the table and enjoy a healthy meal with your family.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to four days. You can also freeze them for up to three months.
To reheat, use the oven or air fryer again. Reheat at 350°F for about 5 to 10 minutes. This helps restore the crisp texture better than a microwave would.
Tips for Best Results
- Dry the potatoes thoroughly after rinsing to ensure they get crispy.
- Don’t skip the parchment paper when using the oven method.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan or basket so the air can circulate.
- Cut your cubes into uniform sizes for even cooking throughout.
- For Thanksgiving, double the batch to feed a larger crowd.
- Swap the smoked paprika for chili powder for a spicy kick.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end for brightness.
Easy Flavor Ideas
- Swap the savory spices for cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Use avocado oil instead of olive oil for a higher smoke point.
- Add a handful of fresh rosemary during the last 10 minutes.
- Toss with lime juice and cilantro for a bright summer variation.
Common Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can chop and season them a few hours early. Just keep them in the fridge until you are ready to roast. They are best served fresh from the heat.
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
You don’t have to peel them if you like the skin. Just make sure to scrub them very well first. The skin adds extra fiber and a rustic look.
Will my kids eat these?
Most kids love the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes. They look like fries, which makes them very picky-eater friendly. You can serve them with a little ketchup.
I hope these roasted sweet potatoes become a staple in your home. They are such a simple way to bring warmth to your table. Happy cooking!
— Alex
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into uniform 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat thermal equipment: Set conventional oven to 425°F (220°C) or preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Mechanical preparation: Rinse, peel, and dice the sweet potatoes into precise 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes to facilitate even heat distribution.
- Seasoning application: In a large non-reactive mixing bowl, combine the cubed potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss until all surfaces are thoroughly emulsified with oil and spices.
- OVEN METHOD: Distribute the cubes in a single layer on a heavy-gauge baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes, agitating the cubes with a spatula at the 15-minute mark to promote uniform browning.
- AIR FRYER METHOD: Transfer the cubes to the air fryer basket, ensuring no overlap to allow for optimal airflow. Process at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes until the exterior reaches a crisp state.
- Quality control: Verify doneness using a fork to confirm the core is tender. Remove from heat and serve immediately to maintain structural integrity.
