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In today’s fast-paced world, healthy snacking has become a priority for many individuals and families. With the rising concern for nutrition, more people are seeking out options that are not only delicious but also beneficial for their well-being. Enter the air fryer: a revolutionary kitchen appliance that has taken the culinary world by storm. It enables home cooks to prepare crispy, flavorful dishes with significantly less oil than traditional frying methods. Among the myriad of recipes emerging from this trend, crispy air fryer sweet potato nugget bites stand out as a delightful and nutritious snack that appeals to both kids and adults.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Nugget Bites

Discover the joy of healthy snacking with crispy air fryer sweet potato nugget bites! These deliciously crunchy nuggets are made from nutrient-rich sweet potatoes, packed with vitamins and fiber, making them great for both kids and adults. With a few simple ingredients like breadcrumbs and spices, you can whip up a batch that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces for an irresistible snack that's both tasty and nutritious! Enjoy the satisfaction of guilt-free munching!

Ingredients
  

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for an extra crunch)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for added flavor)

1 large egg

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil

Cooking spray (for air fryer)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it heat for about 5 minutes to ensure it’s ready for cooking.

    Cook the Sweet Potatoes: In a medium-sized pot, add the cubed sweet potatoes and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender. Once cooked, drain them and set aside to cool for a few minutes.

      Mash the Sweet Potatoes: Transfer the cooled sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the sweet potatoes until smooth and creamy. Allow the mash to cool slightly while you prepare the next steps.

        Mix the Ingredients: To the bowl with the mashed sweet potatoes, add the egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir together until all ingredients are thoroughly combined into a homogeneous mixture.

          Form the Nuggets: With clean hands, take small portions of the sweet potato mixture—about 1 to 2 tablespoons each—and shape them into nugget or bite-sized patties.

            Coat with Breadcrumbs: In a shallow dish, place the breadcrumbs (add grated Parmesan cheese if using). Gently roll each sweet potato nugget in the breadcrumb mix, ensuring they are evenly coated. For added crispiness, lightly spray the nuggets with olive oil before placing them in the air fryer.

              Air Fry the Nuggets: Arrange the coated nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching each other. You may need to perform this step in batches depending on your air fryer size. Lightly spray the tops of the nuggets with cooking spray for an extra crispy finish.

                Cook Until Crispy: Air fry the nuggets at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning, until they are golden brown and have a crispy exterior.

                  Serve: Carefully remove the sweet potato nugget bites from the air fryer. Let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving warm. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch, or a zesty spicy aioli.

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                      Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 40 mins | Servings: 4

                        Optional Presentation Tips: Serve the nugget bites on a rustic wooden platter, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for color. Position a small bowl of your chosen dipping sauce in the center for a fun and appetizing display!