Can I make Sweet Potato Tots in an air fryer?

Yes, Sweet Potato Tots can be cooked in an air fryer for an even crispier texture. Preheat the air fryer to around 375°F and cook the tots for about 10–12 minutes, turning them halfway through. The circulating hot air helps create a golden crust while keeping the inside soft and tender.

Why are lentils used in Sweet Potato Tots?

Lentils are added to Sweet Potato Tots to boost the nutritional value of the recipe. They provide plant-based protein, fiber, and iron while blending smoothly into the mashed sweet potatoes. Red lentils are especially useful because they cook quickly and become soft, making them almost unnoticeable in the final texture.

Can Sweet Potato Tots be frozen?

Yes, Sweet Potato Tots freeze very well. After baking, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months and reheated directly in the oven until hot and crispy.

How do I keep Sweet Potato Tots from falling apart?

If your Sweet Potato Tots mixture feels too soft, simply add a little extra breadcrumb or almond flour to absorb excess moisture. Chilling the mixture briefly before shaping can also help make it easier to form the tots. Baking them on parchment paper and flipping halfway through cooking helps them hold their shape and develop a crispy exterior.

Sweet Potato Tots – Easy Crispy Homemade Recipe

Name: Sweet Potato Tots
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato (about 1 medium 8 oz sweet potato); 1/2 cup red split lentils, uncooked; 1 cup vegetable broth (no-salt-added); 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 teaspoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

Description

These baked Sweet Potato Tots are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, made with mashed sweet potatoes, red lentils, and simple spices. They are a nutritious and family-friendly snack or side dish packed with fiber, plant-based protein, and natural flavor. Perfect for meal prep, these healthy tots are baked instead of fried and pair wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup cooked and mashed sweet potato (about 1 medium 8 oz sweet potato)
1/2 cup red split lentils, uncooked
1 cup vegetable broth (no-salt-added)
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Pierce the sweet potato with a fork and bake for 45–50 minutes until tender, or microwave for 6–10 minutes until soft.
Allow the sweet potato to cool slightly, remove the skin, and mash the flesh in a medium bowl until smooth.
Rinse the red lentils and place them in a saucepan with 1 cup vegetable broth. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed.
Turn off the heat and allow the lentils to sit covered for 10 minutes until soft.
Add the cooked lentils to the mashed sweet potato.
Add paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, breadcrumbs, and optional salt. Mix until well combined.
Shape the mixture into approximately 18 small tots, about 2 inches long and 1 inch thick.
Place the tots on the prepared baking sheet and lightly brush or spray with olive oil.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the Sweet Potato Tots are golden and slightly crispy.
Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

If the mixture feels too soft to shape, add 1–2 tablespoons additional breadcrumbs.
For gluten-free Sweet Potato Tots, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
These tots can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freeze baked tots for up to 3 months, separating layers with parchment paper.
Serve with dipping sauces such as ketchup, ranch, garlic aioli, or yogurt dip.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Category: Snack
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4–5 tots
Calories: 27 kcal
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 89 mg
Fat: 1 g
Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
Unsaturated Fat: 0.7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg