Sassy Sweet Potatoes
Spicy roasted sweet potato cubes with cinnamon. Crispy, healthy side in under an hour with tips for air fryer, storage, and spice swaps.
My culinary partner in cuisine and I concocted this as an improvement on a recipe we heard about and now we are hooked... A healthy alternative to those candied yams with the marshmallows...Our families eat them a minimum of twice a week. They go with everything. Inexpensive and great for you, vitamin packed, fiber rich, low-glycemic...Power Food with a PUNCH! I take them to all the block parties and they vanish into thin air.
Submitted by: AJ Edwards & from Raleigh, NC
Yield: Depends on number of potatoes
- Cube, soak briefly in salty cold water, then pat dry to improve browning and reduce sticking.
- Coat generously with oil, spread in a single layer, and bake until browned, tossing once for even crisping.
- Adjust spice mix, oven temp, or use an air fryer for faster results; store refrigerated 3–4 days or freeze for longer.
Spices
Featured in this Recipe
Preparation Instructions:
Wash and cut the raw sweet potatoes into approximately 2 inch cubes. Soak in cold, salty water for about 5-10 minutes to draw some moisture out. Drain and pat off excess moisture.
Toss in Olive Oil to coat. Spread on a large cookie sheet. Sprinkle liberally with spice mixture.
Bake for about 50 minutes at 350-400 degrees, until somewhat crispy. After about 20 minutes toss potatoes with spatula and return to oven. Potatoes will be pretty brown.
thespicehouse.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What oven temperature and time produce the crispiest sweet potatoes?
For crisp edges and tender centers, roast at 400 to 425 F for 25 to 40 minutes, flipping once about halfway through. If you prefer a gentler roast use 350 to 375 F for about 45 to 55 minutes. Always use a single layer and don’t overcrowd the pan.
Why soak the sweet potato cubes before baking?
A 5 to 10 minute soak in cold salty water removes some surface starch and a little moisture. That helps prevent sticking and promotes better browning and a firmer exterior after roasting.
Can I make these in an air fryer or convection oven?
Yes. Air fryer: 375 F for 12 to 20 minutes, shake or toss once. Convection ovens brown faster, so reduce conventional temp by about 25 F and watch for doneness. Avoid pressure cookers because they will not crisp.
How do I keep the potatoes from sticking or burning?
Use enough oil to coat each cube, spread them in a single layer with space between pieces, and use parchment or a silicone mat if sticking is a problem. If edges burn, lower the temperature slightly and lengthen the time.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. To re-crisp, heat in a preheated oven at 400 F for 8 to 12 minutes or use an air fryer for 5 to 8 minutes. Microwaving is quickest but yields a softer, less crispy result. For longer storage freeze spread on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Can I change the spice mix or make these milder or sweeter?
Yes. Reduce or omit cayenne for milder heat, use mild chili powder, or add a teaspoon of maple syrup or honey before baking for a sweet-savory twist. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, or fresh herbs after baking are good variations.
Which sweet potato variety works best?
Common orange-fleshed varieties like Beauregard or Garnet are sweet and moist and work well for roasting. Japanese sweet potatoes are drier and firmer and will give a different texture. Adjust cut size and bake time for larger or denser potatoes.
What oven temperature and time produce the crispiest sweet potatoes?
For crisp edges and tender centers, roast at 400 to 425 F for 25 to 40 minutes, flipping once about halfway through. If you prefer a gentler roast use 350 to 375 F for about 45 to 55 minutes. Always use a single layer and don’t overcrowd the pan.
Why soak the sweet potato cubes before baking?
A 5 to 10 minute soak in cold salty water removes some surface starch and a little moisture. That helps prevent sticking and promotes better browning and a firmer exterior after roasting.
Can I make these in an air fryer or convection oven?
Yes. Air fryer: 375 F for 12 to 20 minutes, shake or toss once. Convection ovens brown faster, so reduce conventional temp by about 25 F and watch for doneness. Avoid pressure cookers because they will not crisp.
How do I keep the potatoes from sticking or burning?
Use enough oil to coat each cube, spread them in a single layer with space between pieces, and use parchment or a silicone mat if sticking is a problem. If edges burn, lower the temperature slightly and lengthen the time.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. To re-crisp, heat in a preheated oven at 400 F for 8 to 12 minutes or use an air fryer for 5 to 8 minutes. Microwaving is quickest but yields a softer, less crispy result. For longer storage freeze spread on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Can I change the spice mix or make these milder or sweeter?
Yes. Reduce or omit cayenne for milder heat, use mild chili powder, or add a teaspoon of maple syrup or honey before baking for a sweet-savory twist. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, or fresh herbs after baking are good variations.
Which sweet potato variety works best?
Common orange-fleshed varieties like Beauregard or Garnet are sweet and moist and work well for roasting. Japanese sweet potatoes are drier and firmer and will give a different texture. Adjust cut size and bake time for larger or denser potatoes.
Good recipe – with changes! Great spice flavor on sweet potatoes, but the second time I made it, I used about 1/4 the amount of spice. I also tossed the sweet potato chunks with olive oil, and then sprinkled the spice mixture and tossed again. This method kept a lot more of the spice on the potatoes and less on the bottom of the pan.