Sweet potato puffs are a delightful, bite-sized snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a healthy appetizer, a fun snack for kids, or something to serve at your next gathering, these crispy, flavorful puffs are a crowd-pleaser. Packed with nutrients and natural sweetness, sweet potato puffs bring all the delicious flavors of sweet potatoes in a fun and crispy format. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for meal prep!
Table of contents
- What Are Sweet Potato Puffs?
- Ingredients for Sweet Potato Puffs
- How to Make Sweet Potato Puffs: Step-by-Step Recipe
- Tips for Making the Best Sweet Potato Puffs
- Creative Variations of Sweet Potato Puffs
- How to Make Sweet Potato Puffs in an Air Fryer
- Sweet Potato Puffs as a Meal Prep Option
- Why You’ll Love Sweet Potato Puffs
- Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Puffs
- Conclusion
What Are Sweet Potato Puffs?
Sweet potato puffs are small, round or oval-shaped treats made with mashed sweet potatoes, flour, and a blend of seasonings. Typically baked or fried, these puffs offer a crunchy outside with a soft and creamy inside. They’re often seasoned with spices like cinnamon, garlic powder, or smoked paprika for a unique flavor profile that’s both sweet and savory. You might also love the versatility of Cajun Chicken Shrimp Pasta, which offers a similar savory, spicy experience in a totally different form!
Made from natural ingredients, sweet potato puffs are a healthier alternative to other snack foods like chips or fried appetizers. You can bake them to keep them light and crispy, or go the deep-fried route for a more indulgent treat.
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Puffs
To make these delicious bites, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Here’s a list to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes (peeled and cooked)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat for a healthier option)
- 1/4 cup flour (all-purpose or whole wheat)
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp salt (or more to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for drizzling or brushing)
- Fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)
- 1/2 cup grated cheese (optional, for a cheesy variation)
Optional Dipping Sauces:
- Sweet chili sauce
- Garlic aioli
- Spicy ranch dressing
- Yogurt-based dipping sauces
For a cheesy twist, you might also like to check out the recipe for Paula’s Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie, which has that creamy, indulgent quality that perfectly complements savory snacks like sweet potato puffs.
How to Make Sweet Potato Puffs: Step-by-Step Recipe
Making sweet potato puffs is easy and fun! Here’s a simple recipe that will guide you through the process.
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Begin by peeling and cutting the sweet potatoes into chunks. Boil them in a pot of water for about 15-20 minutes until soft. You can also bake them if you prefer—just pierce the skins with a fork and bake them at 400°F for 45 minutes. Once cooked, allow the sweet potatoes to cool slightly before mashing them in a bowl.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes with breadcrumbs, flour, egg, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until you have a thick, dough-like consistency. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more flour or breadcrumbs to achieve the right texture.
Step 3: Form the Puffs
Now comes the fun part! Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the sweet potato mixture and roll them into small balls. If you want them to be extra crispy, you can flatten the balls slightly into small patties.
Step 4: Cook the Puffs
You have two options for cooking the puffs:
- Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Place the puffs on the sheet and brush them lightly with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Frying: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the puffs in batches, cooking them for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and place them on a paper towel to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your sweet potato puffs are crispy and golden brown, garnish them with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired. Serve with a side of your favorite dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for Making the Best Sweet Potato Puffs
- Use Fresh Sweet Potatoes: Fresh sweet potatoes will give your puffs a better flavor and texture compared to canned sweet potatoes.
- Don’t Overcook the Sweet Potatoes: Make sure the sweet potatoes are tender but not too mushy. Overcooked sweet potatoes will make the mixture too wet and hard to handle.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the sweet potato mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just roll the puffs and cook them when you’re ready to serve.
- Customize the Flavor: Experiment with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, or curry powder to give your sweet potato puffs a unique twist.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Sweet potato puffs are perfect for pairing with a variety of dipping sauces, from tangy yogurt-based dips to spicy mustard or tangy BBQ sauce.
Creative Variations of Sweet Potato Puffs
While the basic sweet potato puffs recipe is delicious on its own, it’s easy to customize to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are a few creative variations to try:
Cheesy Sweet Potato Puffs
If you love the combination of sweet potatoes and cheese, try adding 1/2 cup of shredded cheese to the mixture before forming the puffs. Cheddar or mozzarella work particularly well, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. This addition will give the puffs a gooey, cheesy interior that pairs perfectly with the soft, sweet potato base.
Sweet and Spicy Sweet Potato Puffs
To add a bit of a kick, mix in a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños. You can also drizzle the puffs with a spicy sriracha sauce or sprinkle some chili powder on top before baking for an extra punch of heat. This sweet-and-spicy combo will bring a bold contrast to the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
Herb-Infused Sweet Potato Puffs
For a more savory, herb-infused version, you can incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley into the sweet potato mixture. These aromatic herbs will infuse the puffs with a fragrant flavor that makes them the perfect side dish for roasted meats or stews.
Sweet Cinnamon Sweet Potato Puffs
For a dessert-style treat, consider adding cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little bit of brown sugar to the mixture for a sweet twist. These puffs will resemble little bites of sweet potato pie and pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a tasty dessert.
How to Make Sweet Potato Puffs in an Air Fryer
If you prefer a faster and healthier method for making sweet potato puffs, you can use an air fryer. It works especially well for achieving that crisp, golden exterior without deep frying. Here’s how you can make them in the air fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the sweet potato mixture as you would for baking, forming the puffs into small balls or patties.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or lightly brush the puffs with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the puffs in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching.
- Cook for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce for a quick and healthy snack.
The air fryer option is not only faster but also uses significantly less oil, making it a lighter choice compared to traditional deep frying.
Sweet Potato Puffs as a Meal Prep Option
Sweet potato puffs are an excellent choice for meal prep. Not only do they store well, but they can be enjoyed in a variety of ways throughout the week. Here’s how you can incorporate them into your meal prep:
Storing
Once cooked, allow the puffs to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze, arrange the puffs in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for 2 hours. Afterward, transfer the frozen puffs into a zip-top bag or airtight container.
Reheating
To reheat the puffs, you can place them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them back up. If you’re using the microwave, heat them for 30-45 seconds but be aware that the texture may not be as crispy as when freshly baked.
Meal Ideas
- On-the-go snack: Pack the puffs in a lunchbox for a nutritious snack that can be enjoyed on the go.
- Side dish: Pair sweet potato puffs with a protein like grilled chicken or steak for a complete meal.
- Lunch or dinner: Serve the puffs as part of a bowl with grains like quinoa or rice, fresh veggies, and your choice of sauce for a balanced meal.
Why You’ll Love Sweet Potato Puffs
Sweet potato puffs are more than just a tasty treat—they’re also a nutritious snack! Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a healthier alternative to many fried snack options. Whether you bake or fry them, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings for something crunchy, flavorful, and filling. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized to fit your flavor preferences.
Not only are they a great snack on their own, but sweet potato puffs also make an excellent addition to salads, grain bowls, or as an appetizer for parties. They’re versatile, fun, and definitely kid-friendly, making them a great choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Potato Puffs
No, potato puffs and tater tots are different. Tater tots are made from grated or finely chopped potatoes, then deep-fried into small, cylindrical shapes. Potato puffs, on the other hand, are typically mashed potatoes mixed with seasonings, sometimes combined with flour or cheese, and then baked or fried into light, puffed shapes. The texture of potato puffs tends to be softer and fluffier, while tater tots are more crispy and crunchy.
Potato puffs crisps, once popular in the U.K. and certain parts of the U.S., were often marketed as a lighter, airier snack compared to traditional chips. Unfortunately, they were phased out in many markets due to changing snack preferences and competition from other products like Lay’s or Pringles. Today, similar air-puffed snacks can still be found, but the specific brand of potato puffs crisps you may be referring to might no longer be in production.
Candied yams are often made with sweet potatoes, but the term “yam” is typically used to describe the sweeter, softer variety of sweet potato, particularly in the U.S. “Yam” is also used for certain varieties of potatoes with darker, rougher skins. Candied yams are sweetened with syrup, butter, and spices, while sweet potatoes on their own can be enjoyed in many ways, like baked or mashed, without added sugar.
Conclusion
Sweet potato puffs are a delicious, easy-to-make snack that offers the perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and savory flavors. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, a fun appetizer for a party, or a side dish for dinner, these puffs are sure to hit the spot. With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and plenty of room for flavor customization, sweet potato puffs are a must-try recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your household.
