Sweet Potato Puffs Recipe: Easy, Crispy, and Delicious

Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside—sweet potato puffs are the ultimate snack or side dish. Whether you’re making them for a party, a quick bite, or a family dinner, these golden bites are packed with flavor and easy to make.

Sweet potatoes bring natural sweetness and plenty of nutrients, making these puffs a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks. Plus, they can be fried, baked, or air-fried to suit your preference.

In this recipe, we’ll guide you through each step to create the crispiest, most delicious sweet potato puffs in no time. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Puffs Recipe

• Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients.
• Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.
• Perfect for parties, kids, and meal prep.
• Naturally gluten-free and can be made dairy-free or vegan.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Puffs

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Sweet Potato Puffs

Making sweet potato puffs is simple and fun. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve the perfect crispy texture and delicious flavor.

Step 1 – Preparing the Sweet Potatoes

Properly preparing the sweet potatoes is key to getting the right texture for your puffs.

1. Peel and Dice – Start by peeling the sweet potatoes and cutting them into small chunks. This helps them cook faster and more evenly.
2. Boil Until Fork-Tender – Place the diced sweet potatoes in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil. Cook for about 10-15 minutes or until they are soft enough to mash easily with a fork.
3. Drain and Mash – Drain the water and transfer the sweet potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Use a potato masher or fork to mash them into a smooth consistency. Avoid adding extra liquid, as this can make the dough too sticky.
4. Let Cool – Allow the mashed sweet potatoes to cool to room temperature before mixing with other ingredients. This prevents the egg from scrambling when added later.

Step 2 – Mixing the Dough

Now it’s time to turn those mashed sweet potatoes into a light, flavorful dough.

1. Add the Egg – Crack an egg into the mashed sweet potatoes and mix well. This helps bind the ingredients together.
2. Incorporate Dry Ingredients – Add flour, baking powder, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the bowl. Mix until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Add Parmesan Cheese (Optional) – If using, stir in grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor and a slight crispiness.
4. Check the Consistency – The mixture should be soft but firm enough to roll into balls. If it’s too sticky, gradually add more flour (one tablespoon at a time) until the dough is manageable.

Step 3 – Shaping and Coating the Puffs

For crispy, golden-brown puffs, the coating is key!

1. Scoop the Dough – Use a spoon or cookie scoop to take small portions of the dough (about 1 tablespoon per puff).
2. Roll Into Balls – Lightly flour your hands and roll each portion into a smooth ball.
3. Coat with Panko Breadcrumbs – Roll each puff in panko breadcrumbs to give them an extra crispy texture when cooked.

Step 4 – Cooking Methods

Choose your preferred method to cook the sweet potato puffs:

Frying for Extra Crispiness

• Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep frying pan or pot.
• Carefully drop the coated puffs into the oil and fry in small batches.
• Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown.
• Take them out and place on paper towels to soak up excess oil.

Baking for a Healthier Option

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Arrange the puffs on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Lightly spray or brush with oil to enhance crispiness.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.

Air Frying for a Quick and Guilt-Free Treat

Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway for even crisping.

Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

Arrange the puffs in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch.

Serving Suggestions

Great for meal prep—store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Serve with dipping sauces like garlic aioli, honey mustard, or spicy mayo.

Pair with grilled chicken, burgers, or salads.

Pro Tips for the Best Sweet Potato Puffs

1. Use Cold Mashed Sweet Potatoes for a Better Texture

• If your mashed sweet potatoes are too warm, they can make the dough sticky and harder to shape.
• Allow them to fully cool before combining with other ingredients.
• For the best results, you can even chill the mashed sweet potatoes in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before making the dough.

2. Don’t Skip the Breadcrumb Coating for Extra Crunch

• Panko breadcrumbs are the best choice for a crispy exterior. They are light and flaky, creating a better crunch than regular breadcrumbs.
• If you prefer a gluten-free option, use crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour.
• To help the breadcrumbs stick better, lightly coat the puffs in flour first before rolling them in the panko.

3. Adjust the Flour for the Perfect Dough Consistency

• The dough should be soft but not too sticky—it should hold its shape when rolled into a ball.
• If the dough is too wet, gradually add more flour (one tablespoon at a time) until it firms up.
• Be careful not to add too much flour, or the puffs might turn out dense instead of light and fluffy.

4. Spice It Up for More Flavor

• While garlic powder, salt, and pepper are the basic seasonings, you can customize the flavor to your liking. Try adding:
  • Paprika or smoked paprika for a smoky taste.
  • Cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
  • Cinnamon and nutmeg for a slightly sweet and warm flavor.
  • Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami boost.

5. Cook in Batches for Even Browning

• Don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer—this can cause uneven cooking and soggy puffs.
• If frying, cook in small batches to maintain the oil temperature.
• If baking, leave space between each puff so the heat circulates evenly.

6. Make Ahead and Freeze for Convenience

• To freeze before cooking: Shape the puffs, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once solid, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• To freeze after cooking: Let the cooked puffs cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in an oven or air fryer until crispy again.

7. Choose the Right Oil for Frying

• The best oils for frying are neutral and high-smoke-point oils, such as:
  • Avocado oil
  • Vegetable oil
  • Canola oil
• Avoid olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point and can burn quickly.

8. Reheat for Maximum Crispiness

• If reheating leftovers, avoid using the microwave, as it can make the puffs soggy.
• Instead, reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. This will help restore their crispy exterior.

How to Store and Reheat

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze before or after cooking; reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until crispy.
• Reheating: Use an air fryer or oven for best results.

Conclusion

Sweet potato puffs are the perfect mix of crispy and fluffy, making them a delicious snack or side dish for any occasion. With multiple cooking options—frying, baking, or air-frying—you can customize them to your preference.

Packed with nutrients and easy to make, these bite-sized treats are a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks. Plus, with our pro tips, you’ll get the best results every time!

Give this recipe a try and enjoy these crispy, golden sweet potato puffs. Let us know how they turned out by leaving a comment or tagging us on social media!