Favorite Sweet Potato Tots

As someone who is a fan of all sorts of tots and nuggets—including Zucchini Tots and Veggie Nuggets—I am so excited to share this Sweet Potato Tot recipe. I love it because it’s delicious, but it’s also versatile for kids with allergies and works when you have minimal ingredients on hand. The tots are slightly crispy on the outside and tender in the middle and taste similar to the flavor of Roasted Sweet Potato or sweet potato fries. We love to dunk them into ketchup, though they also work with ranch, sour cream, guacamole, or any other dip your family prefers. (You may also like my Sweet Potato Baby Food, Sweet Potato Teething Biscuits, and Chicken Meatballs with Sweet Potato. And my list of other iron-rich foods for kids.)

Ingredients You Need

Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to make this sweet potato tot recipe so you know what to have on hand or pick up from the store. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.

Sweet potatoes: I’m using orange-flesh sweet potatoes here, which are sometimes called “garnet yams.” They are sweet in flavor and easy to cook. You can use frozen diced raw sweet potatoes to save some of the prep work. Bread crumbs: I’m using seasoned bread crumbs to add flavor and texture to the veggie tots. Shredded cheese: I like to add shredded cheddar cheese to my sweet potato tots to help them hold together and also have ample flavor. Garlic powder (or onion powder): Add a hint of flavor that pairs nicely with the natural flavor of the sweet potato. Egg: Adding 1 egg to the batter of the tots ensures they hold together and have the expected tot texture. To make this egg-free, simply omit the egg. Olive oil spray: This helps to get the crispy exterior. You can also brush the tots with olive oil to achieve a similar effect.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at the steps involved in making this sweet potato tot recipe so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of the post for the full amounts and timing. 5. Use a tablespoon measuring spoon to portion out tots, using clean hands to make the tot shape. Brush or spray with oil. 6. Bake in the oven or cook in the air fryer.

How to Store

Let sweet potato tots cool, then store tots in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Or place into a freezer bag in a single layer, remove as much air as possible, and seal. They have the best texture if warmed in the oven or in the air fryer.

Best Tips for Success

Bake in the oven or cook in an air fryer. They are similar with both cooking methods, though they are a little crispier in the air fryer. Parboiling the sweet potato makes it softer to grate and results in soft and delicious tots. Serve with a dip that your kids like such as ketchup, salsa, ranch, guacamole, or sour cream. Use as a vegetarian main dish (I would add a food or two with beneficial fats or protein to the meal, too, to ensure that it’s filling enough!) or as a vegetable side dish.

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