One whiff of roasting sweet potatoes and I’m back in Grandma’s teal-tiled kitchen, watching her press them flat with a fork. These crispy smashed sweet potatoes are taking over Instagram, but honestly? They taste like they’ve been around forever.
They’re soft in the middle, crackly golden on the edges, and need just sweet potatoes, olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt. No fancy stuff. Think mashed sweet potato fries met a crunchy snack chip. Pure pantry magic. Full details in the blog!
I made these during a sleepy Sunday meal prep, and they disappeared before dinner. This recipe’s all about easy flavor, tested and tweaked till that crunch hits just right. I even found a trick that makes mini ones extra crisp. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes
These crispy smashed sweet potatoes are a little bit sweet, a little bit savory, and a whole lot of fun to eat. Here’s why they’ll steal your heart (and likely disappear from your baking sheet, fast):
Nostalgic vibes: The crispy edges remind me of Grandma’s roasted sweet potatoes, but with a modern twist that’s oh-so satisfying.
Beginner-friendly: No fancy gadgets, just a fork or potato masher, and a few easy steps.
Versatile: Perfect for sweet potato snack ideas, appetizer recipes sweet potato, or as a side dish for your cozy dinners.
Customizable: Dial up the seasonings, tweak the crispiness, or make them mini for the ultimate bite-sized snack!
Ingredients You’ll Need (and a Few Handy Swaps)
This recipe sticks to pantry staples and gives you room to make it your own. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredient
Amount Needed
Swap Idea
Sweet potatoes (600g)
About 4 medium
For a fun twist, try mini sweet potatoes for extra crunch!
Olive oil
2 1/2 tbsp
Avocado oil works well too.
Cornstarch
2 tbsp
Arrowroot powder can be used in a pinch.
Garlic powder
1/2 tsp
Swap for onion powder if that’s more your style.
Sriracha
1 tsp
Hot sauce or chili flakes for substitution.
Honey
1 tsp
Maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option.
Flaked sea salt
1/2 – 1 tsp
A touch of regular table salt also works.
Black pepper
1/2 tsp
Freshly ground for extra flavor.
How to Make Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes
This sweet potato crisp recipe comes together in three simple steps. There’s no need to overthink itcozy, imperfect cooking is the goal here!
Prep the sweet potatoes: Boil the sweet potatoes whole until fork-tender, about 15–20 minutes. Let them cool slightly.
Smash away: Place the sweet potatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and gently smash them with a fork or potato masher. Don’t worry if some pieces get “too smashed”those craggy bits get extra crispy!
Season and bake: Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Brush or drizzle on the honey and sriracha combo for that sweet-spicy magic. Roast at 425°F (220°C) for about 30–40 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
Pro Tip: For crispier results, use an air fryer instead of the oven! Cook at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Achieving the perfect balance of tender interior and crispy edges in crispy smashed sweet potatoes relies on the initial boiling step followed by thorough drying. This method allows the surface to caramelize beautifully when roasted, enhancing both texture and natural sweetness for a truly satisfying side dish.
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Mastering Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Finally
This crispy smashed sweet potatoes recipe didn’t come together overnight. After multiple attemptsranging from undercooked centers to overly soggy edgesI finally nailed the perfect balance of crunch and tenderness. It’s been a slow but tasty journey filled with small kitchen lessons and plenty of family taste tests.
Crispy smashed sweet potatoes are whole sweet potatoes that are first boiled or steamed until tender, then gently smashed to create a flattened surface with crispy edges. They’re roasted at high heat until golden and crispy on the outside while remaining fluffy inside. This technique creates the perfect contrast of textures and makes an excellent appetizer or side dish. The smashing process increases the surface area, allowing for maximum crispiness and flavor absorption.
How do you make sweet potatoes extra crispy?
To achieve maximum crispiness, pat the smashed sweet potatoes completely dry before roasting and use a generous amount of oil or melted butter. Roast them at a high temperature (425-450°F) and make sure they’re spread out on the baking sheet without overcrowding. For even crispier results, you can also make crispy air fryer sweet potatoes by cooking them in an air fryer at 400°F for 10-15 minutes after smashing. The key is removing as much moisture as possible and creating maximum surface contact with heat.
What size sweet potatoes work best for smashing?
Mini sweet potatoes or small to medium-sized sweet potatoes (about 2-3 inches in diameter) work best for this recipe. They cook more evenly and are the perfect individual serving size. Larger sweet potatoes can be used but may require longer cooking times and can be harder to smash evenly. If you only have large sweet potatoes, you can cut them into smaller portions before the initial cooking step for better results.
Can smashed sweet potatoes be served as an appetizer?
Absolutely! Crispy smashed sweet potatoes make fantastic appetizer recipes sweet potato lovers will enjoy. They can be topped with herbs, cheese, or served with dipping sauces like aioli or yogurt-based dips. Their crispy exterior and creamy interior make them perfect finger foods for parties or gatherings. You can also cut them into smaller pieces or use baby sweet potatoes for bite-sized appetizer portions that guests can easily enjoy.
What are good toppings for smashed sweet potatoes?
Popular toppings include fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives, crumbled feta or goat cheese, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. For savory options, try crispy bacon bits, caramelized onions, or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt with herbs for a cooling contrast. These sweet potato snack ideas can be customized with whatever flavors you prefer, making them versatile for any occasion.
Wrapping Up Your Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes Adventure
Crispy smashed sweet potatoes are your new go-to for a speedy, fuss-free side or snack. You’ll love how the edges get perfectly crisp while the inside stays tender and cozy. Totally beginner-friendly, toono fancy kitchen gadgets required!
Feel free to sneak in some cinnamon for sweetness, swap olive oil for avocado, or double the batch because leftovers reheat like a dream (pro tip from the pros!). Keep them airtight and crispy by reheating in your air fryer or ovenjust like fresh outta the oven.
Now, it’s your turn! Got a favorite twist or memory with sweet potatoes? Share your photos and stories below. And if this recipe brought a little warmth to your kitchen, don’t be shypass it on to someone who loves homemade comfort as much as you do.
Crunchy, sticky, and sweet, these Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes deliver a lip smacking flavour. Ready in under 1 hour, enjoy these as a quick lunchtime snack or as a side to your Sunday roast. Perfect for those looking for Smash Sweet Potatoes, Appetizer Recipes Sweet Potato, and Sweet Potato Snack Ideas. Try these Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes for a delicious treat.
Ingredients
Scale
600g Sweet potato
2 1/2 tbsp Olive oil
2 tbsp Cornstarch
1/2 tsp Garlic powder
1 tsp Sriracha
1/2 tsp Freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 – 1 tsp Flaked sea salt (add to taste)
1 tsp Honey
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (392°F).
Boil the sweet potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15-20 minutes.
Drain and place on a baking sheet. Gently smash each potato with a fork or the bottom of a glass until slightly flattened.
In a bowl, mix olive oil, cornstarch, garlic powder, Sriracha, black pepper, sea salt, and honey.
Brush or toss the smashed potatoes in the mixture ensuring an even coating.
Place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook for 30-40 minutes or until crispy and golden, shaking halfway through.
Serve warm as a snack or side dish.
Notes
Adjust the amount of Sriracha based on your preferred spice level
For extra crispiness, ensure potatoes are evenly spaced in the air fryer basket
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
