These sweet potato nuggets are a fun and tasty snack! They are crispy on the outside and soft inside, making them perfect for dipping. Plus, they are packed with flavor and nutrients!
My kids love them, and I love that they are eating veggies without even noticing! Serve them with ketchup or your favorite dip, and you’re all set for a yummy treat. 🍠✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: The base of this recipe! Look for firm, smooth sweet potatoes without blemishes. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, you can use butternut squash or regular potatoes, but the flavor will be different.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for extra flavor, but you can substitute with mozzarella or even a dairy-free cheese if you need a vegan option.
Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a nice crunchy texture, but if you don’t have it, regular breadcrumbs work. For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
Onion: Finely chopped onion adds flavor, but you can use green onions or even garlic if you prefer a stronger taste.
How Do I Ensure My Nuggets Are Crispy?
The secret to achieving crispy sweet potato nuggets is removing excess moisture. After grating the sweet potatoes, squeeze them in a towel until dry. This prevents them from being soggy during frying.
- Form the nuggets well. Make sure they are compact to hold their shape while cooking.
- Fry in hot oil. The oil should be hot enough (about medium heat) for a golden, crispy exterior.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary to maintain the heat!
Sweet Potato Nuggets
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and grated
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for crispiness)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooking oil (vegetable or olive oil, for frying)
- Optional: dipping sauce such as barbecue sauce or ketchup
How Much Time Will You Need?
Preparing these delicious sweet potato nuggets will take about 15 minutes, and frying will take an additional 15-20 minutes. So, you can expect about 30-35 minutes total to make a delightful snack that everyone will enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by grating the sweet potatoes using a box grater or food processor. Once grated, place them in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze tightly to remove as much moisture as you can. This step is super important for achieving crispy nuggets!
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your squeezed sweet potatoes, grated cheddar cheese, chopped onion, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Use a spatula or your hands to mix everything together until it’s well combined and holds together when pressed. If the mixture is too wet, sprinkle in a bit more breadcrumbs.
3. Shape the Nuggets:
Now it’s time to form your nuggets! Take a small amount of the mixture and mold it into little nugget shapes—about 1.5 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick works great. You should be able to make around 12 nuggets from this mixture.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a large frying pan, heat a generous amount of cooking oil over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan, but not so much that it will splash when you add the nuggets.
5. Fry the Nuggets:
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the nuggets in batches. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; it’s better to fry them in smaller batches.
6. Drain and Serve:
When the nuggets are crispy and brown, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce like barbecue sauce or ketchup for added flavor!
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Sweet Potato Nuggets! The combination of sweet potatoes and cheesy goodness is sure to become a hit in your home! 🥳
Can I Use Frozen Sweet Potatoes?
Yes! If using frozen sweet potatoes, make sure they are completely thawed and drained of excess moisture before grating. This will help maintain the right texture for your nuggets.
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! To bake, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the shaped nuggets on a lined baking sheet, spray lightly with cooking oil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness.
What Dips Pair Well with Sweet Potato Nuggets?
These nuggets are delicious with a variety of dips! Ketchup, barbecue sauce, ranch, or even a spicy mayo make great choices. Get creative and find your favorite pairing!
