Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes deliver crackly edges, fluffy middles, and sweet–savory goodness in under 1 hour. Inspired by the Culinary Cartel method smash for more surface area, then roast or air fry till shatter-crisp. this is weeknight-friendly and party-ready.

Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes double as Sweet Potato Snack Ideas or a standout side. The light cornstarch coating, a touch of honey, and a hint of garlic make these Appetizer Recipes Sweet Potato lovers crave. Try with a simple garlic–yogurt dip for balance.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-crisp edges + tender centers thanks to the smash technique (Smash Sweet Potatoes).
- Oven or air fryer options (Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes) with minimal fuss.
- Great for Mini Sweet Potatoes and easy to scale for Sweet Potato Recipes For One.
- Pantry spices and a light cornstarch dusting for next-level crunch.
- Crowd-pleasing side when you need Sides With Sweet Potatoes that feel special.
Ingredients (with notes & tips)
- Sweet potatoes, 1 ⅓ lb (600 g) – Small or Mini Sweet Potatoes crisp fastest.
- Olive oil, 2 ½ tbsp – Helps blister edges.
- Cornstarch, 2 tbsp – Thin, even dusting = extra crunch (Sweet Potato Crisp Recipe vibe).
- Garlic powder, ½–1 tsp – Savory backbone.
- Sriracha, 1 tsp (optional) – Mild heat; swap if sensitive.
- Honey, 1 tsp – Gloss & balance (or maple for vegan).
- Sea salt, ½–1 tsp, to taste – Finishes the sweetness.
- Black pepper, ½ tsp – Gentle warmth.
Dip (optional): Thick Greek-style yogurt, ¼ cup (90 g) + pinch salt/pepper + ½ tsp garlic powder or 1 minced clove.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Parboil – 15 minutes
Scrub sweet potatoes. Boil in salted water until a knife meets slight resistance (fork-tender). Drain well; let steam off for 3–5 minutes for drier surfaces that crisp. - Smash – 5 minutes
Transfer to a parchment-lined sheet. Use the bottom of a glass to Smash Sweet Potatoes to ~½ in thick (1.3 cm). - Season & Coat – 3 minutes
Whisk olive oil, cornstarch, garlic powder, sriracha, honey, salt, and pepper. Brush both sides lightly so the cornstarch hydrates into a thin slurry. - Oven Method – 25–30 minutes at 425°F (220°C)
Roast, flipping at 15 minutes, until deeply golden and crisp. (Sides With Sweet Potatoes never looked better.)
OR - Air Fryer Method – 14–18 minutes at 400°F (200°C)
Arrange in a single layer; air fry, flipping halfway, until edges are crackly (Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes). Timing varies by model. - Serve – 2 minutes
Season to taste. Add yogurt dip if using. Perfect for Appetizer Recipes Sweet Potato or a cozy snack.
You Must Know
- Dry surfaces = crisp. Let potatoes steam off after draining.
- The smash creates jagged edges that brown faster for that Sweet Potato Crisp Recipe feel.
- Cornstarch + oil make a micro-thin, glassy crust.
- Air fryers cook faster; check early to avoid overbrowning.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Recrisp at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes (oven or air fryer).
- Freeze on a tray, then bag up to 2 months; reheat from frozen until sizzling.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Vegan swap: Use maple instead of honey; plant-based yogurt for the dip.
- No sriracha: Use smoked paprika or chili flakes.
- No cornstarch: Use rice flour or fine semolina (thinner crunch).
- Mashed Sweet Potato Fries idea: Skip smashing; cut into thick batons, toss, and roast until crisp.
Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle chili crisp or herb oil; sprinkle feta or chives.
- Pair with rotisserie chicken, seared salmon, or veggie burgers.
- Make it Sweet Potato Recipes For One: cook 1–2 mini potatoes in the air fryer basket.

Cultural Context (optional)
Sweet potatoes star in U.S. Southern cooking and global street-food scenes. The smash-and-crisp technique borrows from “smashed potatoes,” adapted here for sweet, caramel-prone spuds, great as snacks or small plates.
Pro Tips
- Don’t crowd space = airflow = crunch.
- If using the oven, preheat the sheet pan for a jump-start sear.
- Season lightly before roasting and finish with flaky salt after.
- For extra caramel notes, brush a tiny bit more honey in the last 3 minutes.

Crispy Smashed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Scrub sweet potatoes and boil in salted water for about 15 minutes, until just fork-tender. Drain well and let steam off for 3–5 minutes.
- Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Smash each potato to ½ inch thick using a glass bottom or flat utensil.
- Whisk olive oil, cornstarch, garlic powder, sriracha, honey, salt, and pepper. Lightly brush both sides of each potato with the mixture.
- Oven Method: Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping at 15 minutes, until crispy and golden.
- OR Air Fryer Method: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 14–18 minutes, flipping halfway, until crackly crisp.
- Season to taste and serve with garlic yogurt dip if using. Enjoy hot and crispy.
Notes
Recipe FAQs
Can I skip boiling?
Parboiling ensures a fluffy interior and prevents leathery skins. It’s worth it.
Will larger potatoes work?
Yes; slice into thick rounds before smashing for even cooking.
How do I keep them from sticking?
Use parchment and avoid moving them early; flip once they release.
What dip goes best?
Garlic–yogurt (above) or hummus; both balance sweetness.
Is this spicy?
Only mildly; adjust sriracha or omit and add paprika instead.
Can I prep ahead?
Parboil and smash, then chill on a tray. Roast/air fry just before serving.
Explore More Recipes
Looking for more cozy dinner ideas? Try these next:
- Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges
Golden edges, tender centers, perfect for Sweet Potato Snack Ideas. - Sweet Potato Hash Browns
Shredded, crispy, and great for breakfast or a simple side. - Sheet Pan Sausage and Sweet Potatoes with Honey Garlic
Easy one pan dinner with sweet and savory flavors. - Southwest Ground Beef and Sweet Potato Skillet
Zesty weeknight skillet with bell peppers and warm spices.