Elevate your snacking game with these delectable Mashed Sweet Potato Tots. This recipe not only promises an enticing treat for your taste buds but also offers a healthier twist on traditional Thanksgiving sweet potato casseroles. With a yield of 18 to 24 tots, a swift prep time of just 10 minutes, and a cooking time of 12 to 13 minutes per batch, you can have these delightful tots on the table in no time. These little gems combine the warmth of sweet potatoes with a hint of honey and the crunch of pecans, making them a vegetarian and kid-friendly delight that’s perfect for any occasion.
Yield: 18–24 tots
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12–13 minutes per batch
Total Time: 34–36 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup cooked mashed sweet potatoes
- 1 egg white, beaten
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 dash nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
- 1½ teaspoons honey
- Salt, to taste
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for misting or cooking spray
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Ensure your air fryer is ready to work its magic by setting it to 390°F. This temperature will give your tots that enticing golden-brown crunch.
- Mix the Goodness: In a spacious bowl, combine the cooked mashed sweet potatoes, beaten egg white, ground cinnamon, dash of nutmeg, chopped pecans, honey, and a pinch of salt. Mix these flavorful ingredients together until they’re thoroughly incorporated.
- Prepare the Coating: Lay out the panko breadcrumbs on a sheet of wax paper, ready to give your tots that satisfying crunch.
- Shape and Coat: To craft each delightful tot, scoop about 2 teaspoons of the sweet potato mixture and gently place it onto the panko breadcrumbs. Use the breadcrumbs to coat the edges of the tot and then flip it over to coat the other side as well. (For a useful tip, check page 169.)
- Ready for the Fryer: Give your tots a mist of oil or a quick spray of cooking spray to help them achieve the crispy perfection we’re aiming for. Arrange the coated tots in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air Fry with Care: Let the air fryer work its magic at 390°F for 12 to 13 minutes, or until the tots are beautifully browned and have reached that perfect level of crispiness.
- Repeat and Enjoy: If you have more tots to prepare, follow the steps for each batch until all of them are cooked to golden perfection.
NOTE:
- For a doubled batch, multiply all the ingredients. When substituting for egg whites, use a whole egg accordingly.
With these Mashed Sweet Potato Tots, you’re not only treating your palate to a fantastic medley of flavors and textures but also embracing a healthier approach to snacking. The subtle sweetness of honey, the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, and the delightful crunch of pecans make these tots a memorable dish that everyone will adore. Serve them up at parties, as an appetizer, or even as a side to elevate your culinary game and indulge in a mouthwatering treat.
