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These easy baked sweet potato tots are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and made with simple, wholesome ingredients. They’re perfect as a finger food for babies and toddlers, a fun side dish for kids, or a healthier alternative to store-bought tater tots for the whole family.
Why Families Love These Sweet Potato Tots
- Perfect for meal prep – make once, enjoy all week (or longer)
- Developed with babies in mind – no hard crusts or overly crunchy texture unless you want them
- Minimal ingredients – no fillers, no complicated steps
- Flexible seasoning – keep it plain or add flavor for the whole family
- Great for picky eaters – familiar shape, naturally sweet flavor
My family LOVES sweet potato, and I am very thankful for that. It’s such a nutritious (loaded with beta carotene and vitamin C), inexpensive, and versatile ingredient! See more recipes and prep tips at sweet potato recipes for babies.
You can add it to these sweet potato cookies, sweet potato patties, green smoothies, vegetarian sweet potato lasagna, chicken quinoa casserole….basically anything and everything ;).
And for breakfast, sweet potato waffles are another delicious way to put this versatile veggie to work—fluffy, cozy, and nutrient-packed.
If your child doesn’t like sweet potato, introduce them to these tots, a winning kid-friendly finger food. It’s also such an easy recipe that I encourage you to invite them into the kitchen with you!
They are going to feel so proud and excited to try what they just made ;).
“Loved the recipe! My toddler could not eat these fast enough. I snuck in a couple myself.” – Jess
Is your toddler becoming picky?
Arm yourself with these strategies that will transform your mealtimes!
Table of Contents
Key Ingredients
- Sweet potatoes – I recommend jewel or garnet but the recipe will work with any variety.
- Grated cheese – I love to use cheddar cheese but feel free to add whatever your family enjoys. Mozzarella, Colby Jack, Monterrey, Parmesan cheese….have fun experimenting!
- Egg – So many of you have been asking me for egg-free recipes so I left it out. But if there is no egg-allergy, I recommend adding as it will help make the tots crispier. I don’t recommend flax eggs for these. Check out The Ultimate Guide to Eggs for Babies for more recipes!
Variations and Substitutions
- Switch up the seasonings. This is the fun part! I’ve tried them with curry powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and smoked paprika, and they were all delish!
- Add fresh herbs, like parsley and rosemary. Check out more information on herbs and spices for baby food.
- Gluten-free? Use almond flour or gluten-free bread crumbs.
- Dairy-free? Any dairy-free cheese will work!
How to Make Sweet Potato Tots
You’ll find the full recipe card with all the exact measurements at the bottom of this post.
Step 1: Roast (my preferred method as the flavor really intensifies in the oven) or microwave the potatoes (refer to FAQ). I don’t recommend steaming as the potatoes tend to get softer/wetter.
Step 2: In a large bowl, roughly mash the cooked sweet potatoes and combine with the rest of the ingredients.
Step 3: Scoop out 1 tablespoon of the mixture and form into tot shapes. Place tots onto a lined baking sheet in single layer.
Step 4: Bake until golden on the outside.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Tots
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease the basket. Arrange tots in a single layer (work in batches). Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway, until golden and crisp. Check during the last few minutes, as air fryer tots brown quickly.
Expert Tips
- Plan ahead if possible. Roast a batch of sweet potatoes in advance so you can whip these up in no time! I’ve found that the tots are more flavorful when made using roasted potatoes. However, if you are pinched for time, by no means let this stop you. Put your microwave to work.
- Do NOT mash the sweet potatoes too much. You want a rough mash, not a puree.
- Wait for the sweet potatoes to cool to room temperature before combining with the other ingredients.
- If the mixture is too moist (the starch content varies depending on the type of sweet potato) when you form into tots, place in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes or so.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat to prevent the tots from sticking and to also make clean up a breeze.
Serving Suggestions
These are best served warm as is or with a dip.
Here are some suggestions:
- Veggie loaded dips, such as:
- Healthy BBQ sauce
- Ketchup or Ranch – if your child loves these condiments and are hesitant about trying new foods, serving them alongside their beloved foods can help encourage them to try new/disliked foods.
They also pair well with:
- Veggie bowls or grain bowls, like this hamburger bowl
- Scrambled eggs – you must try the perfect scrambled eggs for babies
- Chicken or salmon, like this slow cooker BBQ chicken or this teriyaki glazed salmon
Storage
Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also flash freeze and keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. See this post on how to safely store leftovers.
Reheat these sweet potato tots in the toaster oven (375°F until warmed and crisp) or in the air fryer (350°F for 4–6 minutes). I don’t recommend microwaving as they will get chewy.
Or enjoy cold! My kids love these in their lunch or as their school snack!
Master List of Lunch Box Ideas
Sweet Potato Tots FAQs
You bet! Heat oil in a cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tots and cook until golden, about 1-2 minutes on each side.
First wash thoroughly, pat dry, and pierce the sweet potato all over with a fork. Wrap the potatoes in a slightly damp paper towel and place on a microwave-safe plate. You don’t want to microwave more than 2 potatoes at a time.
Microwave for 5 minutes or so, turning halfway through. If cooking 2 large sweet potatoes, you’ll need to double the cooking time.
Since I developed this recipe with babies in mind, if you follow it exactly, the exterior of the tots will be just slightly crispy.
If you’re looking for that super crunchy exterior, after shaping the tots, roll in additional bread crumbs (preferably panko bread crumbs). Also brush or spray each tot with olive oil.
Sweet potato tots usually fall apart when there’s too much moisture or not enough binder. Roasting the sweet potatoes instead of boiling helps remove excess water. Let the mash cool before mixing, and add a little extra breadcrumbs or oat flour if the mixture feels too wet.
Yes! Sweet potato tots cook very well in the air fryer and get extra crispy. Preheat to 375°F, cook in a single layer, and air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
These sweet potato tots are a great finger food for babies and toddlers when prepared with age-appropriate seasoning. Skip added salt for babies under 1 year, and make sure the interior stays soft and easy to gum or chew.
More Veggie-Loaded Finger Foods
Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
Baked Sweet Potato Tots
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (about 1 1/2 – 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs or almond flour
- 1/4 cup (30g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg, beaten (optional), , see note
- 1 teaspoon curry powder, or any seasoning(s) of choice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease or Line a baking sheet for easy clean up.
- Wash the potatoes well and pat dry. Poke holes all around each potato using a fork. Rub with oil and place the potatoes on a baking sheet. Roast until tender, about 40-45 minutes. You can also microwave for 5-10 minutes. Allow the potatoes to come to room temperature.
- Peel and add the sweet potatoes a large bowl. Mash with a potato masher or fork. You will need 2 cups or around 360g. Do not over mash! You want a rough mash not a puree.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and combine.
- Spoon 1 tablespoon of mixture into your hands and shape into tots. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden.
Notes
- Plan ahead if possible and roast a batch of sweet potatoes in advance.
- Egg are not necessary but if it fits your dietary needs and preferences, I recommend adding as it will help make the tots crispier.
- If the mixture is too moist when you form into tots, place in the fridge to chill for 30 minutes or so.
- For a super crunchy exterior, after shaping the tots, roll in additional bread crumbs (preferably panko bread crumbs). Also brush or spray each tot with olive oil.
Is all purpose ok to use instead of almond flour ?
You can!
Wonderful recipe! My 8mo is gluten free and I didn’t have almond flour on hand, so I used corn flour. They came out great! He’s been crushing at least 3 per meal lol, my husband and I also think they’re very yummy! Thank you, Min!
LOVE hearing this!! Thank you for sharing, Lauren!
Loved the recipe! My toddler could not eat these fast enough. I snuck in a couple myself.
LOVE it!! Thanks for sharing!
My son is has several allergies. I’ve tried Vio-Life non dairy cheese as a substitute for cheese, but when it melts and it’s cold. It’s not very appetizing. I know it’s optional. Is there any other brand you might recommend for toddlers with allergies?
These are great, easy to make and so yum. Kids loved them. Will definitely make these again.
These went down great! I had some left over cooked broccoli so threw that in as well. My 12 month old loved them 🙂 thanks for another great recipe.
Love the addition of broccoli!