Smashed Sweet Potato (5 ingredients)

Only 5 ingredients - Smashed Sweet Potatoes! Picture this: velvety smooth, salty, buttery sweet potatoes smashed to perfection with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar for that extra kick of sweetness. Yum! This air fry sweet potato can be baked as well if you are making a larger batch.

To make this recipe even more irresistible, we're going to "smash" our sweet potatoes instead of just mashing them. That's right, we're going to give them a little bit of texture and bite. It's the perfect side dish for any meal, whether you're serving up a juicy steak or a simple roast chicken.

So, let's get to it! Grab some sweet potatoes, butter, cinnamon, and brown sugar, and get ready to smash your way to culinary heaven. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for it.

What is smashed sweet potato?

Smashed sweet potatoes, which can either be savory or sweet, are round, oven-roasted, smashed pieces of sweet potatoes that have an irresistibly soft inside and a crispy outer layer. Unlike traditional mashed sweet potatoes, these treats are boiled until they are fork-tender before being smashed and roasted in the oven for that unique shape and texture.

This smashed sweet potato recipe is made simple and sweet with the addition of cinnamon and brown sugar to make a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with roasted meats, salads, and even scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Potato vs Sweet Potato

Potatoes and sweet potatoes are both popular vegetables, but sweet potatoes offer several unique health benefits. Sweet potatoes contain more fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants than regular potatoes. They also have a lower glycemic index, which means they can help regulate blood sugar levels. Additionally, sweet potatoes are a good source of potassium, which is important for maintaining healthy blood pressure. Adding smashed sweet potatoes to your diet can provide a range of health benefits and add a delicious and nutritious twist to your meals.

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes: Since we're cutting the sweet potatoes into large rounds, choose larger sized ones to ensure that they are big enough to smash. 
  
• Unsalted butter: Helps the seasonings stick while providing that rich, buttery flavor.
  
• Cinnamon: Adds an extra layer of warmth and brings out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
  
• Brown sugar: Caramelizes the sweet potatoes for a delicious, crispy outer layer.

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make smashed sweet potatoes

Smashed Sweet Potatoes Air Fryer Instructions

Sweet potato air fryer time and temp 400 degrees for 10 minutes

• Peel your sweet potatoes.
• Cut them into thick 1-inch slices.
• Place your sweet potato rounds in boiling water and boil them until they are fork tender. About 10 minutes.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees. 
• Strain the sweet potatoes. Put them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
• Smash them using a bottom of a glass.
• Melt the butter in the microwave for 30 seconds until completely melted. 
• In the butter, add the brown sugar and cinnamon. Mix well. 
• Using a spoon, spoon the butter mixture onto the sweet potatoes.
• Air fry sweet potato at 400 degrees for 10 minutes or until crispy and golden brown. 

Oven Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. 
• Peel your sweet potatoes.
• Cut them into thick 1-inch slices.
• Place your sweet potato rounds in boiling water and boil them until they are fork tender. About 10 minutes.
• Strain the sweet potatoes. Put them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
• Smash them using a bottom of a glass.
• Melt the butter in the microwave for 30 seconds until completely melted. 
• In the butter, add the brown sugar and cinnamon. Mix well. 
• Using a spoon, spoon the butter mixture onto the sweet potatoes.
• Bake in the oven at 425 degrees for 15 minutes or until crispy and golden brown. 

Substitutions

• Sweetener - Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
• Vegan - Substitute grapeseed, avocado, or coconut oil for butter to make it vegan friendly.

Equipment

• Oven or Air Fryer
• Baking dish or baking sheet
• Large pot
• Microwave
• Parchment paper
• Strainer
• Glass

Storage and Reheating instructions

Store the cooked smashed sweet potatoes in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Reheat by warming it up to get it crispy again in the air fryer or oven.

FAQ

Is there a difference between mashed and smashed potatoes?

Yes. Mashed potatoes are boiled until they’re soft, and then mashed with butter and milk, while smashed sweet potatoes are boiled just until they’re tender, and then lightly smashed before roasting them in the oven.

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with smashed sweet potato:

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