Are you tired of store - bought snacks that are loaded with preservatives and excessive oil? Well, you're in for a treat! Making sweet potato tots from scratch at home is not only a fun activity but also a healthy alternative to the commercially available ones. With just four simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of delicious sweet potato tots right in your own kitchen using an air - fryer.

Let's start by gathering the necessary ingredients. You'll need sweet potatoes, of course. Choose sweet potatoes that are firm and free from any blemishes. One medium - sized sweet potato should be enough to make a decent batch of tots. Next, you'll require some breadcrumbs. You can use store - bought breadcrumbs or make your own by toasting and grinding stale bread. Eggs are another essential ingredient as they act as a binder to hold the tots together. Finally, a bit of salt and pepper for seasoning will add that extra flavor kick.

Now, let's move on to the preparation process. Begin by preheating your air - fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the tots cook evenly and get that perfect crispy exterior. Wash the sweet potato thoroughly and pierce it with a fork a few times. Place it in the microwave for about 4 - 6 minutes until it's tender. You can also bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the sweet potato.

Once the sweet potato is cooked, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, peel the skin off and mash it in a bowl. Make sure there are no lumps, as a smooth consistency will make it easier to shape the tots. Add an egg to the mashed sweet potato and mix well. The egg will help bind the mixture together. Next, sprinkle in the breadcrumbs, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. Stir everything until it forms a dough - like consistency. If the mixture is too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs; if it's too dry, you can add a tiny amount of water.

Now comes the fun part - shaping the tots. Take a small portion of the sweet potato mixture and roll it into a cylinder shape, about the size of a traditional tater tot. Place the shaped tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat this process until you've used up all the mixture. You can make as many tots as you like, depending on how much you want to serve.

Once all the tots are shaped, transfer them to the air - fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent the tots from cooking evenly. Cook the tots in the preheated air - fryer for about 12 - 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. This will ensure that both sides get crispy and golden brown.

While the tots are cooking, you can prepare a dipping sauce. A simple mixture of mayonnaise and ketchup makes a classic combination. You can also get creative and make a honey - mustard sauce or a spicy aioli. The possibilities are endless!

After the cooking time is up, carefully remove the tots from the air - fryer. They should be crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Serve them hot with your chosen dipping sauce and enjoy! These sweet potato tots are perfect as a snack, a side dish for a meal, or even as an appetizer at a party.

One of the great things about making sweet potato tots at home is that you have full control over the ingredients. You can choose to use whole - wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber, or you can adjust the amount of salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Plus, since you're using an air - fryer, you're reducing the amount of oil used in the cooking process, making these tots a healthier option.

So, the next time you're craving a delicious and healthy snack, don't reach for the store - bought stuff. Instead, head to your kitchen, gather these four simple ingredients, and make your own sweet potato tots. Your taste buds and your body will thank you!