Crispy Bubble Sweet Potatoes

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These crispy bubble sweet potatoes turn every bite into a little celebration! Sweet potatoes are transformed into bite-size perfection with a crispy exterior and a soft, flavorful middle. The secret? A light coating of potato starch, which guarantees maximum crispiness. Serve these bites with ketchup, spicy mayo or your favorite dipping sauce.

an image of the Crispy Bubble Sweet Potatoes
Credit:

Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Christina Daley

Active Time:
40 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Servings:
6
  • A coating of potato starch ensures maximum crispiness in each bite.
  • Sweet potatoes provide magnesium, potassium and antioxidants like beta carotene.
  • Fork grooves improve crispiness by increasing the surface area for browning.

Crispy Bubble Sweet Potatoes are a fun and creative spin on a potato side. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, fiber-packed sweet potatoes are cooked, mashed and shaped into snackable little bites, perfect for dipping. The garlic powder and smoked paprika add a depth of flavor, while the salt balances the natural sweetness of the potato. Keep reading for our expert tips on cooking technique, alternative spice combinations and more!

Tips from the EatingWell Test Kitchen

These are the key tips we learned while developing and testing this recipe in our Test Kitchen to make sure it works, tastes great and is good for you too! 

  • Using a fork to create grooves in the potatoes increases their surface area for crisping, and flipping the potatoes helps to ensure even browning and crispness.
  • This recipe allows for creativity with seasonings such as onion powder, cayenne pepper and dried herbs. Garnishing with fresh chives would also be an excellent finishing touch.
  • These potatoes are made for dipping. Ketchup is an obvious choice, but they’re also good with BBQ sauce, hot sauce, sour cream or ranch dressing. Or you can whip up a spicy mayo made with ketchup, mustard, garlic powder and/or chili powder.

Nutrition Notes

  • Sweet potatoes are a delicious and versatile root vegetable, as demonstrated by this recipe. They are rich in beta carotene, a powerful antioxidant that is converted to vitamin A in our body to maintain a healthy immune system. They also contain the electrolytes magnesium and potassium, which makes them a great food for an active lifestyle. 
  • Canola oil is a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, which makes it a good oil for cooking at high heat. Canola oil is considered a heart-healthy oil with a high amount of mono- and polyunsaturated fats and very little saturated fat. Canola contains a mix of both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids; despite buzz to the contrary, it is not toxic and not inflammatory when used as part of a healthy, balanced diet.
an image of the ingredients to make the Crispy Bubble Sweet Potatoes

Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Christina Daley

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes, scrubbed

  • 3 tablespoons potato starch, plus more for dipping

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper

  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

  • ½ teaspoon salt, divided

  • 3 cups neutral oil, such as canola or avocado

Directions

  1. Prick 2 sweet potatoes on all sides with a fork. Place on a microwave-safe plate; microwave on High for 12 minutes, until soft and easily pierced with a fork. Let stand until cool enough to handle, about 5 minutes. Peel off skins; place the peels on a cutting board. Place the sweet potato flesh in a medium bowl; mash with a fork or potato masher until smooth.

    an image of the sweet potatoes being mashed until smooth

    Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Christina Daley

  2. Chop the potato peels into small pieces and add to the bowl with the potato flesh; stir to combine. Add 3 tablespoons potato starch, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon pepper, ½ teaspoon paprika and ¼ teaspoon salt; stir to combine.

    an image of the potato peels, starch, and seasoning being mixed in with the potatoes

    Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Christina Daley

  3. Add 3 cups oil to a high-sided 12-inch cast-iron skillet. Clip a deep-fry thermometer to the side of the pan; heat over medium heat until the oil temperature reaches 325°F.

  4. Meanwhile, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the potato mixture into small pieces (about 1½ teaspoons each) and roll into smooth balls; place in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Press with a fork to create grooves similar to gnocchi, dipping the fork into additional potato starch to prevent sticking.

    an image of the potato mixture rolled into smooth balls

    Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Christina Daley

  5. Working in batches, place 12 to 15 pieces in the preheated oil; cook, turning often, until crispy and golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove to a paper towel–lined plate and sprinkle with some of the remaining ¼ teaspoon salt. Repeat the process with remaining potatoes and salt, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain the oil temperature.

    an image of the fried sweet potato balls on a plate lined with paper towel

    Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist Christina Daley

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How should I store and reheat leftovers?

    Bubble sweet potatoes are best enjoyed right when you make them because reheating will cause them to lose their pillowy texture. If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. To reheat, use an air fryer or toaster oven set to 350°F. Avoid overcrowding the cooking space, and check the potatoes after 5 minutes of heating to prevent overcooking.

  • What should I serve with Bubble Potatoes?

Recipe developed by Marianne Williams

EatingWell.com, March 2025

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

167 Calories
12g Fat
14g Carbs
1g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Serving Size about 8 pieces
Calories 167
% Daily Value *
Total Carbohydrate 14g 5%
Dietary Fiber 2g 6%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 1g 2%
Total Fat 12g 15%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Vitamin A 312µg
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Vitamin D 0µg
Vitamin E 2mg 15%
Folate 7µg
Vitamin K 10µg
Sodium 204mg 9%
Calcium 19mg 1%
Iron 0mg 2%
Magnesium 16mg 4%
Potassium 219mg 5%
Zinc 0mg 2%
Vitamin B12 0µg
Omega 3 1g

Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate.

* Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.)

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs.

Additional reporting by
Sarah Pflugradt, Ph.D., RDN, CSCS
Sarah Pflugradt

Sarah Pflugradt is a registered dietitian who holds a Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance and is a certified strength and conditioning specialist. Her extensive background in dietetics has made her a sought-after expert in family and youth sports nutrition.

and
Linda Frahm
Linda Frahm has been a copy editor and fact checker working with food and nutrition content for the past 30-plus years for consumer print and online publications.