If you’re looking for a healthy, delicious, and kid-approved alternative to traditional nuggets, these Air Fryer Sweet Potato & Spinach Nuggets are the perfect choice. Made with wholesome ingredients, they are packed with vitamins, fiber, and plant-based protein, making them a great option for toddlers, picky eaters, and adults alike.
Why Are These Nuggets Viral-Worthy?
- A Healthy Alternative to Fast Food Nuggets – No deep frying or processed ingredients
- Crispy on the Outside, Soft on the Inside – Perfect texture for kids and adults
- Nutrient-Packed – Sweet potatoes provide fiber and vitamin A, while spinach adds iron
- Gluten-Free & Vegan-Friendly Options – Easy to customize for dietary preferences
- Quick & Easy in the Air Fryer – Cooks in just 12-15 minutes
Ingredients
To make these Sweet Potato & Spinach Nuggets, you’ll need:
- 1 medium sweet potato, cooked & mashed
- ½ cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons chickpea flour (or almond flour for a variation)
- 1 egg (or a flax egg for a vegan version: mix 1 tbsp flaxseed meal with 2.5 tbsp water)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if needed)
Optional Additions for Extra Flavor:
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds a subtle smoky flavor
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast – For a cheesy, umami boost (great for vegan nuggets)
- ¼ teaspoon cumin – Adds warmth and depth to the taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Cook and mash the sweet potato until smooth. If using an oven, bake it at 200°C (400°F) for 40 minutes, or microwave it for 5-6 minutes until soft.
- Finely chop the spinach so it blends well into the mixture.
Step 2: Mix the Nugget Mixture
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potato, spinach, chickpea flour, egg (or flax egg), garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir until all the ingredients are well combined and form a thick, dough-like consistency.
Step 3: Shape the Nuggets
- Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into nugget-sized bites.
- Roll each nugget in the breadcrumbs to coat them evenly. This helps create a crispy outer layer when air-fried.
Step 4: Air Fry Until Crispy
- Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
- Arrange the nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with cooking oil for extra crispiness.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Let the nuggets cool for a minute before serving.
- Serve with your favorite homemade yogurt dip, ketchup, or hummus.
Serving Suggestions
These Sweet Potato & Spinach Nuggets pair well with:
- Greek yogurt or tzatziki dip – Creamy and refreshing
- Homemade ketchup – A kid-friendly favorite
- Guacamole or mashed avocado – Adds healthy fats
- A side of roasted vegetables or salad – For a complete meal
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked nuggets on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Air-fry straight from frozen for 15-18 minutes.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Sweet Potato & Spinach Nuggets are a healthy, crispy, and delicious alternative to traditional nuggets. They’re perfect for meal prep, school lunches, or as a quick, nutritious snack. Whether you’re looking for a kid-friendly recipe or a wholesome appetizer, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Try them out and let us know how they turn out! Would you like more variations or nutrition details?