Sweet Potato Latkes (Air Fryer Recipe)

These Air Fryer Sweet Potato Latkes are oil free and super quick to make. Perfectly crisp on the outside, tender on the inside. Served with a slightly sweet vanilla yogurt and topped with toasted pecans.

plate of latkes

Sweet Potato Latkes

I grew up eating a variety of traditionally Jewish dishes at our large family reunions. I can say, without a doubt, that latkes are my favorite.

The traditional potato latkes are my idea of adult french fries and I can stack the high on my plate.

How do you eat yours? Sour cream and applesauce are my toppings of choice because I love the sweet and cool with the hot, crispy potato.

For this recipe, I am switching up the topping because sweet potatoes deserve their own.

Sweet potatoes are traditionally eaten with cinnamon and marshmallows, so I thought a slightly sweet yogurt would pair nicely. The sprinkling of toasted pecans add even more crunch!

labeled picture of sweet potato latke ingredients

Ingredients Needed

Sweet Potatoes – Choose small to medium sized ones. Peel and grate on a box grater or food processor.

Eggs – Use large eggs for this recipe

Matzo Meal – You can find this in the kosher section of the store. Or you can use bread crumbs or Panko.

Yogurt – I like to use plain Greek vanilla but you can also use vanilla.

Vanilla – I like to use vanilla paste because the flavor is more intense.

Pecans – Toast them first before using as it brings out the flavor.

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How to Make Sweet Potato Latkes

First: Peel and grate the sweet potatoes into medium or small size pieces. You can use a food processor (which is my favorite way) or a box grater.

Second: In a large bowl, add the grated sweet potato, eggs, and matzo meal. Mix to combine evenly.

Third: Scoop out 1/4 cup or large ice cream scoop amount of potato mixture and press into a ball. Squeeze to stick tightly together. Press lightly into a flat disc. Continue will the rest of the mixture. (Roughly 20 latkes)

Fourth: Preheat air fryer to 350F. Air fry latkes for 6 minutes. Flip and air fry another 5-8 minutes or until they are done and crispy golden brown on the outside.

Fifth: While the sweet potato latkes are air frying, combine yogurt and vanilla paste. Mix to combine.

Sixth: To serve, add a dollop of vanilla yogurt on the latkes and sprinkle with chopped toasted pecans. Enjoy!

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

plate of latkes

What’s the difference between potato pancakes and latkes?

They are essentially the same and the terms are frequently used interchangeably. But it’s all in the details.

Potato pancakes are made with potato that is grated much finer and have a higher matzo meal to potato ratio. This results in a fluffy texture, much like fried mashed potatoes.

Latkes on the other hand are grated much thicker and have less matzo meal. When you fry them the larger strings of potato retain their more natural texture and get extra crispy. And those crispy edges are what I love about latkes!

Do you leave the skin on the potatoes for latkes?

I, personally, love the skin when I use Russet potatoes and make traditional latkes. But when using sweet potatoes, I like to remove the skins. The skin of the sweet potato tends to be thicker and more bitter than white potatoes.

Are potato latkes unhealthy?

Traditionally fried in oil, they can be a little high in fat, which they are meant to celebrate the oil burning in Jewish history.

This recipe is made in the air fryer and only contain a spritz of coconut oil to add color when air frying. These definitely have less calories and fat than traditional latkes.

plates of latkes

How long do they last?

Sweet potato latkes are best served immediately. They can lose some of that crispy texture when they cool. You can always pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to reheat them.

Can I bake these in the oven or fry on the stove top?

Yes, you can! Simple heat some vegetable oil in a cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Fry them, working in batches as not to overcrowd the pan, and drain on paper towels.

To bake, place formed latke patties on a prepared baking sheet and bake in the oven at 375F for 8-10 minutes.

Are they gluten free?

The matzo meal is not gluten free. But you can substitute rice flour, or gluten free matzo meal or gluten free panko when mixing together.

fork with sweet potato

Tapas Tips & Tricks

  • Use a food processor to grate the sweet potatoes. It’s much easier than a box grater.
  • Preheat the air fryer for maximum crispiness.
  • Spritz the sweet potato latkes with coconut oil spray just before air frying for crispy edges.
  • Grate the sweet potatoes twice to make it easier for the latkes to stick together.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

plate of latkes with text "sweet potato latkes"

This air fryer Sweet Potato Latkes Recipe is just what you need when you are trying add more veggies in your meals. Crispy and savory and topped with a sweet vanilla yogurt, there are finished off with toasted pecans!

plate of sweet potato latkes

Sweet Potato Latkes

These Air Fryer Sweet Potato Latkes are oil free and super quick to make. Perfectly crisp on the outside, tender on the inside. Served with a slightly sweet vanilla yogurt and topped with toasted pecans.
5 from 4 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Best Tapas and Appetizers
Cuisine: Jewish
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 20 latkes
Calories: 2latkes
Author: Jennifer Stewart

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds raw sweet potatoes
  • 1/2 cup matzo meal
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans chopped

Instructions

  • Peel and grate the sweet potatoes into medium or small size pieces. Y
    ou can use a food processor (which is my favorite way) or a box grater.
  • In a large bowl, add the grated sweet potato, eggs, and matzo meal. Mix to combine evenly.
  • Scoop out 1/4 cup amount or large ice cream scoop amount and press into a ball. Squeeze to stick tightly together.
  • Press lightly into a flat disc. Continue will the rest of the mixture. (Roughly 20 latkes)
  • Preheat air fryer to 350F. Air fry latkes for 6 minutes.
  • Flip and air fry another 5-8 minutes or until they are done and crispy on the outside.
  • While the sweet potato latkes are air frying, combine yogurt and vanilla paste. Mix to combine.
  • To serve, add a dollop of vanilla yogurt on the latkes and sprinkle with chopped toasted pecans. Enjoy!

Notes

  • If you love this recipe as much as I do, please leave me a comment and rate it 5 stars. Thank you!

Nutrition

Serving: 2latkes | Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 67mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g

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15 Comments

  1. Love latke’s and I love that you made this from sweet potatoes, and that sweet yogurt topping! I’m thinking this is a dessert, or breakfast or anytime snack!

5 from 4 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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