If you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing side that steals the spotlight at any meal, this Sweet Potato Tater Tot Casserole Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine crispy, sweet potato puffs layered with a buttery, cinnamon-spiced streusel and topped with gooey, toasted marshmallows—it’s like the perfect fusion of comfort food and a little bit of holiday magic, served right from your air fryer. Whether it’s for a family gathering, a potluck, or just to treat yourself on a chilly day, this casserole brings warmth, sweetness, and crunch all in one bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully simple but packs a flavorful punch thanks to each ingredient’s role. From the naturally sweet and vibrant sweet potato puffs to the crunchy pretzels and the irresistibly soft marshmallows, every component plays a part in creating a perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color.
- 2 bags Alexia Sweet Potato Puffs: These frozen tots bring a naturally sweet and tender base with a delightful crisp when cooked.
- 1 large bag Marshmallows: Adds a melty, golden brown topping that’s both comforting and fun.
- 1 cup Brown Sugar: Sweetens the streusel mixture, balancing the savory and sweet perfectly.
- 1/2 cup Flour: Helps bind the streusel ingredients together and gives it body.
- 1/4 cup Cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic spice that complements the sweet potatoes beautifully.
- 1 cup Pretzels (Crushed): Provides a salty crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup Butter (softened): Binds and enriches the streusel while adding deep buttery flavor.
How to Make Sweet Potato Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Base and Streusel
Start by placing those fluffy sweet potato puffs into an 8×8 foil pan to form the casserole’s foundation. Then, grab a large bowl and mix together your brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, crushed pretzels, and softened butter. This streusel topping is what makes the dish so irresistible—it’s crunchy, sweet, and slightly salty, perfectly complementing the tender tots.
Step 2: Layer and Air Fry – First Round
Sprinkle half of the streusel mixture evenly over the sweet potato puffs. Pop the pan into your air fryer and cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. This step allows the flavors to meld and the streusel to start crisping up, setting the stage for that beautiful texture you’re aiming for.
Step 3: Mix, Level, and Top
Once your air fryer cycle is done, take the casserole out and gently stir together the sweet potato puffs and streusel mixture. Spread the mixture evenly again to create one level layer in the pan. Now, here’s where the magic happens—top the entire surface with marshmallows, then finish by sprinkling the rest of the streusel on top.
Step 4: Final Air Fry and Serve
Return the pan to your air fryer for another 10-minute session at 350 degrees. Watch as the marshmallows melt into a gooey, golden-brown cloud with a touch of crispiness on top. Once done, remove the casserole carefully, serve warm, and enjoy every comforting bite bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Sweet Potato Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped pecans or a few toasted coconut flakes on top can add an unexpected yet delightful crunch and a hint of earthiness. If you want a touch of freshness, a few fresh thyme leaves can provide a lovely herbal note that cuts through the sweetness.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with savory mains like roasted chicken, glazed ham, or even a simple grilled steak. For a vegetarian meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving at a party or gathering, consider plating individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. This adds a cozy, homey touch while allowing guests to enjoy their own perfectly portioned helping of this delightful Sweet Potato Tater Tot Casserole Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your casserole cool to room temperature before covering tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh and delicious for 3 to 4 days, making it a perfect make-ahead side for busy weeks.
Freezing
This casserole can be frozen if you prepare it but don’t bake it right away. Wrap the foil pan securely with plastic wrap and then foil, freezing for up to one month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking as directed.
Reheating
To bring your leftover Sweet Potato Tater Tot Casserole Recipe back to life, reheat in the oven at 350 degrees for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through and the marshmallows regain that beautiful golden top. Avoid the microwave to preserve the crispy texture.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole without an air fryer?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use the same timing—about 20 minutes total—but keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning the marshmallows.
Are there alternatives to marshmallows in this recipe?
If marshmallows aren’t your thing, you can try a sweetened cream cheese topping or even a toasted meringue layer. However, the marshmallows’ gooey texture and slight caramelization are key to the classic feel of this casserole.
Can I use regular tater tots instead of sweet potato puffs?
Regular tater tots will work, but the unique natural sweetness and vibrant color of sweet potato puffs really elevate this dish and create a nicer contrast with the cinnamon and marshmallows.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe as written contains flour and pretzels, which often include gluten. To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free pretzels.
Can I add other spices or flavors to the streusel?
Definitely! Nutmeg, ginger, or even a pinch of cayenne for a little kick can add wonderful depth and warmth to the streusel, making this Sweet Potato Tater Tot Casserole Recipe uniquely your own.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Sweet Potato Tater Tot Casserole Recipe enough—its delightful blend of textures and flavors makes it a standout dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside. Whether for holiday dinners or a comforting weeknight side, give it a try and watch it become an instant favorite in your kitchen.
Print
Sweet Potato Tater Tot Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sweet Potato Tater Tot Casserole is a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish featuring crispy sweet potato puffs layered with a cinnamon-spiced streusel and topped with gooey, golden marshmallows. Perfect for a cozy family meal or a festive gathering, this recipe combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with a crunchy, buttery topping, all cooked quickly and evenly in the air fryer for a delightful texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato Base
- 2 bags Alexia Sweet Potato Puffs (Frozen)
Streusel Topping
- 1 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/2 cup Flour
- 1/4 cup Cinnamon
- 1 cup Pretzels (Crushed)
- 1/2 cup Butter (softened)
Additional Topping
- 1 large bag Marshmallows
Instructions
- Prepare the Sweet Potato Base: Place the frozen sweet potato puffs evenly in an 8×8 foil pan to form the casserole base.
- Make and Apply Half of the Streusel: In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, crushed pretzels, and softened butter. Mix until well combined. Sprinkle half of this streusel mixture evenly over the sweet potato puffs in the pan.
- First Air Fry: Place the casserole pan in the air fryer set at 350°F (175°C) and cook for 10 minutes. This step warms the sweet potatoes and helps start the baking process for the streusel topping.
- Mix and Add Marshmallows: Remove the pan from the air fryer and gently stir the sweet potato puffs and streusel to combine. Flatten the puffs to one even layer. Next, top the casserole evenly with marshmallows, then sprinkle the remaining streusel mixture over the marshmallows.
- Second Air Fry: Return the pan to the air fryer at 350°F for another 10 minutes, or until the marshmallows are melted, golden brown, and slightly crispy on top.
- Serve: Carefully remove the casserole from the air fryer and serve warm for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy your sweet and savory treat!
Notes
- You can substitute regular tater tots for sweet potato puffs if preferred, though the flavor will differ.
- Keep an eye on the marshmallows during the final air-frying step to prevent burning.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated; reheat in the air fryer before serving to maintain crispiness.
- For a nutty twist, add chopped pecans or walnuts into the streusel mixture.
- Use a foil pan to avoid mess and for easy cleanup in the air fryer.
