Easy Low-Calorie Sweet Potato Ball Recipe - Guilt-Free Gluten-Free Snack
Sweet Potato Balls with Black Sesame - Air Fryer Recipe
INGREDIENTS:
Main Ingredients:
400g sweet potatoes (medium, about 2-3)
100-120g glutinous rice flour ) - add gradually
1 tablespoon water (for brushing)
2 tablespoons black sesame seeds
1 teaspoon salt (optional)
Equipment:
Air fryer
Mixing bowls
Fork or potato masher
Brush or small spoon
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Step 1: Steam & Mash the Sweet Potatoes
Wash and peel 400g sweet potatoes
Cut into small chunks (about 1-2 inch pieces)
Place in a steamer basket and steam for 8-10 minutes until completely soft
Transfer steamed sweet potatoes to a mixing bowl
Using a fork or potato masher, mash thoroughly into a smooth paste
Make sure there are no lumps remaining
Let cool slightly for 2-3 minutes
Step 2: Add Glutinous Rice Flour (Gradually)
Begin adding glutinous rice flour in small amounts (start with 20g)
Mix thoroughly after each addition
Continue adding flour gradually (add 20-25g at a time)
Total flour needed: approximately 100-120g
Mix well after each addition to fully incorporate
Stop when the mixture reaches a soft, cohesive dough consistency
The dough should not be sticky but should hold together
Do not add all flour at once—the "gradually" approach ensures perfect texture
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Once the flour is incorporated, knead the mixture with your hands
Knead for 2-3 minutes until the dough is smooth and uniform
The texture should be soft and pliable, similar to playdough
Add a pinch of salt if desired for flavor enhancement
If dough is too dry, add water 1 teaspoon at a time
If too wet, add small amounts of glutinous rice flour
Knead until perfectly smooth with no streaks
Step 4: Shape into Small Squares
Lightly wet your hands to prevent sticking
Pinch off approximately 25-30g of dough
Roll between your palms into a smooth ball first
Then gently press and shape into small cube/square shapes
Size should be roughly 1.5 x 1.5 inches (about the size of a sugar cube)
Place shaped squares on a clean plate or parchment paper
Space them slightly apart so they don't touch
Step 5: Brush with Water & Add Black Sesame
Using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon, brush the top of each square with a small amount of water
Brush gently—just enough to make the surface slightly moist
Immediately sprinkle black sesame seeds on the wet surface
The seeds should stick to the wet dough
Press gently with a fingertip to help sesame adhere
Use about 3-5 sesame seeds per square for visual appeal
Step 6: Preheat Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (356°F)
Allow 3-5 minutes for preheating
Ensure the air fryer basket is clean and dry
Step 7: First Air Fry - 10 Minutes
Carefully place shaped sweet potato squares into the air fryer basket
Arrange in a single layer without overlapping
If your air fryer is small, you may need to work in batches
Set temperature to 180°C (356°F)
Set timer for 10 minutes
Do not open the basket during cooking
The squares will begin to cook and set
Step 8: Check & Flip
After 10 minutes, carefully remove the air fryer basket
Using tongs or a silicone spatula, gently flip each square over
The bottom should be slightly golden (not dark brown)
Be careful as they're still soft
If any sesame seeds fell off during flipping, press a few back on
Step 9: Second Air Fry - 10 Minutes
Return the flipped squares to the air fryer
Set timer for another 10 minutes at 180°C (356°F)
This second cooking phase creates a light, crispy exterior
The interior should remain soft and fluffy
Step 10: Cool & Serve
After the second 10-minute cycle, remove the basket carefully
Transfer squares to a cooling rack or plate
Allow to cool for 2-3 minutes
The surface will firm up slightly as it cools
They should have a light golden exterior with black sesame visible
Serve warm or at room temperature
Handle gently as they're delicate
