Breakfast

Air Fryer Sweet Potato and Chorizo Hash

This recipe is basically the lovechild of a hearty breakfast and a fancy brunch, but without the fancy brunch attitude or the need to wear real pants.

Picture this: golden sweet potato cubes that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, paired with smoky chorizo that’s been kissed by the air fryer until it’s perfectly caramelized.

The magic happens when you drizzle everything with tangy Greek yogurt and finish with a garlic chili butter that’ll make your taste buds do a little happy dance.

This is the kind of dish that makes you look like a culinary genius while secretly being ridiculously easy to pull off – we’re talking about 20 minutes from start to finish.

The air fryer does all the heavy lifting here, creating that perfect contrast of textures while you basically just stand there looking accomplished.

Warning: making this will result in people asking for the recipe, and you’ll have to decide whether to share your secret or let them think you’re just naturally amazing at cooking.

Ingredients

For the Hash Base

600 g sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into evenly-sized cubes
1 tbsp oil or low-calorie oil spray
1 tbsp paprika for that smoky flavor
150 g chorizo, sliced into rounds

For the Garlic Chili Butter

1 tbsp light or half-fat butter
½ tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
1 garlic clove, freshly grated

For Serving

4 tbsp Greek yogurt
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh dill for sprinkling

Instructions

Prepare the Sweet Potatoes

1 Cut the 600g sweet potatoes into uniform cubes, roughly 2cm in size – this ensures even cooking and prevents some pieces from being crispy while others remain undercooked. Pat them completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve that coveted crispy exterior.
2 In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweet potato cubes with 1 tablespoon oil and 1 tablespoon paprika. Toss thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated – the paprika not only adds incredible smoky flavor but also helps create that beautiful golden-brown color we’re after.

Air Fry the Hash

3 Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for 2-3 minutes. Arrange the seasoned sweet potato cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded – work in batches if necessary for optimal results.
4 Air fry the sweet potatoes for 12 minutes, then shake the basket vigorously to ensure even browning. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy. Add the 150g sliced chorizo to the basket and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chorizo is heated through and slightly caramelized.

Make the Garlic Chili Butter

5 While the chorizo is finishing in the air fryer, combine 1 tablespoon butter, ½ teaspoon chili flakes, and 1 grated garlic clove in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute until the butter is completely melted and fragrant – the garlic should be aromatic but not browned.

Finish and Serve

6 Season the 4 tablespoons Greek yogurt with salt and pepper to taste. This creates a cooling contrast to the warm, spiced hash and adds a lovely tangy element that balances the richness of the chorizo.
7 Transfer the hot sweet potato and chorizo hash to serving plates. Drizzle generously with the seasoned Greek yogurt, then top with the aromatic garlic chili butter. Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh dill for a pop of color and herbaceous freshness.

Recommended Equipment and Kitchen Tools

Essential Equipment:

Air fryer – Obviously the star of the show here, but any model with at least a 3-liter capacity will work perfectly for this recipe
Large mixing bowl – Essential for evenly coating the sweet potatoes with oil and paprika
Sharp chef’s knife – For uniformly cutting sweet potatoes and slicing chorizo
Cutting board – Preferably a sturdy wooden or plastic board that won’t slip

Helpful Upgrades:

Kitchen scale – For precise measurements, especially when portioning the sweet potatoes and chorizo for consistent results
Microplane grater – Creates the perfect fine garlic texture that distributes evenly through the butter
Silicone tongs – Perfect for tossing ingredients and transferring the finished hash without scratching your air fryer basket
Digital instant-read thermometer – While not essential, it’s helpful for ensuring the chorizo reaches the proper internal temperature

Nice-to-Have Options:

Parchment paper designed for air fryers – Makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking
Multiple mixing bowls – Helpful for organizing ingredients and keeping the cooking process smooth
Fine-mesh strainer – Useful for removing excess oil from ingredients if desired

Recipe Variations and Dietary Modifications

Protein Variations:

Turkey chorizo → Use the same amount for a leaner option with similar flavor profile
Italian sausage → Substitute with spicy or mild Italian sausage, sliced and cooked the same way
Vegetarian chorizo → Many plant-based options work excellently and maintain the smoky paprika flavor
Bacon or pancetta → Cut into small pieces and add during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking

Vegetable Additions:

Bell peppers → Add diced peppers during the last 5 minutes for extra color and crunch
Red onions → Slice and add with the sweet potatoes for caramelized sweetness
Zucchini → Dice and add during the final 3 minutes to prevent overcooking
Cherry tomatoes → Halve and add in the last 2 minutes for bursts of acidity

Dairy-Free Modifications:

Greek yogurt → Replace with coconut yogurt or cashew cream for similar tanginess
Butter → Use vegan butter or extra virgin olive oil in the garlic chili mixture
Nutritional yeast → Add a tablespoon for extra umami depth

Spice Level Adjustments:

Mild version → Reduce chili flakes to ¼ teaspoon and use sweet paprika instead of smoked
Extra spicy → Add cayenne pepper to the sweet potato coating and increase chili flakes
Herb variations → Try fresh thyme, rosemary, or oregano instead of dill

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Key Nutritional Highlights:
This hash delivers approximately 502 calories per serving, making it a satisfying and balanced meal option. The sweet potatoes provide complex carbohydrates and fiber, while the chorizo adds protein and healthy fats. The Greek yogurt contributes additional protein and probiotics, creating a well-rounded nutritional profile that supports sustained energy levels.

Health Benefits of Main Ingredients:
Sweet potatoes are nutritional powerhouses, packed with beta-carotene (which converts to vitamin A), vitamin C, and potassium. They’re also rich in fiber, supporting digestive health and helping maintain stable blood sugar levels. The chorizo provides high-quality protein and essential B vitamins, particularly B12 and niacin. Greek yogurt adds probiotics for gut health, along with calcium and additional protein that helps with muscle maintenance and satiety.

Dietary Considerations:
This recipe is naturally gluten-free and provides a good balance of macronutrients. The air frying method significantly reduces the amount of oil needed compared to traditional frying, making it a lighter option while still delivering satisfying flavors and textures. The combination of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates makes this suitable for various dietary approaches, including Mediterranean-style eating patterns.

Smart Swaps and Ingredient Substitutions

Common Substitutions:

Sweet potatoes → Regular potatoes, butternut squash, or parsnips (adjust cooking time as needed)
Chorizo → Any spiced sausage, turkey sausage, or plant-based sausage alternatives
Greek yogurt → Sour cream, crème fraîche, or coconut yogurt for dairy-free option
Fresh dill → Fresh parsley, chives, or cilantro for different flavor profiles

Budget-Friendly Swaps:

Chorizo → Regular pork sausage seasoned with extra paprika and garlic
Greek yogurt → Regular plain yogurt mixed with a pinch of salt
Fresh herbs → Dried herbs (use about ⅓ the amount and add during cooking)

Pantry Emergency Substitutions:

Fresh garlic → ½ teaspoon garlic powder mixed into the butter
Paprika → Chili powder or cumin for different but equally delicious flavor
Butter → Olive oil or any neutral cooking oil
Chili flakes → Cayenne pepper (use much less) or hot sauce added at the end

Pro Tips for Substitutions:

When using different vegetables, maintain similar cube sizes for even cooking
If substituting proteins, ensure they’re pre-cooked or adjust air frying time accordingly
Store leftover herbs in water like flowers to extend freshness for future recipes

Make It Diabetes-Friendly

Carb Reduction Strategies:

Portion control → Reduce sweet potato to 400g and increase chorizo to 200g for lower carb content
Vegetable additions → Bulk up the dish with diced bell peppers and zucchini to add volume without significantly increasing carbs
Serving size → Consider this as a side dish rather than main course, paired with a large salad

Enhanced Protein Options:

Greek yogurt upgrade → Use 6 tablespoons instead of 4 to increase protein and help slow carb absorption
Additional protein → Add 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped and mixed in after cooking
Nuts and seeds → Sprinkle chopped almonds or pumpkin seeds for healthy fats and extra protein

Blood Sugar Management Tips:

Timing → Serve as part of a balanced meal with plenty of non-starchy vegetables
Fiber boost → Add 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed to the yogurt for extra fiber
Healthy fats → Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil instead of butter for heart-healthy monounsaturated fats

Estimated Carb Reduction: Modified version contains approximately 30-35g carbs per serving compared to the original 45-50g carbs

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Beverage Pairings:
A crisp Albariño or Sauvignon Blanc complements the smoky chorizo beautifully while cutting through the richness. For beer lovers, a Spanish lager or wheat beer provides the perfect refreshing contrast. Non-alcoholic options include sparkling water with lime or iced green tea to cleanse the palate between bites.

Side Dish Recommendations:
This hash pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli adds fresh, green vegetables that complement the earthy sweet potatoes. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside crusty sourdough bread or whole grain toast for dipping into the creamy yogurt.

Complete Meal Ideas:
Transform this into a complete brunch spread by adding scrambled eggs or avocado slices on the side. For dinner, serve with a Mediterranean-style salad featuring cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese. The hash also works beautifully as part of a tapas-style meal alongside other small plates like marinated olives and manchego cheese.

Occasion Suggestions:
This recipe shines at weekend brunches, casual dinner parties, or meal prep sessions. It’s perfect for fall and winter entertaining when sweet potatoes are at their peak, and the warming spices create a cozy atmosphere that guests will love.

Pro Tips and Troubleshooting

Professional Techniques:
Cut sweet potatoes into uniform sizes using a sharp chef’s knife and measuring against your first piece to ensure consistency. This prevents some pieces from being overcooked while others remain underdone. Always pat vegetables completely dry before seasoning – excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness in air fryer cooking.

Common Mistakes and Solutions:
Overcrowding the air fryer is the biggest mistake – work in batches if necessary to ensure proper air circulation. If your hash isn’t getting crispy enough, increase the temperature to 200°C (390°F) for the last 2-3 minutes. Soggy results usually indicate too much oil or moisture, so use oil spray rather than liquid oil when possible.

Storage and Reheating:
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness – avoid microwaving as it makes everything soggy. The yogurt and herb garnish should be added fresh after reheating.

Make-Ahead Strategies:
Prep sweet potatoes and chorizo up to 24 hours in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. The garlic chili butter can be made ahead and stored covered at room temperature for same-day use. This recipe doubles easily for meal prep or entertaining larger groups.

Scaling Tips:
When doubling the recipe, cook in separate batches rather than overcrowding the air fryer. The timing remains the same, but you may need to work in 3-4 batches depending on your air fryer size. Keep finished batches warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven while completing the rest.

This Air Fryer Sweet Potato and Chorizo Hash proves that impressive flavors don’t require complicated techniques or endless prep time. With just a handful of quality ingredients and the magic of air frying, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from lazy weekend mornings to impressive dinner parties. The combination of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors creates a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds – and the recipe.