Name: Pan Fried Sweet Potatoes {Gluten Free, Paleo, Whole30}
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1-2 tbsp neutral oil; 3-3½ cups sweet potatoes (½" cubed); heaping ⅛ tsp salt; ¼ tsp cinnamon; ⅛ tsp chili powder

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Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Soy Free, Paleo, Whole30, Vegetarian, Vegan

This simple, delicious sweet potato side dish is ready to eat in only 15 minutes! It has a soft inside, slightly crisp and chewy exterior, and is seasoned with cinnamon and chili powder for warm, sweet, and smoky flavor.

Bowl of pan fried sweet potatoes next to a linen napkin and parsley.

Why I Love This Recipe

Looking for some variation in your weekly side dish rotation? I know I always am! Quick Pan Fried Sweet Potatoes are an easy solution for healthy, hurried dinners.

Crispy and chewy on the outside with a soft creamy center these sweet potatoes and warm with a hint of smoky spice. Plus, this healthy side is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Because it is a versatile vegetable, the serving options are endless. My favorite entrees to serve this recipe alongside are Shakshuka, Pork Chops With Brown Gravy, Pineapple Thyme Chicken Drumsticks, and Grilled Tropical Chicken Thighs.

Additionally, this warm, sweet side dish is made with paleo and Whole30 compliant ingredients.

Skilled filled with fried sweet potatoes next to a linen napkin.

Tips on cooking potatoes

Firstly, using a lower cooking temperature paired with smaller diced potatoes ensure these Pan Fried Sweet Potatoes are cooked through. Using a higher temperature will cause the outside to cook before the insides are fully tender. Additionally, using larger than ½ inch cubes can cause the outside to cook while the inside retains crunchiness.

Thoughts on good quality skillets

Having a good quality large deep skillet with a lid is a really good investment. I prefer investing non-stick cookware that doesn't release toxic fumes when heated or chemicals into the food I'm cooking. Cast iron is a great option that can also be very budget friendly. Here is a link to a highly rated 12" cast iron skillet with a lid on Amazon.

Since I have spine issues, having to lift cast iron pans from cabinets for cooking and holding to hand wash isn't always practical for my body. Because of this, I typically use Green Pan ceramic nonstick pans. They are more expensive and less durable than cast iron, but they don't bother my back and are also safe to cook with. This is the Green Pan skillet I use on a daily basis and has lasted for over five years!

Share your favorite chemical free, healthy non-stick skillets in the comments below!

Close up of a fork with a fried sweet potato, bowl of sweet potatoes, linen napkin and parsley in the background.

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