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These chewy sweet potato balls made in the air fryer are going to be your new favorite dessert!

These purple sweet potato balls are the perfect dessert for anyone who prefers treats that aren't overly sweet. They're vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free, and they're made with only four ingredients! The sweet potato balls have a vibrant purple color and a delightfully chewy texture, similar to Japanese mochi. This classic Taiwanese dessert is traditionally deep-fried, giving it a crispy exterior with a soft, slightly gooey center. Since I'm not a fan of frying, I decided to make them in the air fryer instead, which reduces both the amount of oil needed and the hassle of cleanup.

These sweet potato balls, called di gua qiu (地瓜球), are an iconic Taiwanese street food. They are typically made with either orange or purple sweet potatoes. While both versions taste very similar, I usually make the purple sweet potato variety because of its impressive nutritional benefits.

Purple sweet potatoes, particularly Okinawan sweet potatoes, are among the most nutritious foods and are often associated with the Blue Zone diet, where many centenarians live. They are rich in anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants that help fight inflammation and give the potatoes their deep purple color. These sweet potatoes can be found in local or chain East Asian grocery stores or specialty health grocers. If you are unable to find Okinawan sweet potatoes, you may consider using Stokes purple sweet potatoes or purple Majesty potatoes.

Do I need special equipment to make these sesame balls?

For this recipe, you will need a steamer and an air fryer: