Go Back

Turkey & Sweet Potato Nuggets - Easy, Tasty, and Kid-Friendly

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean is ideal)
  • 1 medium sweet potato (about 10–12 ounces), cooked and mashed
  • 1/2 small onion, finely minced (or 1 teaspoon onion powder)
  • 1 garlic clove, minced (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/3 cup finely ground breadcrumbs or oat flour (for binding)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1–1 1/2 cups panko or regular breadcrumbs (for coating)
  • 2–3 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (for brushing or spraying)
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard or 2 teaspoons hot sauce for extra flavor

Method
 

  1. Cook the sweet potato: Microwave a scrubbed sweet potato until tender (6–8 minutes, flipping halfway), or roast at 400°F (200°C) for 45–60 minutes. Cool slightly, peel, and mash until smooth.
  2. Prep the mixture: In a large bowl, add ground turkey, mashed sweet potato, onion, garlic, egg, binding breadcrumbs or oat flour, smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, salt, pepper, and optional Dijon or hot sauce. Mix gently until combined. Avoid overworking the meat.
  3. Chill for shaping: Cover and refrigerate the mixture for 15–20 minutes. This firms it up and makes shaping easier.
  4. Set up coating: Pour panko or breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Line a baking sheet with parchment and lightly brush or spray with oil.
  5. Shape the nuggets: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and form into nugget shapes about 1/2 inch thick. You should get 20–24 nuggets.
  6. Coat: Press each nugget into the breadcrumbs, turning to coat. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush or spray the tops with oil for better browning.
  7. To bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake for 10 minutes, flip, then bake another 7–10 minutes, until the coating is crisp and the centers reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  8. To air fry: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (205°C). Arrange nuggets in a single layer. Air fry 8–10 minutes, flip, then 4–6 more minutes, until golden and cooked through.
  9. Rest and serve: Let the nuggets rest for 3–4 minutes so the juices settle. Serve with ketchup, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a yogurt-based dip.