Easy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Candy (Gamja Mattang)
Simple Air Fryer Snack: Potato Candy Recipe (Gamja Mattang)
Introducing a delightful Gamja Mattang (sweet potato candy made with potatoes) that’s as sweet as its gochujang counterpart but much lighter! You can whip this up in just 15 minutes using only your air fryer, no need to make a separate syrup. The crispy exterior, soft interior, subtle sweetness from oligodang, and nutty flavor of coconut create a perfect harmony. It’s ideal as a snack for kids or as a delightful accompaniment to drinks for adults. Experience the unique charm of Gamja Mattang, which will have you reaching for more!
Ingredients- 2 Potatoes (medium-sized)
- 3 Tbsp Oligodang (Korean corn syrup)
- 2 Tbsp Shredded Coconut
- 0.5 Tbsp Black Sesame Seeds
- 1 Tbsp Coarse Salt
- A little Cooking Oil (for coating)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare all the necessary ingredients for this dish. Wash the potatoes thoroughly.
Step 2
Peel the prepared potatoes and cut them into bite-sized cubes, about 1.5 to 2 cm in size. Avoid cutting them too small, as they might break apart; maintaining a good size is key.
Step 3
Place the cut potatoes in a bowl, sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of coarse salt, and gently toss to combine. Let them sit for about 10 minutes to draw out some moisture. This step helps reduce any astringency and improves the texture.
Step 4
After 10 minutes, rinse the potatoes under running water to remove the salt. Drain them well in a colander, then use paper towels to thoroughly pat them dry. Removing all excess moisture is crucial to prevent oil splattering during cooking and to achieve a crispier result.
Step 5
Arrange the dried potato cubes in a single layer on your air fryer basket or tray. Drizzle about 2-3 tablespoons of cooking oil evenly over the potatoes. Lightly coating the potatoes with oil before mixing with oligodang will help them become crispier when air-fried.
Step 6
Place the potatoes in a preheated air fryer set at 190°C (375°F) and cook for approximately 15 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time (around the 8-minute mark), it’s a good idea to pull out the basket and give the potatoes a shake to ensure even cooking.
Step 7
After 15 minutes, check if the potatoes are golden brown and slightly crispy. If they are, you’ve succeeded! You can even try one at this stage; they’re deliciously savory and nutty. Enjoy them as is if you prefer.
Step 8
Transfer the well-cooked potatoes to a mixing bowl. While they are still warm, drizzle 3 tablespoons of oligodang evenly over them. Applying the oligodang while the potatoes are hot allows it to coat them like a glaze.
Step 9
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of shredded coconut and 0.5 tablespoon of black sesame seeds over the oligodang-coated potatoes. The coconut adds a lovely nutty aroma, and the black sesame seeds provide visual appeal and an extra nutty flavor.
Step 10
Gently toss the potatoes with a spatula or spoon to ensure the oligodang, coconut, and sesame seeds are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this could mash the potatoes; a gentle coating is best.
Step 11
Your delicious Gamja Mattang is ready! With its crispy exterior, soft interior, and subtle sweetness, this dish is a wonderful, nutritious snack for children, a satisfying treat when you’re feeling peckish, or a fantastic appetizer to enjoy with a cold beer. Discover the unique charm of Gamja Mattang, which offers a different delight compared to sweet potato candy. Enjoy it without any guilt!
