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Authentic Thai Fried Sweet Potato Balls street food recipe – crispy outside, chewy inside.

Thai Fried Sweet Potato Balls

  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 30 balls 1x
  • Category: Snack, Dessert
  • Method: Deep-Frying
  • Cuisine: Thai
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

An authentic Thai street food snack made from sweet potatoes, sugar, and tapioca flour, deep-fried until golden and crispy on the outside with a chewy inside. Known in Thailand as Kanom Kai Nok Krata, these little golden balls are a beloved market treat.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 500g sweet potato, peeled, steamed and then mashed
  • 150g sugar
  • 250g tapioca flour
  • 30g corn flour (or plain flour, but corn flour gives extra crunch)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup milk (optional, depending on dough texture)
  • Pandan leaves to infuse oil (optional)
  • Oil for deep frying

Instructions

  1. Peel and cut the sweet potato into small bites. Steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  2. Mash the potato until smooth and leave it to cool down.
  3. Add sugar, salt, and baking powder. Mix well.
  4. Add tapioca flour and corn flour gradually, mixing until a dough forms.
  5. Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls.
  6. Heat the cooking oil on medium heat until hot.
  7. Fry pandan leaves in the oil until fragrant, then remove them.
  8. Add the sweet potato balls and fry until golden brown.
  9. Gently press the balls with a utensil during frying to expand them and create extra crunch.
  10. Serve hot or warm. (Note: this recipe does not work in an air fryer, though you may reheat them in one.)

Notes

  • Use corn flour instead of plain flour for a crunchier texture.
  • Adjust the milk depending on dough consistency—sometimes you may not need it at all.
  • Maintain medium heat to ensure even frying without burning.
  • These are best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in an air fryer for crispiness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5 balls
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 62g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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