If you’re looking for a simple side dish, these pan-fried sweet potatoes are a must-try. The thin rounds cook up golden and tender, while caramelized leeks add a subtle savory flavor. A light drizzle of honey ties it all together with a touch of sweetness. This naturally gluten-free and vegan recipe makes the perfect kid-friendly veggie side, and it’s ready in under 30 minutes.
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❤️ Sandi’s Summary
These pan-fried sweet potatoes with leeks and honey are an easy, gluten-free side dish the whole family will love. Thinly sliced and caramelized in a skillet, they’re tender, slightly crisp, and naturally sweetened. Kid-approved, budget-friendly, and naturally vegan!
Pan-fried sweet potato rounds are easy to make, and since they are sliced thinly, they cook quickly too. Dinner is always best with two or more sides, so here are some additional gluten free side dishes to choose from.
Ingredient Notes:
- Sweet Potatoes – Use orange-fleshed sweet potatoes (also called yams in some grocery stores). They cook quickly and caramelize beautifully in the pan.
- Leeks – Leeks have a mellow, savory flavor that pairs well with sweet potatoes. Be sure to clean them well, as dirt often hides between the layers.
- Cooking Oil – Use coconut oil, avocado oil, or another high-heat oil. These help the potatoes crisp without burning. Avoid olive oil for this method.
- Honey – Adds a natural sweetness. You can also substitute pure maple syrup for a vegan version or for a deeper flavor.
Optional add-ins:
- A sprinkle of ground cinnamon for warmth.
- A pinch of sea salt or smoked paprika for contrast.
A Note From My Kitchen
This recipe started as a fast way to get veggies on the table, and it became one of the few sides my picky eaters ask me to make on repeat!
I tested several oils, and coconut oil gave the best texture and flavor. For faster cooking, slice the sweet potatoes thinly and use a cast-iron skillet for better browning. You can swap in onions if you don’t have leeks, and maple syrup works just as well for a vegan version. If your skillet gets crowded, cook the potatoes in batches for better browning.
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How to Make Pan Fried Sweet Potatoes (Step-By-Step)
Step 1: Use a sharp knife or mandoline to cut your sweet potatoes into ¼-inch rounds. Thinner slices = faster cooking. You don’t need to peel the sweet potatoes unless the skins are very thick.
Step 2: Trim the dark green tops and root ends, then slice leeks in half lengthwise. Rinse well in a colander to remove any grit, then thinly slice the white and light green parts.
Step 3: Heat 1–2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the leeks and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until they soften and start to caramelize.
👀 Sandi Says: Coconut oil adds a subtle sweetness that works beautifully here. Make sure the leeks don’t burn—lower the heat slightly if needed.
Step 4: Add sweet potato slices in a single layer. Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until fork-tender and slightly crisp on the edges. Pan-frying sweet potatoes takes about 15-20 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them.
Step 5: Drizzle some honey onto the potatoes during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Stir to coat the slices and allow the sugars to caramelize gently.
Store them in an airtight container, and they will keep fresh for up to 4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes! This is one of the easiest and most flavorful ways to cook sweet potatoes. Thin slices caramelize beautifully in a hot skillet.
Yes. In the U.S., orange-fleshed “yams” are typically a variety of sweet potatoes and will work the same in this recipe.
Yes. Air fry at 375ºF for about 10 minutes. Drizzle the honey after cooking to avoid a sticky mess.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer for best texture.
Serve With:
These pan-fried sweet potatoes go with just about everything. Try them with:
- Gluten-Free Fried Chicken – This is the best gluten-free fried chicken.
- Herb Roasted Chicken – If you love the flavor that roasts in, this roasted chicken is juicy and tender.
- Grilled NY Strip Steak – This grilled steak is perfect for making at a cookout.
- Air Fryer Honey Garlic Salmon – Use your air fryer to make this salmon quickly.
- Baked Tomatoes with Cheese – Easy and delicious.
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💬 Did you make this pan fried sweet potato and leek recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Your feedback helps others (and helps me keep improving these recipes for you). ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kid-Friendly Skillet Sweet Potatoes (Vegan Option!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Slice the leeks and place in a colander. Rinse well to remove all traces of dirt. Slice the sweet potatoes thinly, or use a mandolin slicer.
- In a large cast-iron skillet, heat 2 tablespoons coconut oil on medium heat.
- Add the 2 sliced leeks and cook until they become translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the sweet potatoes and cook until done. (The sweet potatoes will be soft if you stick a fork in it.)
- Turn the heat to low. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon honey. Toss to coat all of the sweet potatoes.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition
Notes
- Slice the sweet potatoes to about 1/4 inch thickness.
- You can peel the sweet potatoes if you prefer. It is totally optional.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last about 4 days.
Nutritional Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the actual nutritional information with the products and brands you are using with your preferred nutritional calculator.
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This post was updated from an old July 2104 post with better recipe details.
I hope it turned out great 🙂