Sweet potato chips made in an air fryer are a delightful and healthy snack that's incredibly easy to prepare. Packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, sweet potatoes are a nutritional powerhouse. Air frying them makes them perfectly snackable and munchable. This recipe is versatile and requires only a few ingredients that you likely already have.
Why Air Fry Sweet Potato Chips?
Air frying offers a healthier alternative to deep frying, using significantly less oil while still achieving a satisfying crispiness. Air fryer sweet potato chips are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, loaded with flavor.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Sweet potatoes
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika (optional, for added flavor)
- Other spices (optional, for customization)
Step-by-Step Guide to Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Scrub the sweet potatoes thoroughly, leaving the skin on. For even cooking, slice the sweet potatoes into 1/8-inch thick slices. A mandolin slicer is highly recommended for achieving uniform slices. Discard the small end pieces.
- Soak the Sweet Potato Slices (Optional): Place the sliced sweet potatoes in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for about 15-20 minutes. Soaking helps to remove excess starch, resulting in crispier chips. However, some tests show that not soaking them in water saved time and it made cooking times quicker, without sacrificing the satisfying flakiness of the chips.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 340-350 degrees F (170-180 degrees C) for 3 minutes to ensure even cooking. Some air fryers have a specific preheat button. If yours doesn’t, then go ahead and set it at the cooking temperature for your recipe for 3 minutes before you put food in it!
- Season the Sweet Potatoes: Drain the sweet potato slices and pat them thoroughly dry with a paper towel. In a bowl, toss the dried slices with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Ensure that each slice is lightly coated with the oil and seasonings.
- Air Fry the Sweet Potatoes: Spray the air fryer basket or tray with oil to minimize sticking. Arrange the sweet potato slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap too much to allow for proper air circulation. Cook in batches, rather than crowd the basket.
- Cook the chips: Air fry at 340°F/170°C for 10 minutes. Flip and separate any touching slices. Continue to Air Fry at 340°F/170°C for 3-5 minutes increments or until they start to crisp on the edges. Separate the slices so they don’t stick together and this helps the chips crisp on both sides. Look for crispy brown sides because this is what makes them crunchy. But don’t let them burn. Check out our photos for reference.
- Finishing: When you see crisp brown edges, reduce heat to 280°F/140°C and Air Fry for another 2-5 minutes or until they are dry. The chips will become crunchier when they are completely cool. If some of the chips are a still little chewy, then remove the crunchy ones and continue to Air Fry the chewy chips at 280°F/140°C for another 3 minutes or until crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Once the chips are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool on a cooling rack. They will crisp up further as they cool.
Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips
- Even Slicing: Consistent thickness is key to even cooking. Use a mandolin slicer for best results.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook the chips in batches to ensure each slice gets crispy. Overlapping the slices in the basket is acceptable to a degree, but don’t pile them on top of each other or they won’t cook properly.
- Monitor Closely: Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of the slices. Watch the chips closely during the last few minutes of cooking to prevent burning.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings to customize the flavor of your chips.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer sweet potato chips are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them:
- As a standalone snack
- As a side dish with dinner
- Dipped in your favorite sauces like Blooming Onion Sauce, Whipped Feta Dip, or hummus
- As part of a game day feast with other snackables like pasta chips and egg rolls
- Paired with a hearty queso fundido
Health Benefits
Air fried sweet potato chips are a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips, offering:
- Lower Oil Content: Air frying requires very little oil, reducing the overall fat content.
- Nutrient-Rich: Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, making them a nutritious snack option.
Storing Leftovers
Leftover homemade chips can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days.
Read also: Low-Carb Sweet and Sour Chicken Recipe
Customizing Your Chips
- Spicy Chips: Add your favorite spicy rub or a pinch of chili powder for a kick.
- Sweet and Savory: A sprinkle of brown sugar along with your favorite spices can create a delightful sweet and savory flavor profile.
Choosing the Right Air Fryer
If you don’t have an air fryer, consider getting one. It’s a versatile kitchen appliance that can be used for nearly every meal. There are many great air fryers on the market today in different sizes to fit your needs. For 1-2 people, a 3-quart size is suitable, while larger families may prefer a 6+ quart size.
Baking Sweet Potato Chips in the Oven
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the sweet potato chips in the oven. Lightly coat the sweet potato slices with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt. Bake at 355°F for about 15-18 minutes. After about 13 minutes, start to watch the chips closely so they don’t burn and remove them as soon as a little bit of brown starts to appear on the chips.
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