When it comes to snack time, there’s nothing quite like crispy, golden chips to satisfy those cravings. But let’s be honest—store-bought chips often come packed with preservatives and unhealthy fats. That’s where my Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips come in! Not only do they offer a healthier alternative, but they’re also incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and your trusty air fryer, you can whip up a batch of perfectly crispy sweet potato chips that are light, crunchy, and full of flavor.
This recipe is perfect for a guilt-free snack or a side dish that’ll impress your guests. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes balances beautifully with a pinch of salt and the hint of smokiness from the air fryer. Plus, they’re customizable with your favorite spices—whether you’re into spicy heat or earthy flavors. Let’s get started!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are the star of the show here. Their natural sweetness and vibrant orange color bring both flavor and visual appeal to the dish. You’ll need medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced for the best results. Their firm texture makes them perfect for crisping up in the air fryer.
Olive Oil: A light coating of olive oil ensures that the sweet potato slices become golden and crispy. Olive oil also adds a slight richness without overwhelming the natural sweetness of the potatoes. You can use other oils like avocado oil for a different flavor, but olive oil is a versatile choice.
Salt: A pinch of salt brings out the sweetness of the potatoes and balances the flavor. Salt is essential in creating that satisfying chip taste, and a light sprinkle after cooking will enhance the overall flavor.
Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle heat to the chips, complementing the sweetness of the potatoes. This ingredient is optional, but it’s a great way to add a bit of spice and depth to the flavor.
Optional Spices (Paprika, Garlic Powder, or Cayenne Pepper): These optional spices allow you to customize your chips to suit your taste. Paprika gives them a mild smoky flavor, garlic powder adds savory depth, and cayenne pepper introduces a bit of heat for those who like their snacks with a kick.
Ingredients List
- 2 medium-sized sweet potatoes, peeled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips
Step 1: Prepare the Sweet Potatoes
Start by peeling your sweet potatoes and slicing them thinly. The thinner the slices, the crispier your chips will be. Use a mandoline slicer for uniform slices, but a sharp knife will work just as well. Aim for slices around 1/8-inch thick. The more even your slices, the more consistently crispy they will cook.
Step 2: Toss the Sweet Potato Slices with Olive Oil and Spices
Place the sweet potato slices in a large bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the slices and toss them gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Add your salt, pepper, and any optional spices, and toss again to distribute the seasoning. This step is key to getting a nice, even crisp on each chip.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes. Preheating helps ensure the sweet potato chips cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispiness. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, simply set it to the desired temperature and let it run for 3-5 minutes before adding the chips.
Step 4: Air Fry the Sweet Potato Chips
Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket, as this can prevent the chips from crisping properly. You may need to cook the chips in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry the chips for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping. Keep an eye on them, as air fryers vary in cooking time.
Step 5: Let the Chips Cool
Once the sweet potato chips are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Let them cool for a few minutes. The chips will continue to crisp up as they cool. This is the perfect time to add a bit more salt if desired.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Slice Evenly: The key to crispy chips is uniform slices. Use a mandoline slicer if you have one to ensure the slices are evenly thin.
- Avoid Overcrowding: For the crispiest chips, be sure to leave space between the sweet potato slices in the air fryer. If you overcrowd them, they may steam instead of crisping up.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to play around with different spices. Curry powder, cumin, or chili powder can add a unique twist to the flavor.
- Check for Doneness: Air fryers can vary, so keep an eye on your chips to avoid burning. If your chips aren’t crispy after the recommended cooking time, give them a few extra minutes.
- Storage: Store any leftover chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay crispy for up to 2-3 days.
FAQs
Can I make these chips ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the sweet potato slices and season them ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them. Alternatively, you can make a large batch and store them in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes give a unique flavor and sweetness, you can swap them for regular potatoes for a more traditional chip taste.
Why are my sweet potato chips not crispy?
If your chips aren’t crispy, it’s likely due to thick slices, overcrowding the air fryer, or not enough oil. Make sure to slice them thin, avoid crowding, and give them a light coating of oil for the best results.
Can I use a different oil?
Yes, you can substitute olive oil with avocado oil, coconut oil, or any other high-heat oil you prefer. Just keep in mind that it might alter the flavor slightly.
Enjoy these crispy, flavorful Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips as a guilt-free snack or a side dish to complement your meal!