I love snacks that are both delicious and easy to make, and sweet potato chips have quickly become my favorite go-to treat. The best part? You can make them perfectly crispy without the guilt of deep frying. Using the air fryer, I can turn simple sweet potatoes into golden, crunchy chips that are slightly sweet and lightly salty—a combination that always hits the spot.
I’ve spent countless afternoons experimenting with thickness, seasoning, and air fryer temperatures to get that perfect crunch. Every batch comes out slightly different, but one thing remains the same: the aroma fills the kitchen and makes it impossible to wait until they cool. These sweet potato chips are not just a snack—they’re a little celebration of flavor in every bite.
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show, sweet potatoes offer natural sweetness and a satisfying texture. Choose firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes without soft spots to ensure even slicing and crispiness. Their natural sugars caramelize beautifully in the air fryer.
Olive Oil: A light coating of olive oil helps the chips crisp up in the air fryer while adding a subtle richness. Using extra virgin olive oil gives a slightly fruity flavor, but any neutral oil will also work if you prefer.
Salt: Salt enhances the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and brings out their flavor. I usually go with fine sea salt so it sticks evenly to the thin slices without overpowering them.
Optional Spices: For a little extra flavor, consider paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper. These spices add depth and a hint of heat, transforming simple chips into something truly irresistible.
Ingredients List
- 2 medium sweet potatoes
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Optional: ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, or a pinch of cayenne pepper
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips
Prep the Sweet Potatoes
Start by washing and peeling the sweet potatoes. Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice them as thinly as possible, ideally around 1/8 inch thick, for maximum crispiness. Thicker slices tend to be chewier, while thinner slices turn golden and crisp faster.
Season the Slices
Place the slices in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, tossing to coat evenly. Sprinkle with salt and any optional spices you like. Mix gently to ensure every slice gets a light, even coating without breaking.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (360°F). Preheating ensures the chips start cooking immediately, giving them that desired crispy texture.
Air Fry the Chips
Place the sweet potato slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to prevent sticking. Keep an eye on them toward the end—chips can go from perfectly golden to burnt in minutes.
Cool and Serve
Remove the chips from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. This helps them firm up even more. Serve them as a snack or side—they’re perfect on their own or with a dip!
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Slice the sweet potatoes as evenly as possible to ensure uniform cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the cooking time slightly depending on your air fryer model and slice thickness.
- Let the chips cool before storing in an airtight container to maintain crispiness.
- Experiment with seasonings like smoked paprika, cinnamon, or even a sprinkle of parmesan for variety.
FAQs
Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Yes! Regular potatoes will work, but sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness and slightly different texture.
Do I need to peel the sweet potatoes?
Peeling is optional. The skin adds fiber and nutrients, but peeling gives a more uniform and delicate chip.
How long do the chips stay crispy?
They are best eaten the same day, but if stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they can remain crisp for 1–2 days.
Can I make these without an air fryer?
Absolutely! Bake them in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, though the air fryer usually gives the crispest results.
Can I freeze these chips?
Yes, but they may lose some crispiness when reheated. It’s best to air fry or bake from frozen for best results.