Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips: Quick, Easy, Delicious!

Sweet potato chips are a delicious snack, but they can be unhealthy when deep-fried. Air fryers offer a healthier alternative to deep-fried sweet potato chips, using less oil and producing a lighter, lower-calorie snack. The chips are also easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients and simple preparation. You can even make a big batch and store them for later!

Sweet potato chip slicing

Sweet potatoes are a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, deep frying, and air frying. Air-frying sweet potatoes is a healthier alternative to deep frying as it uses less oil, resulting in reduced calorie intake and fat consumption.

To make sweet potato chips in an air fryer, the first step is to slice the sweet potatoes. It is recommended to use medium-sized sweet potatoes that are not too long, as they will shrink during the cooking process. Peel the sweet potatoes and cut off the skinny ends, which can be saved for a different recipe. Then, cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise, so they can be laid flat on a cutting board.

When it comes to slicing the sweet potato chips, it is important to aim for uniformity in thickness to ensure even cooking. The recommended thickness ranges from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch. The thinner the slices, the crispier they will be. A mandolin slicer can be used to achieve thin, even slices. For safety, it is recommended to use cut-resistant gloves when handling a mandolin.

Some recipes suggest soaking the sweet potato slices in cold water for about 20 minutes to remove excess starch, which is said to promote crispiness. However, others have found that soaking may not be necessary, and skipping this step can reduce cooking time without compromising the crunchiness of the chips.

Air fryer temperature

The ideal temperature for cooking sweet potato chips in an air fryer depends on the specific air fryer model. Some sources recommend cooking at 350°F for 15 minutes, while others suggest 380°F for 12 minutes. A third option is to start at 380°F for 8 minutes, then reduce to 350°F for 5 minutes. It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the desired level of crispness and the specific air fryer model.

For example, one source recommends starting with 10 minutes at 380°F and adding 1-minute increments as needed. Another source suggests preheating the air fryer to 400°F and cooking the sweet potato chips for a total of 13 minutes. It is worth noting that the lowest temperature setting on some air fryers might be 300°F, which can also be used but may require more frequent shaking and closer monitoring to prevent burning.

To ensure even cooking, it is recommended to cut the sweet potatoes into even sizes, preferably 1/4-inch thick fries or slices. It is also important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and to shake or flip the chips halfway through the cooking process. Additionally, preheating the air fryer is not always necessary, but it is recommended by some sources to ensure accurate cooking at the selected temperature.

Oil and seasoning

You can use a variety of oils to cook sweet potato chips in an air fryer. These include olive oil, canola oil, avocado oil, and vegetable oil. The amount of oil used is minimal, and it is used to coat the potatoes and the air fryer basket. For example, one recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of oil to be tossed with the sweet potatoes, and then the basket is sprayed with oil.

Some recipes suggest soaking the sweet potato slices in a bowl of cold water for 10 to 20 minutes to remove the starch before adding oil and seasoning. However, some people find that this step does not make a difference in the final result and can be skipped to save time.

After patting the potato slices dry, you can season them with salt, pepper, and other spices. Suggested spices include garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, and pumpkin spice. You can also use a pre-made seasoning mix such as Cajun seasoning or bagel seasoning.

It is important to note that the amount of oil and seasoning used will depend on the size of the batch and personal preference.

Cooking time

The cooking time for sweet potato chips in an air fryer depends on the thickness of the slices, the temperature, and the specific air fryer being used.

It is recommended to cut the sweet potatoes into thin, evenly sized slices, about 1/4-inch thick. The thinner the slices, the crispier they will be. However, slices that are too small will be harder to handle and flip.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 340°F/170°C for 5 minutes. Then, place the sweet potato slices in the air fryer and cook at 350°F for 8-12 minutes, or until crisp, shaking the basket halfway through.

Other recipes suggest cooking at 355°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping and rearranging the slices into a single layer every 5 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the sweet potato chips towards the end of the cooking time, as they can burn easily.

If using frozen sweet potatoes, the cooking time may need to be increased by about 5 minutes.

Storage

Storing your sweet potato chips after air frying them is a simple process. Once the chips have cooled down, place them in an airtight container or plastic ziplock bag. You can store them in your pantry or on the kitchen counter for up to 2 weeks.

Some sources suggest that the chips can be stored for up to 3 days, while others claim they will last for 4 to 5 days. This may depend on the climate and temperature of your storage location.

If you wish to make a large batch of chips and store them for later, it is recommended to store them in an airtight container and keep them in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet. This way, you can enjoy your homemade sweet potato chips for a few weeks!

When stored properly, air-fried sweet potato chips can be a convenient and healthy snack option that you can enjoy anytime.

Frequently asked questions