Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips: Can You Make Them?

Sweet potato chips are a delicious snack, and even better, they can be made in an air fryer! This method is healthier than deep-frying, as it uses less oil and produces a crunchy, crispy texture. They are easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients. You can also experiment with different seasonings to find your favourite flavour. Making sweet potato chips in an air fryer is a convenient and quick way to enjoy this tasty treat.

Soaking the potatoes

• Slice the Sweet Potatoes: Start by slicing the sweet potatoes into thin slices using a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife. The thickness of the slices will depend on your preference for the crispiness of the chips. Thinner slices will result in crispier chips.
• Soaking Time: Place the sliced sweet potatoes in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for about 20 minutes. This step helps to remove the additional starch from the potatoes, which can make them soggy during cooking. It also ensures that the chips will be crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. If you have more time, you can soak them for up to 30 minutes.
• Drying the Potatoes: After soaking, remove the sweet potato slices from the water and pat them dry with paper towels or a clean cloth. This step is important as it ensures that the oil and seasoning will adhere well to the potatoes during the next step.
• Sprinkle and Toss: Once the potatoes are dry, return them to the bowl and add the desired amount of oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil. Sprinkle your chosen seasonings, such as salt, garlic powder, paprika, or chili powder, and toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated. You can also mix the seasonings with the oil before adding them to the potatoes.

Remember to soak the sweet potato slices for an adequate amount of time to achieve the best results. This step helps remove excess starch and ensures your chips will be crispy and delicious!

Seasoning

The first step is to thinly slice the sweet potatoes. You can use a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife to get them as thin as possible, as this will help them cook evenly and give them a nice crispy texture. Once sliced, the sweet potato chips should be soaked in cold water for around 20 minutes to remove the excess starch. They can then be patted dry with a paper towel.

Next comes the seasoning. A simple option is to toss the chips in a small amount of olive oil, along with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or chili powder for a kick of heat. For sweeter chips, a light coating of brown sugar can be added, along with a pinch of cinnamon. If you're feeling creative, you can experiment with different spice blends like Creole seasoning or even a simple mix of salt and vinegar.

After seasoning, the chips are ready to be placed in the air fryer. It's important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and to cook the chips in a single layer to ensure even cooking and maximum crispness. Depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your chips, the cooking time may vary, but on average, it takes about 10-15 minutes at around 350-380°F (180°C). Be sure to shake the basket or toss the chips halfway through cooking to prevent them from burning and to ensure even cooking.

With these tips and tricks, you'll be well on your way to making delicious, flavourful sweet potato chips in your air fryer!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making sweet potato chips in an air fryer can vary depending on the specific model of the air fryer and the desired level of crispness. Here is a general guide:

After slicing the sweet potatoes, it is recommended to soak them in cold water for about 20 minutes to remove the excess starch. This step is important for achieving the right texture and crispness. Once they are done soaking, be sure to pat them dry with a paper towel before tossing them in oil and seasoning.

Preheat your air fryer to between 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature may vary depending on your air fryer, so it is recommended to refer to your device's instructions. Place the sweet potato slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap too much. Overcrowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and sogginess.

The cooking time can range from 7 to 15 minutes at the set temperature. It is important to shake the basket or toss the chips halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning. Keep a close eye on the chips, especially towards the end of the cooking time, as they can go from golden brown to burnt very quickly.

Once they have reached the desired level of crispness, remove the chips from the air fryer and let them cool on a rack or a plate. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. If needed, you can return them to the air fryer for an additional minute or two to reach your desired level of crispness.

By following these guidelines, you should be able to achieve delicious, crispy sweet potato chips with just the right amount of cooking time and temperature in your air fryer.

Oil type

When making sweet potato chips in an air fryer, you don't need to use much oil—just a small amount to coat the potato slices. You can use any oil you like, but some recommendations include olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, or cooking spray. If you want to avoid oil altogether, you can, but your chips may not get as crispy, and the seasonings may not stick as well.

Olive oil is a popular choice for sweet potato chips in the air fryer, as it adds a nice flavour. However, olive oil has a relatively low smoke point, so if you're concerned about it smoking, you may want to opt for an oil with a higher smoke point, such as avocado oil or canola oil.

If you're looking for a healthier option, you can also use cooking spray, which will use even less oil while still providing some of the same benefits.

How to store

Storing your sweet potato chips properly is essential to ensure they remain crispy and fresh. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to store your homemade sweet potato chips:

• Cooling: Allow the chips to cool completely before storing. Place them on a cooling rack to cool. The chips will continue to crisp up as they cool.
• Container: Use an airtight container to store the chips. Pack them in a single layer if possible, without overlapping, to maintain their crispness.
• Storage Temperature: You can store the chips at room temperature in a pantry or on a kitchen counter. They will stay fresh and crispy for up to 2 weeks.
• Refrigeration: If you want to extend the shelf life of the chips, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days.
• Reheating: If you prefer to consume them warm, you can reheat the chips in the air fryer at 360°F for 1-2 minutes or in a toaster oven. Avoid using a microwave, as it will make the chips soft.

By following these steps, you can enjoy your homemade sweet potato chips for several days while maintaining their crispness and flavor.

Frequently asked questions