Cody Casey
Sweet potato chips are a delicious snack or side dish that can be made in a deep fryer. The process is simple: peel and thinly slice the sweet potatoes, heat oil in the deep fryer to around 350°F, carefully place the slices into the hot oil in batches, and fry until golden brown. The key to success is maintaining a high enough temperature to ensure the chips are crispy, without burning them. Season with salt, or spices, and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
How to cook sweet potato chips in a deep fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oil temperature | 325°F-375°F |
| Oil type | Peanut oil |
| Potato thickness | 1/4"-1/2" or 1/8" |
| Potato shape | Matchsticks, wedges, or rounds |
| Potato quantity | Small handfuls or one-layer batches |
| Potato preparation | Peel, boil, or blanch |
| Potato coating | Cornstarch batter, flour, or none |
| Frying time | 1-2 minutes or 3-4 minutes |
| Frying method | Fry twice, at two different temperatures |
| Serving | With salt, spices, or dips |
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What You'll Learn
How to cut sweet potatoes for chips
Preparing sweet potatoes for frying is a simple process, but it does require some muscle as they are a dense vegetable. First, rinse the sweet potatoes under cool water, scrubbing the skin with your hands to remove any dirt or debris. Even if you plan to peel the sweet potatoes, it is important to clean them thoroughly to prevent the spread of dirt and bacteria to the flesh.
Next, use a vegetable peeler or a paring knife to remove the outer skin. If you plan to leave the skin on, you can skip this step, but be sure to trim the ends of the sweet potato to make it easier to cut.
Now, you are ready to cut the sweet potatoes into chips. Rest the sweet potato on its side on a sturdy cutting board. Working lengthwise, slice off a 1/4" thick slab from one of the sides. Turn the sweet potato onto the flat side you just cut to increase stability. Continue cutting the sweet potato into slabs, and then cut the slabs into thin fries. As you cut the slabs, you may need to turn the sweet potato onto its larger flat side to maintain stability. Try to cut the fries into similarly sized pieces so that they cook evenly.
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The best oil for deep frying sweet potatoes
To make sweet potato chips in a deep fryer, you'll need sweet potatoes, cornstarch, water, and oil for frying. The choice of oil is important, as it can affect the taste and healthiness of the dish.
One option is coconut oil, which has the benefit of being a healthy fat. Refined coconut oil has a higher smoke point (400 degrees F) than unrefined coconut oil (350 degrees F), so it's a must for frying at higher temperatures. It also won't give your sweet potato chips a coconut taste.
If you're not a fan of coconut oil, you can use a more neutral-flavoured oil. Vegetable oil is a good, cheap option. Sunflower, peanut, canola, and refined safflower oil are also recommended for deep-frying.
When frying, it's important to work in batches so you don't overcrowd the pan and lower the oil temperature too much. Fry each batch for around 1-2 minutes at 325-350 °F or on medium heat until crisp and golden brown. You can also fry at a higher temperature of 355-375 °F, but for a shorter time.
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The ideal temperature for deep frying sweet potato chips
The ideal temperature for deep-frying sweet potato chips is between 325 and 375 °F. The temperature range depends on the thickness of the sweet potato slices and the desired texture.
For thicker slices, a higher temperature of 355 to 375 °F is recommended. This ensures that the inside of the sweet potato slices is cooked through without over-browning the outside. It is important to let the oil return to this high temperature between batches to ensure even cooking.
For thinner slices, a lower temperature of 325 to 350 °F is sufficient to achieve a crispy texture without burning.
It is worth noting that the temperature of the oil will naturally drop when the sweet potatoes are added, so it is important to allow the oil to come back up to temperature before adding more potatoes. Working in small batches helps to maintain the ideal temperature and prevents the chips from becoming soggy.
A deep-fry thermometer is a useful tool for monitoring the temperature and ensuring the oil is in the ideal range.
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How to season sweet potato chips
Sweet potato chips can be seasoned in a variety of ways. The simplest way is to sprinkle salt on the chips before or after frying. For the salt to dissolve more evenly, use fine granulated salt. You can also use coarse salt like kosher salt or sea salt.
If you want a bolder flavor, you can add paprika and garlic powder to the mix. This will create a nice combination of smoky, savory, and sweet flavors. You can also try a simple mixture of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Alternatively, you can season them with red pepper flakes, or cayenne pepper, and garlic powder.
If you want to add a spicy kick to your chips, you can use Cajun or Creole seasoning. You can also season them with a combination of salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
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How to reheat sweet potato chips
Sweet potato chips are best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can reheat them in an air fryer to restore their crispiness. Here's a detailed guide on how to reheat sweet potato chips:
- Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to a high temperature, usually around 360°F to 400°F. Preheating is essential for achieving the desired crispiness.
- Prepare the leftover chips: Take your leftover sweet potato chips out of the refrigerator. If they are stuck together, gently separate them. You can reheat only the amount you plan to consume, as reheating multiple times is not recommended.
- Add oil: Place the chips in the air fryer basket and drizzle a small amount of oil over them. You can use olive oil or any cooking oil of your choice. Alternatively, you can spritz the chips with cooking spray.
- Seasoning (optional): If you want to add extra seasoning, this is the time to do it. Sprinkle your desired seasoning over the chips. This step ensures that the seasoning sticks better to the chips.
- Air-fry the chips: Put the air fryer basket into the preheated air fryer. Set the timer for 4 to 6 minutes, depending on your air fryer model and the amount of chips you are reheating. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even heating.
- Check for doneness: After the timer goes off, open the air fryer and check if the chips have reached your desired level of crispiness. If not, you can air-fry them for an additional minute or two.
- Serve: Once the chips are heated through and crispy, it's time to serve them! Enjoy your freshly reheated sweet potato chips as a delicious side dish or snack.
By following these steps, you can enjoy your leftover sweet potato chips without sacrificing taste and texture. Reheating in an air fryer helps to crisp them up again, making them a tasty treat that's hard to resist!
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to cut the sweet potatoes into very thin and uniformly shaped pieces. The thinner the cut, the quicker they will cook. A mandoline is the best tool for the job, but a food processor or a regular chef's knife can also be used.
The ideal temperature for frying sweet potato chips is between 325°F and 375°F.
Fry the sweet potatoes for 1-2 minutes until crisp and golden brown. If you are frying in batches, make sure to let the oil return to a high temperature between batches.
Peanut oil is the best oil for frying sweet potatoes as it heats to a high temperature and will not smoke as quickly as other oils.
Season the chips with salt before serving. You can also add a spicy kick with Cajun or Creole seasoning, or use a dip like dill sauce, chipotle or garlic aioli, or spicy mayo or ranch.
