Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips: Quick, Easy, And Healthy!

Air fryers are a great way to make sweet potato chips. They're healthier than the store-bought version, and you can make a big batch to save money. The process is simple: slice up the sweet potatoes, season them, and pop them in the air fryer. You can also experiment with different seasonings to find your favourite flavour. The result is a scrumptious, crunchy snack that's hard to stop munching on!

Choosing the right sweet potatoes

First, look for medium-sized sweet potatoes. This ensures that your chips will be a good size and allows for even cooking. Avoid potatoes that are too long, as you want to aim for a uniform length for your chips. The ideal thickness for sweet potato chips is around 1/8 of an inch, so keep that in mind when selecting your potatoes.

Next, consider the colour of the sweet potatoes. The bright orange variety tends to be sweeter than the white ones, and this natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with spicy seasonings. If you prefer a less sweet chip, opt for the white sweet potatoes.

When shopping, choose sweet potatoes that are similar in size and shape. This might seem insignificant, but it will make a difference when it comes to even cooking. You want all your chips to cook at the same rate, so they turn out crispy and delicious.

Finally, inspect the sweet potatoes for any dirt or residue. You don't need to peel the potatoes, but it's important to brush off any dirt on the skin. Rinse them if needed, but be sure to dry them thoroughly before slicing and placing them in the air fryer.

By following these simple guidelines, you'll be well on your way to choosing the perfect sweet potatoes for your air fryer chips. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a healthy, crunchy, and mouth-watering snack that's perfect for any occasion.

Preparing the sweet potatoes

Firstly, select two to three medium-sized sweet potatoes. You don't need to peel them, but be sure to brush off any dirt and rinse and dry the potatoes thoroughly before slicing. Try to choose potatoes that are not too long, as you want to use the full length for the fries.

Next, use a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife to slice the sweet potatoes. Aim for thin slices, about 1/8" to 1/4" thick. The thinner the slices, the crispier your chips will be. If you want them to be extra crispy, go for the thinner option.

Once sliced, place the sweet potato pieces in a large bowl of cold water and soak them for around 20 minutes. This step helps to remove the additional starch from the potatoes, ensuring a crispier end result. After soaking, remove them from the water and pat them dry with a paper towel or kitchen roll.

At this point, you can season your chips. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil, avocado oil, or another cooking oil of your choice over the slices, and sprinkle with salt. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, or chili powder for extra flavour. Toss the slices gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated.

Now your sweet potatoes are ready to be cooked in the air fryer! Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches. Preheat your air fryer to around 350-380°F, and cook for 10-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.

Seasoning the sweet potatoes

Choosing the Right Oil:

You can use a variety of oils such as avocado oil, olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or even cooking spray. Avocado oil and canola oil are recommended due to their high smoke point.

Salt:

Salt is essential for that classic salty, chip flavour. You can use regular table salt or sea salt, adjusting the amount to your taste preferences.

Spices and Herbs:

• For a savoury twist, consider adding spices like garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. These spices enhance the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
• If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with other spices like chilli powder, cumin, or even crushed dried herbs. These additions can take your chips to the next level.
• For a sweet and spicy combination, toss the sweet potato slices in a mixture of brown sugar, chilli powder, cumin, and salt. This seasoning blend adds a unique flavour to your chips.

Seasoning Technique:

• After slicing the sweet potatoes, place them in a mixing bowl and drizzle with your chosen oil. Toss the slices to ensure they are evenly coated.
• Add the salt and any desired spices to the bowl and toss again until each slice is lightly coated with the seasoning.
• For optimal flavour, let the seasoned sweet potato slices sit for a while so that the seasonings can truly adhere to the surfaces.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to trust your taste buds and adjust the amounts of salt and spices to your preference. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your perfect combination!

Cooking the sweet potatoes

Start by selecting two to three medium-sized sweet potatoes. You can peel the sweet potatoes or leave the skin on, but be sure to brush off any dirt. Next, cut off the skinny ends of the potatoes and cut the potatoes in half lengthwise.

Now, use a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife to cut the sweet potato halves into thin slices, about 1/8" to 1/4" thick. The thinner the slices, the crispier the chips will be. If you are using a knife, try to make the slices as even as possible for consistent cooking.

Once sliced, place the sweet potatoes in a large bowl of cold water and soak for 20 minutes to remove the starch. After soaking, pat the potatoes dry with paper towels or a clean cloth.

Return the dried sweet potato slices to the bowl and add the oil and seasonings. Toss the slices gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated. You can use any oil you like, such as avocado, olive, canola, or vegetable oil. For seasoning, salt is essential, but you can also add garlic powder, paprika, cumin, chili powder, or brown sugar to taste.

Preheat your air fryer to between 350-400°F. While the air fryer is preheating, lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the sweet potato slices in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Overlapping slices may cause uneven cooking or create a steaming effect instead of crisping up the potatoes. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chips in batches.

Cook the sweet potato slices for 7-10 minutes, then shake the basket or use tongs to turn the slices. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents burning. Continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on the chips to avoid burning. The total cooking time will be around 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your slices and the temperature of your air fryer.

Once the chips are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a plate or cooling rack. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. If you are cooking a large batch, repeat the process with the remaining sweet potato slices.

Storing the sweet potatoes

Once you've made your sweet potato chips, you'll want to make sure you store them properly so you can enjoy them for as long as possible. Here are some tips for storing your air-fried sweet potato chips:

• Let the chips cool completely before storing. This will help them stay crisp.
• Store the chips in an airtight container or a plastic ziplock bag.
• Keep the container or bag at room temperature in a pantry or on a kitchen counter.
• The chips will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks if stored properly.
• If you want to make them ahead of time, you can store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• You can also freeze the chips to extend their shelf life. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen chips to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 2 months.
• To reheat the chips, avoid using the microwave as they will become soft. Instead, place them in the air fryer at 360°F for 1-2 minutes, or use a toaster oven.

Frequently asked questions