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

Sweet potato chips made in an air fryer are a delicious, healthier alternative to deep-fried sweet potatoes or store-bought chips. They are a great side dish or snack, and can be seasoned to your taste. The air fryer uses very little oil, reducing the fat and calories compared to deep-fried food, while still creating a crispy texture.

Choosing the right sweet potatoes

First, look for medium-sized sweet potatoes. This will ensure that you can get the right shape and length for your fries. Avoid sweet potatoes that are too long, as you want to be able to use the full length of the potato for the fries. Remember that the potatoes will shrink after cooking, so select ones that are slightly longer than your ideal fry length.

Next, consider the variety of sweet potato. The bright orange sweet potatoes tend to be sweeter than the white ones. If you want a contrast of sweet and spicy flavours, go for the orange ones. However, either variety will work for this recipe.

When cutting your sweet potatoes, aim for a thickness of around 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch. Thinner slices will result in crispier fries. If you want them to be more like crispy chips, use a mandoline slicer to get them nice and thin, but be careful when handling this tool.

Finally, try to use sweet potatoes of similar size. This will help ensure even cooking, so that none of your fries are overcooked or undercooked.

With these tips in mind, you're now ready to select the perfect sweet potatoes for your air fryer chips!

Preparing the sweet potatoes

Firstly, select medium-sized sweet potatoes that are not too long. This ensures that you can use the full length of the sweet potato to create the ideal fry shape. Remember that the sweet potatoes will shrink after cooking, so opt for a shape that is slightly longer than your desired fry length.

Next, peel the sweet potatoes. You can use a vegetable peeler or a small knife to carefully remove the skin. Once peeled, cut off the skinny ends of the potatoes. These ends can be saved and used in another recipe. Then, cut the sweet potatoes in half lengthwise. This will make it easier to lay them flat on a cutting board for the next step.

Now, it's time to cut the sweet potatoes into fries. The thinner you cut them, the crispier they will be. Cut the sweet potato halves into long slices, aiming for a thickness of about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch. If you prefer thicker fries, you can adjust the thickness, but keep in mind they may not get as crispy.

At this point, you can choose to soak the sweet potato fries in cold water for about 20 minutes to remove excess starch. This step is optional but can help improve the crispiness of your chips. After soaking, be sure to pat the fries dry with a paper towel before proceeding.

Once your sweet potato fries are cut and dried, it's time to season them. Place the fries in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil or another neutral-tasting oil such as canola or avocado oil. Use your hands to ensure each fry is well coated with oil. Then, add your desired seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or try other options like garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, cumin, or even cinnamon for a sweet twist. Toss the fries in the bowl until each slice is evenly coated with oil and seasonings.

Your sweet potatoes are now prepared and ready for the air fryer! Remember to cook them in batches, ensuring they are in a single layer in the air fryer basket and not overcrowded. Depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your fries, the cooking time may vary, but on average, it should take about 10-15 minutes at a temperature of around 350-380°F. Don't forget to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Seasoning the sweet potatoes

Selecting the Right Sweet Potatoes:

Start by choosing medium-sized sweet potatoes that are not too long. This ensures you can cut them into even-sized fries, promoting consistent cooking. Look for potatoes with a shape slightly longer than your desired fry length, as they will shrink during the cooking process.

Preparing the Sweet Potatoes for Seasoning:

Before seasoning, peel the sweet potatoes and cut off the skinny ends. You can save the ends for another recipe. Then, cut the potatoes in half lengthwise, making it easier to create uniform fries. The thickness of your fries depends on your preference; thinner cuts will result in crispier chips. Aim for a thickness between 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch.

Choosing Your Seasonings:

For a simple yet delicious combination, you can opt for olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also experiment with other spices like smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, BBQ seasoning, or garlic granules to add a unique twist to your chips. If you're feeling adventurous, try cinnamon or pumpkin spice for a sweet treat.

Seasoning Techniques:

Place the cut sweet potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle or toss them with your chosen oil, ensuring each fry is coated. Then, sprinkle or mix in your selected seasonings, using your hands or a spoon to distribute them evenly. Make sure each fry is well-coated with the seasoning blend.

Customising Your Seasoning:

Feel free to customise your seasoning blend to suit your taste preferences. If you enjoy spicy food, add some cayenne pepper to the mix. For a smokier flavour, use smoked paprika. You can even swap the seasonings entirely for Cajun seasoning or go for a sweet approach with cinnamon or pumpkin spice.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Once your seasoned sweet potato chips are cooked, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days in the fridge. When reheating, place them back in the air fryer at a lower temperature, such as 360°F, for 1-2 minutes to retain their crispness. Alternatively, use a toaster oven or microwave, but note that microwaved potatoes may become soft.

Cooking the sweet potatoes

There are two methods for cooking sweet potato fries in an air fryer. The first method is quicker to prepare but requires cooking in batches and results in less crispy fries. The second method takes longer to prepare but cooks all the fries in one batch and makes them crispier.

Method 1:

• Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into even 1/4-inch thick planks, and then into 1/4-inch thick fries.
• Toss the fries with oil, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika.
• Preheat the air fryer to 380°F. Spray the air fryer basket with oil.
• Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Depending on the size of your basket, you may need to cook in 2 or 3 batches.
• Air fry for about 12 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the fries halfway through.

Method 2:

• Peel the sweet potatoes and cut them into even 1/4-inch thick planks, and then into 1/4-inch thick fries.
• Submerge the sweet potato fries in a large bowl of hot tap water and let them soak for 10 minutes.
• Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a paper towel-lined rimmed baking sheet. Pat them dry thoroughly.
• Toss the sweet potatoes with 1 teaspoon of oil in a clean, dry bowl, then transfer them to the air fryer basket.
• Place the basket in the air fryer (no need to preheat) and air fry at 350°F for 8 minutes, then shake and cook for 5 more minutes.
• Transfer the sweet potatoes back to the bowl and toss them with the remaining oil, salt, and spices.
• Spray the basket with oil and return the sweet potatoes to the air fryer. Increase the temperature to 380°F and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.

Some additional tips for cooking sweet potato fries in the air fryer:

• Cut the potatoes into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if necessary, placing the fries in a single layer with enough airflow to get crispy.
• Turn the fries halfway through cooking or shake the basket a few times for even cooking.
• Don't be afraid to open the air fryer and check for doneness. All air fryers vary slightly, and thicker fries will take longer to cook.

Storing the sweet potatoes

Storing sweet potatoes is a simple process, but it's important to do it right to ensure they stay fresh and maintain their texture and taste. Here's a comprehensive guide on storing sweet potatoes before and after cutting:

Storing Whole Sweet Potatoes:

• Storage Location: Sweet potatoes should be stored in a cool, dry area at room temperature. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator as the cold temperature will make them harder and more difficult to cut and prepare.
• Container: Keep them in a basket or bowl in a well-ventilated area. They don't need to be wrapped or covered.
• Duration: Whole sweet potatoes can last for several weeks or even months if stored properly.

Storing Cut Sweet Potatoes:

• Water Submersion: One effective method to store cut sweet potatoes is to submerge them in water. This helps prevent browning and maintains their freshness. Place them in a bowl or container filled with cold water and store them in the refrigerator. Change the water every few days to ensure it stays clean and fresh.
• Airtight Containers: If you don't want to use water, you can store cut sweet potatoes in airtight containers or sealable bags. Lightly coat the cut surfaces with olive oil to prevent browning and keep them moist. Place them in the refrigerator, where they can last for up to 2-4 days.
• Drying: Another option is to let the cut sweet potatoes air dry completely before storing. Place them on a baking sheet or tray and let them sit at room temperature until they are fully dried. Once dry, transfer them to an airtight container or bag and store them in a cool, dry place.
• Freezing: While it is possible to freeze raw sweet potatoes, it is not recommended as it can alter their taste and texture. They tend to become mealy and lose their optimal cooking qualities.

Frequently asked questions