Air Fryer Yam Chips: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to cook healthy and delicious food. They are faster than traditional ovens, use less oil than deep fryers, and can cook a variety of foods. In this article, we will discuss how to make yam chips in an air fryer. We will provide step-by-step instructions, as well as tips and tricks, to help you get perfect results. So, whether you are a seasoned air fryer user or new to this cooking method, read on for all the information you need to know about making yam chips in an air fryer.

Yam preparation

To prepare yams for air frying, start by peeling the yams and cutting them into 1-inch thick wedges or cubes. You can also cut them into thinner slices if you prefer your yam chips crispy. The thickness of the slices will depend on your preference and the desired level of crispiness.

Once you have cut the yams, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika for extra flavour. Make sure to coat the yams evenly with the oil and seasonings.

After tossing the yams, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the ideal temperature for cooking yams in an air fryer.

Next, spread the yams in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as this will affect the cooking process and prevent even cooking.

Now, you are ready to air fry your yams! Place the basket in the air fryer and set the timer for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on the yams during the cooking process to ensure they are not burning.

When the yams are tender and browned, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious and crispy air-fried yams!

Air fryer setup

To make yam chips in an air fryer, you will need to follow these steps:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is an important step to ensure your yams cook evenly.
• Prepare your yams by peeling them and cutting them into 1-inch cubes.
• In a large bowl, toss the yams with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Ensure they are evenly coated.
• Place the yams in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent even cooking.
• Air fry the yams for 15-20 minutes, or until they are tender and browned.
• Serve immediately while still hot.

Tips for Perfect Yam Chips:

• Use firm yams that are not too soft.
• Cut the yams into uniform, 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
• Toss the yams in a light coating of oil to help them crisp up and prevent sticking.
• Air fry at a high temperature for a short time, and check halfway through to ensure they are not burning.

Air Fryer Tips:

• Preheat your air fryer before adding food.
• Use a light coating of oil on the food to prevent sticking.
• Shake or turn the food halfway through cooking to ensure even results.
• Do not overcrowd the basket, as this will create a steaming effect instead of crisping the food.
• Check the food frequently, as air fryers cook quickly and can easily overcook or burn.

Oil and seasoning

The amount of oil you will need to make yam chips in an air fryer is small. A light coating of oil is all that is required to prevent the yams from sticking to the basket. You can use any oil you like, but olive oil is a good option as it has a neutral flavour.

For one large yam, you will need one tablespoon of oil. If you are using two yams, as per some recipes, you will need one and a half tablespoons of oil.

For seasoning, you can use salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. You will need less than a teaspoon of each of these seasonings.

First, cut the yams into 1-inch cubes. Then, in a large bowl, combine the yams, oil, and seasonings. Toss the mixture until the yams are coated evenly.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking temperature and time for yam chips in an air fryer will depend on the specific air fryer model and the thickness of the yam slices. However, there are some general guidelines that can be followed for optimal results.

Firstly, it is important to preheat the air fryer. This ensures even cooking and is recommended by most air fryer manufacturers. Set your air fryer to preheat at the desired cooking temperature for about three minutes before adding the yams. The ideal temperature for yam chips is between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit (175 to 200 degrees Celsius).

Once the air fryer is preheated, arrange the yam slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket as this can create a steaming effect instead of the desired crispiness. Depending on the thickness of the slices, cook the yam chips for 10 to 20 minutes at the set temperature. For example, if you are using a mandoline to slice the yams to about 1/16-inch thickness, cook them for 12 to 16 minutes. Thicker slices may need the full 20 minutes.

During the cooking process, it is important to shake or turn the yam chips to ensure even cooking. This can be done halfway through the cooking time or in shorter intervals, such as every five minutes. Keep a close eye on the yam chips, especially towards the end of the cooking time, to prevent burning. The chips are done when they are golden brown and crispy.

Once cooked, remove the yam chips from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Enjoy them immediately, or store them in an airtight container for up to a few days.

Serving and storage

Air fryer yams are best served hot and crispy, straight out of the fryer. They can be served as a side dish or as a main course, and they pair well with sandwiches, burgers, and wraps.

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 360°F for 1-2 minutes, or use a toaster oven. You can also use a microwave, but the yams will be softer.

For sweet potato chips, store them at room temperature in a plastic ziplock bag or airtight container. They can be kept for up to 2 weeks.

Frequently asked questions