Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips: Your Ultimate Guide to a Healthy & Delicious Snack
Craving a crunchy, satisfying snack without the guilt? Look no further than these incredible air fryer sweet potato chips! They offer a delightful sweet and salty crunch, making them a healthier, homemade alternative to traditional deep-fried potato chips or even store-bought varieties that are often loaded with unhealthy oils and excessive sodium. Packed with essential nutrients like Vitamin A, these vibrant orange crisps are designed to be a guilt-free pleasure you can enjoy anytime.
Why This Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chip Recipe is a Game-Changer
There’s a reason why these air fryer sweet potato chips are quickly becoming a favorite in kitchens everywhere. They tick all the boxes for a perfect snack: crisp and crunchy, subtly sweet with a savory kick, and brimming with the goodness of sweet potatoes, which are an excellent source of vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants. When you’re yearning for that irresistible potato chip crunch but want to make a healthier choice, this recipe delivers without compromise.
The magic of the air fryer lies in its ability to circulate hot air rapidly, creating a crispy texture with significantly less oil compared to deep frying. This method transforms humble sweet potatoes into delightfully crisp chips that are light, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Ditching the deep fryer means you’re cutting down on unhealthy fats and calories, making these homemade sweet potato chips a fantastic addition to a balanced diet. Plus, the air fryer cooks them quickly and evenly, ensuring consistent results every time.
If you’re exploring other healthy air fryer snacks, be sure to check out our air fryer apple chips recipe for a naturally sweet treat, or learn how to make wholesome kale chips – another air fryer marvel!
Essential Ingredients for Your Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips
Making these crispy sweet potato chips requires just a few simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity, allowing the natural sweetness and vibrant flavor of the sweet potatoes to shine through. For precise measurements and step-by-step instructions in a printable format, you can find the full recipe card at the end of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions
Let’s dive a little deeper into the ingredients and how to get the best results:
SWEET POTATOES: The star of our show! When selecting sweet potatoes for chips, aim for firm, medium-sized potatoes with smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid those with soft spots, green tinges, or numerous cracks, as these can indicate poor quality or age. While orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are most common and offer a beautiful color, you can also experiment with other varieties like white or purple sweet potatoes for different flavors and visual appeal. For maximum crispiness, we recommend peeling them, but if you prefer a rustic look and extra fiber, you can leave the skin on after a thorough scrub.
OIL: We opt for vegetable oil in this recipe due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point, which is crucial for air frying. The goal is a light coating, just enough to help the seasonings stick and promote crisping, not to drench them. You can easily swap vegetable oil for other high-heat oils like avocado oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil. Olive oil can also be used, but choose a light olive oil with a higher smoke point if possible, as extra virgin olive oil can sometimes impart a strong flavor or smoke at lower temperatures. A little oil goes a long way in the air fryer, helping achieve that desirable crunchy exterior.
SALT & PEPPER: These basic seasonings bring out the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes. We suggest coarse salt, such as sea salt or kosher salt, as it adheres well and provides a pleasant burst of salinity. Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and aroma. Don’t be shy about experimenting with these; a good pinch can make a huge difference in flavor balance.
OPTIONAL SEASONINGS: This is where you can truly personalize your air fryer sweet potato chips! The recipe card suggests additions like paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and chili powder. For a smoky flavor, try smoked paprika. A dash of cayenne pepper can add a fiery kick. If you’re leaning towards a sweeter profile, a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of brown sugar mixed with salt before air frying can be delightful. For savory herbs, dried rosemary or thyme can complement sweet potatoes beautifully. Feel free to mix and match to discover your favorite flavor combinations!
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Perfect Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips
These step-by-step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. For a convenient printable version, complete with all measurements and instructions, simply Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare the Sweet Potatoes: Begin by thoroughly washing your sweet potatoes to remove any dirt. Then, using a vegetable peeler, carefully peel the skin from each potato. While the skin is edible and contains some nutrients, removing it helps achieve a more uniform crispiness and a smoother chip texture.
- Achieve Uniform Slices: This is arguably the most critical step for perfectly crispy chips. Using a mandoline slicer is highly recommended for its ability to create consistently thin and even slices. Set your mandoline to a thin setting – typically around 1/16th to 1/8th of an inch (1.5mm-3mm). If you don’t have a mandoline, a very sharp knife and a steady hand can work, but aim for the thinnest possible slices.
EXPERT TIP: The key to preventing uneven cooking and burning is ensuring every slice has an identical thickness. If some slices are too thin on one side, they will inevitably burn before the thicker sections have a chance to crisp up. Precision here guarantees golden, uniform chips. Always use the safety guard with a mandoline!
- The Starch-Removal Soak: Place all your thinly sliced sweet potato rounds into a large bowl and cover them completely with cold water. Let them soak for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour. This crucial step helps to draw out excess starch from the potatoes, which is the secret to achieving that desirable extra-crispy texture in your finished chips.
- Thorough Drying is Essential: After soaking, drain the sweet potato slices thoroughly. Then, spread them out in a single layer on a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. Pat them vigorously until they are as dry as possible. Any residual moisture will cause the chips to steam rather than crisp in the air fryer, resulting in soggy results. Don’t rush this step!
- Lightly Oil Each Slice: In a clean bowl, toss the dried sweet potato slices with a light coating of vegetable oil. You can also use a pastry brush to lightly brush each side, or for even coverage, use an oil mister. The goal is a very thin layer of oil, just enough to help the seasonings adhere and promote browning.
- Season to Perfection: Sprinkle the prepared sweet potato slices generously with salt and pepper. This is also the stage to add any optional spices like paprika, garlic powder, or chili powder if you’re using them. Ensure the seasoning is distributed evenly across all the slices for maximum flavor in every bite.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the seasoned sweet potato slices in a single layer on your air fryer wire rack or within the basket. It is crucial that the slices do not touch or overlap. Overcrowding will prevent proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooking and chips that are steamed instead of crispy. You will likely need to cook these in multiple batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air Fry to Golden Crispiness: Cook the sweet potato chips at 250 degrees Fahrenheit (120 degrees Celsius) for 7-8 minutes. After the initial cooking time, carefully flip each chip over to ensure even crisping on both sides. Continue to cook for another 7-8 minutes. Begin checking the chips at the 5-minute mark for each side, as cooking times can vary significantly between different air fryer models and based on the thickness of your slices. The chips should be golden brown and feel firm and crisp.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked to your desired crispiness, carefully remove the air fryer sweet potato chips from the basket. Allow them to cool for a minute or two – they will become even crispier as they cool. Serve immediately and savor your homemade, healthy snack!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Chips
Soaking the sweet potato slices in cold water is a vital step for achieving truly crispy chips. Sweet potatoes, like regular potatoes, contain starches. When these starches are removed through soaking, it prevents the chips from becoming gummy or chewy during cooking. Instead, the surface of the potato can crisp up more effectively, resulting in a much crunchier final product. Remember to thoroughly dry the slices after soaking to avoid steaming them in the air fryer.
Through extensive experimentation, we’ve found that a lower cooking temperature (250°F / 120°C) with a longer cook time works best for air fryer sweet potato chips. This “low and slow” method helps to slowly dehydrate the sweet potato slices, allowing them to crisp up evenly without burning prematurely. Higher temperatures often result in chips that brown quickly on the outside but remain soft or even burnt around the edges while the center stays chewy. Every air fryer model can vary slightly in its heat distribution, so while this method works wonderfully for us, you might need to adjust the timing by a minute or two to achieve your perfect chip. Always keep a close eye on them, especially after the first 5 minutes on each side. The thickness of your slices also significantly impacts cooking time; thinner slices will cook faster, and thicker ones will require more time.
Once your air fryer sweet potato chips have fully cooled to room temperature, you can store them in a sealed zip-top bag, a mason jar, or any other airtight container. They will maintain their crispness for up to 2 weeks at room temperature. If they happen to lose some of their crunch over time, don’t despair! You can easily re-crisp them by placing them back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 300°F (150°C) or until they are crunchy again.
For optimal crispiness and even cooking, it is crucial to arrange the sweet potato chips in a single layer in your air fryer basket or on the rack. Overlapping the slices will restrict the hot air circulation, leading to steamed, soggy chips rather than perfectly crisp ones. Depending on the size of your air fryer, this means you will almost certainly need to cook the chips in multiple batches. Patience with batch cooking will be rewarded with superior results!
A mandoline slicer with an adjustable blade setting is ideal, allowing you to control the thickness of your sweet potato slices precisely. Safety is paramount, so always choose one with a robust safety guard and use it diligently to protect your fingers. If you don’t own a mandoline, a very sharp chef’s knife can work, though achieving perfectly uniform thin slices will require more practice. Some food processors also come with slicing attachments that can produce similar results, but ensure the slices aren’t too thick.
There are a few common culprits if your chips aren’t crisping up. Firstly, ensure your sweet potato slices are thin and, most importantly, *uniform* in thickness. Secondly, make sure they are *completely dry* after soaking; any excess moisture will prevent crisping. Thirdly, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in single layers. Lastly, remember that air fryer models vary. You may need to slightly adjust the cooking time or temperature for your specific appliance. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little!
Creative Serving Suggestions for Your Sweet Potato Chips
These air fryer sweet potato chips are delicious on their own, but they also shine when paired with various dips or as a side dish. Serve them warm straight out of the air fryer for the best texture and flavor.
- Classic Dip Pairings: A simple Greek yogurt dip with a touch of garlic and herbs, a creamy avocado ranch, or even a spicy sriracha mayo can elevate your snack experience. Hummus or a smoky chipotle aioli are also fantastic choices.
- Side Dish Star: Replace traditional fries or potato chips with these healthier sweet potato crisps alongside your favorite sandwiches, burgers, or wraps. They offer a refreshing change of pace and a nutritional boost.
- Salad Topper: Crumble a few chips over a green salad for an unexpected crunch and burst of flavor. They pair wonderfully with salads featuring goat cheese, pecans, or a balsamic vinaigrette.
- Soup Garnish: Add a festive and crunchy garnish to creamy soups, especially butternut squash or tomato soup, for an extra layer of texture.
- Seasoning Variations: Beyond the basic salt and pepper, you can get creative with your spices. For a kick, add chili powder, smoked paprika, or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a sweeter profile, a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or even a drizzle of maple syrup after cooking can be delightful. A blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried rosemary creates a savory, aromatic chip.
Explore More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes
The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can transform countless dishes. If you loved these sweet potato chips, you’ll definitely want to try some of our other popular air fryer recipes:
- Crispy Air Fryer French Fries
- Easy Air Fryer Hard Boiled Eggs
- Flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs
- Perfectly Roasted Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts
- Guilt-Free Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
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Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and sliced
- 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp coarse salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Optional Seasonings
- paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder
Things You’ll Need
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Air fryer
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Mandoline Slicer
Before You Begin
- You can swap out the vegetable oil with another high-heat oil like avocado, canola, or grapeseed oil.
- Please note that the thickness of your slices will alter the time needed for them to crisp up. The thinner the slice, the less time they need, and the thicker they are, the longer they will need.
- Through experimenting, this low-heat method worked the best with the least amount of burning. Keep in mind that each air fryer works a little differently. You can always add more cooking time or use less time to get your perfect chip. Make sure to flip over periodically at 7-8 minutes.
Instructions
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Wash and peel the sweet potatoes.
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Using a mandoline slicer, slice the sweet potatoes on a thin setting (1/16th to 1/8th inch). Ensure all slices have an even thickness to prevent burning or undercooking.
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Soak all of the slices in a large bowl covered with cold water for 20 minutes to remove starches and enhance crispiness.
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Thoroughly dry the slices with a towel or paper towels until no moisture remains.
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Lightly brush the outside of each slice with a thin coating of the vegetable oil.
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Sprinkle salt and pepper (or other optional spices) evenly onto both sides of the slices.
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Place slices in a single layer on the air fryer rack or basket, ensuring they do not touch each other. Cook in batches if necessary.
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Cook for 7-8 minutes at 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Flip each chip and cook for another 7-8 minutes. Check at the 5-minute mark on each side to prevent overcooking and burning. Remove and serve immediately for best crispness.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.