Sweet potato chips air fryer style makes super crispy homemade snacks your entire family will absolutely love. Sliced thinly and cooked to perfection, these golden-orange delights will have both you and your kids raving. Think of them as a delightful twist on classic russet potato chips, but with a natural sweetness that perfectly balances savory seasonings.
Making sweet potato chips in an air fryer is not just easy, it’s also a fantastic way to enjoy a healthier version of your favorite snack. These homemade potato chips, seasoned just the way you like them, are destined to become one of your go-to air fryer recipes. Whether served alongside dinner or enjoyed on their own, they offer a nutritious and satisfying crunch.
While you can certainly use regular potatoes for this recipe, sweet potatoes bring a unique, earthy sweetness and a vibrant orange hue that sets them apart. Just like our air fryer sweet potato cubes, sometimes that touch of natural sweetness is exactly what your palate craves. A sprinkle of sea salt transforms them into that irresistible sweet and salty combination everyone adores. Beyond a fun snack, they make an exciting and slightly different side dish for family meals.
Expert Tip: For the best results, always place food into a preheated air fryer. This crucial step helps achieve maximum crispiness. Learn how to properly preheat your air fryer before adding your food. You can also keep a handy free air fryer cooking time chart on your fridge for quick reference.
Many air fryer models work wonderfully, but popular choices like Cosori or the integrated lid designs of Ninja Foodi are often praised for their consistent performance.
Mastering the Art of Perfectly Sliced Sweet Potatoes
The secret to perfectly crispy air fryer sweet potato chips lies in uniform slicing. Each piece should be the same thickness to ensure they cook evenly and achieve that desirable crunch simultaneously. For this, a mandoline slicer is highly recommended. While incredibly efficient, always exercise caution when using a mandoline as its blades are exceptionally sharp. Here are some common questions you might have before you begin slicing:
Do You Need to Peel Sweet Potatoes to Make Chips?
Absolutely not! Sweet potato skins are not only safe to eat, both raw and cooked, but they also contribute to the chips’ nutritional value and texture. However, it’s essential to thoroughly wash the outside of the sweet potatoes to remove any dirt, pesticides, or debris. The first step in preparation should always be washing, drying, and then slicing.
Should You Soak Sliced Potatoes to Make Homemade Potato Chips?
Soaking sliced potatoes before making chips is an optional step, but one that is highly recommended for achieving the best texture. Soaking helps remove excess starch from the potatoes, which is key to making the chips crispier and preventing them from sticking together during cooking. If you choose to soak, submerge the slices in a bowl of cool water for anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. After soaking, it’s critical to dry them very thoroughly.
Regardless of the air fryer brand you own, investing in a good slicer or mandoline will significantly improve your chip-making experience. Achieving consistently thin and even slices is the most important factor in guaranteeing that every chip cooks at the same rate and emerges perfectly crispy.
Essential Ingredients for Your Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips
The beauty of homemade sweet potato chips lies in their simplicity and the minimal ingredients required. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some tips for selection:
- Sweet Potatoes: Opt for long, thin sweet potatoes if possible, as they are easier to slice evenly. The thinner the slices, the crispier your chips will be. As mentioned, a mandoline ensures uniform 1/8-inch slices, which is ideal. You can also use small russet potatoes if you prefer a less sweet, more traditional chip flavor.
- Olive Oil: A light coating of olive oil (or a similar high smoke point oil like avocado oil) is essential for achieving that golden crisp exterior. Approximately 1 tablespoon per potato is a good general guideline, allowing for full coverage without oversaturating.
- Salt and Pepper: These are your basic, go-to seasonings. Sea salt is particularly good for enhancing both the sweet and savory notes. Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle kick.
When it comes to seasonings, the possibilities are endless and truly depend on your personal preference. While salt and pepper offer a deliciously simple option, don’t hesitate to get creative. For a sweeter treat, a mixture of cinnamon and sugar is delightful. If you prefer a more robust savory profile, try a blend of Old Bay seasoning with a touch of garlic powder—it’s incredibly flavorful! Other fantastic savory additions include smoked paprika, onion powder, chili powder, or even a hint of cayenne for those who enjoy a little heat. Freshly chopped rosemary or thyme can also add an aromatic touch.
Remember, you can apply this same air frying method to make “regular” potato chips using russet potatoes. We often enjoy both varieties alongside our favorite copycat Lawsons chip dip.
Achieving Unbeatable Crispiness: Step-by-Step Guide
The single most critical factor in making perfectly crispy homemade sweet potato chips is removing as much moisture as possible from the sliced potatoes before cooking. Any residual water will prevent them from becoming super crispy and will also hinder the olive oil from adhering properly. The easiest and most effective way to do this is to lay the slices between several layers of paper towels, pressing down firmly, and repeating the process until they feel thoroughly dry on the outside.
Pro Tips for Crispy Results
After slicing your sweet potatoes, moisture absorption is paramount. Ensure they are fairly dry before drizzling on the oil, much like you would with Ninja Foodi kale chips. This allows them to crisp up much faster and more effectively. Here’s a quick recap of the process:
- Rinse and Soak (Optional but Recommended): Rinse your sweet potatoes well. If soaking, submerge slices in a large bowl of cold water for 30 minutes to 2 hours to draw out starch.
- Thoroughly Dry: This step cannot be overstated. After soaking (or just slicing), place the sweet potato slices on paper towels. Roll them up or layer them between fresh towels, pressing firmly to absorb all surface moisture. Repeat as needed until they feel completely dry.
- Season Evenly: Once dry, place the slices in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, and toss with your chosen seasonings until each piece is lightly and evenly coated.
- Single Layer Cooking: Always arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overlapping or overcrowding will steam the chips instead of crisping them, resulting in soggy results. Work in batches if necessary.
- Flip for Uniformity: Halfway through cooking, it’s beneficial to flip the chips to ensure even browning and crispiness on both sides.
- Cool on a Wire Rack: Once cooked, transfer the hot chips to a wire rack to cool. As they cool, they will continue to crisp up, achieving that satisfying crunch.
The entire process, from start to finish, might take around 20 to 30 minutes, but the delicious reward of perfectly crispy homemade sweet potato chips is well worth the effort. Keep in mind that cook times will vary depending on how thinly you slice them. A mandoline can produce paper-thin slices that cook in minimal time, while using a knife will likely result in slightly thicker chips requiring a bit more cooking. If you’re looking for other quick easy air fryer recipes under 15 minutes, there are many delightful options to explore!
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips Recipe
Justine
15 minutes
6 minutes
6
Equipment
-
1 air fryer
-
1 Mixing Bowl
-
Mandoline slicer (recommended)
Ingredients
-
4
medium
sweet potatoes,
use long thin ones, or small russet potatoes for alternative -
3
tbsp
olive oil,
or about 1 tbsp per potato -
1/2
tsp
salt,
to taste (sea salt recommended) -
1/4
tsp
pepper,
to taste (freshly ground black pepper) - Optional Seasonings: Cinnamon sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Old Bay.
Instructions
-
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 5 minutes. While it preheats, rinse the sweet potatoes thoroughly. Using a mandoline slicer, carefully slice the sweet potato to an even 1/8-inch thickness. Lay the slices on paper towels and gently wrap them to absorb all surface moisture. This step is crucial for crispiness.
-
Transfer the dried sweet potato slices to a large bowl. Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the slices, then sprinkle in the salt and black pepper (or any other seasonings you’ve chosen). Toss the ingredients thoroughly to ensure each slice is coated as evenly as possible.
-
Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer within the preheated air fryer basket. It is vital that they do not overlap; overcrowding will lead to steaming rather than crisping. You may need to cook in batches.
-
Set the air fryer temperature to 380°F (193°C) and the timer for 6 minutes. At the 3-minute mark, open the basket to check on the chips and rearrange them if they have shifted, ensuring continued even cooking. Allow them to cook for the remaining time. Afterwards, flip the chips over and cook them for 1 more minute to ensure crispiness on both sides.
-
Once the final minute is up, the chips should be crisp and slightly browned. If they haven’t reached your desired crispiness, you can cook them for an additional minute at a time, checking frequently, until perfect. Once finished, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which will help them crisp up even further. Enjoy as a healthy snack or a delightful side dish with your favorite sandwich.
-
* Please note that air fryer models can vary significantly in cooking power and efficiency. It is crucial to keep a close eye on your chips and check them throughout the cooking process to prevent burning and ensure optimal results.
Nutrition Information
Serving:
2
oz
,
Calories:
192
kcal
,
Carbohydrates:
30
g
,
Protein:
2
g
,
Fat:
7
g
,
Saturated Fat:
1
g
,
Sodium:
277
mg
,
Potassium:
508
mg
,
Fiber:
5
g
,
Sugar:
6
g
,
Vitamin A:
21375
IU
,
Vitamin C:
4
mg
,
Calcium:
45
mg
,
Iron:
1
mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Side Dish, Snack
American
Tried this recipe?
Mention @thetypical_mom or tag #thetypicalmom!
Common Questions and Troubleshooting for Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips
How Do You Store Homemade Sweet Potato Chips?
To maintain their crispiness, ensure your homemade sweet potato chips are completely cooled before storing them. Once cool, transfer them to an airtight container. They can be stored on the countertop for up to 3 days. Beyond this timeframe, their texture will begin to change, likely becoming less crisp and more chewy. For best enjoyment, consume them fresh.
Why Aren’t My Homemade Chips Getting Really Crispy?
The number one reason homemade potato chips fail to achieve optimal crispiness is insufficient moisture removal. If the slices aren’t completely dried before being tossed with olive oil and seasoned, the residual moisture will prevent them from crisping up in the air fryer. Other contributing factors can include:
- Overcrowding the basket: Always cook chips in a single layer to allow hot air to circulate freely around each piece.
- Inconsistent slicing: Unevenly cut chips will cook at different rates, leading to some being burnt while others remain soft.
- Not preheating: A preheated air fryer ensures immediate crisping upon contact.
- Skipping the soak: For regular potatoes especially, soaking helps remove starch for a crispier result.
Are Sweet Potato Chips Healthy?
The healthfulness of sweet potato chips largely depends on how they are prepared. Store-bought, processed, and bagged sweet potato chips can often be high in unhealthy fats, sodium, and preservatives. However, when you make them at home using an electric air fryer, you significantly reduce the amount of oil needed compared to deep-frying. This method transforms sweet potatoes into a much healthier snack. Sweet potatoes themselves are packed with fiber, vitamins (especially Vitamin A), and minerals, making them a nutritious choice. The air fryer allows you to enjoy their natural goodness with minimal added fat, making them a smart and delicious option. There are tons of foods you can actually turn into chips, broadening your healthy snack horizons!
Explore More Delicious Air Fryer Vegetable Recipes
The air fryer is a versatile tool for transforming a variety of vegetables into delicious, crispy snacks and sides. Once you’ve mastered sweet potato chips, you’ll be eager to try more!
- Air fryer zucchini chips are another family favorite, quick to prepare and incredibly tasty, often featuring a light, crispy breading. Making these at home is far more cost-effective and customizable than buying pre-packaged versions.
- Beyond chips, you can make delicious air fryer sweet potatoes in larger chunks or cubes. While they take a bit longer than chips, they make an excellent hearty side dish and can even be incorporated into recipes like our sweet potato muffin recipe.
- For another uniquely crispy and healthy snack, give air fryer spinach chips a try. They are surprisingly delicious and a fantastic way to boost your greens intake.
- Don’t limit yourself to vegetables! Get creative with air fryer pasta chips for a fun, savory crunch. And much like our air fryer apple chips, many fruits can also be transformed into delightful, super crispy snacks in your air fryer.
Final Thoughts on Your Crispy Air Fryer Creation
Making sweet potato chips in your air fryer is a simple yet incredibly rewarding culinary adventure. It offers a healthier, more customizable, and equally delicious alternative to store-bought options. With just a few basic ingredients, proper slicing, and the crucial step of moisture removal, you can consistently achieve that coveted crispy texture.
Experiment with different seasonings to tailor them to your taste, whether you prefer them sweet, savory, spicy, or a blend of all three. These homemade air fryer sweet potato chips are not just a fantastic snack; they’re also a vibrant and nutritious side dish that brings a touch of homemade goodness to any meal. So grab your air fryer, pick your favorite sweet potatoes, and get ready to enjoy a batch of the best crispy chips you’ve ever made!