These Spicy Sweet Potato Chips are crispy and full of flavor! With a perfect blend of spices, they bring a little kick to snack time.
I love making these as a healthy alternative to regular chips. Plus, they disappear fast at parties, and I can’t help but steal a few before serving! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: The star of this recipe! Look for firm, unblemished ones. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, you can use regular potatoes, but the flavor will differ.
Olive Oil: This helps the chips get crispy. You could swap it with coconut oil or avocado oil if you prefer, as they also handle high heat well.
Spices: Smoked paprika adds a nice smoky flavor, but you can use regular paprika if you want a milder taste. Adjust cayenne pepper based on how spicy you like it! If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce or omit it.
Garlic and Onion Powder: These add extra flavor. If you don’t have them, garlic salt and onion salt could be used, but you’d want to reduce additional salt in the recipe.
How Do I Slice Sweet Potatoes for Crispy Chips?
Slicing is crucial for getting those perfect crispy chips. The thinner you slice them, the crispier they’ll be. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a mandoline if you have one—it provides uniform slices. If not, use a sharp knife. Aim for 1/8 inch or thinner.
- Make sure to cut them evenly. This way, they’ll all cook at the same rate and not leave you with some burnt and some soggy!
- Soaking the slices in water for 30 minutes before baking can help remove excess starch, resulting in crispier chips.
Remember to keep an eye on the chips while baking. They can go from perfectly crispy to burnt quickly!
How to Make Spicy Sweet Potato Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 30-35 minutes to bake, so you can have delicious, homemade spicy sweet potato chips ready to enjoy in about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is warming up, get your baking sheets ready by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats. This will help the chips from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash and peel the sweet potatoes. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, slice the sweet potatoes very thinly, about 1/8 inch or less for extra crispiness. The more uniform your slices are, the better they will cook!
3. Coat the Sweet Potatoes:
Place the sliced sweet potatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the slices and toss them with your hands or a spoon, ensuring they are evenly coated. This will help the seasonings stick and promote crispiness.
4. Mix the Spices:
In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well, then sprinkle this spice mix over the sweet potato slices. Toss again to coat evenly.
5. Arrange for Baking:
Spread the slices out in a single layer on your prepared baking sheets. Make sure they don’t overlap; this will allow them to cook evenly and get crispy.
6. Bake the Chips:
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. After that, carefully flip the chips over and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly!
7. Cool the Chips:
Once done, remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the chips cool for a few minutes. They will crisp up even more as they cool.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your spicy sweet potato chips immediately, ideally with a cooling dip like herbed yogurt or sour cream. Enjoy your delicious and healthy snack!
These chips are so tasty—crunchy, spicy, and full of sweet potato goodness! Remember to share (or not, I won’t tell anyone if you don’t)! 😄
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes give a unique flavor and sweetness, you can use regular russet or Yukon gold potatoes. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be different, and you might need to adjust the spices to your liking!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Chips?
If you have leftover chips, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They can lose their crispiness, so it’s best to eat them fresh. For a quick refresh, you can pop them back in a warm oven for a few minutes to crisp them up again!
How Can I Make the Chips Less Spicy?
If you prefer milder chips, simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and chili powder. You can also try adding more spices like paprika or even a pinch of cinnamon for a different flavor profile without the heat.
Can I Make These Chips in an Air Fryer?
Yes, you can! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the sweet potato slices in batches for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them, as air fryers can cook quicker!
