These spicy sweet potato chips are crispy and full of flavor! They have a fun kick from the spices and a hint of sweetness that makes them super tasty. Perfect for snacking or serving at parties!
I love munching on these chips while watching a movie. Who needs the store-bought kind when you can make your own? Plus, they’re a healthier choice, so I can snack guilt-free! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: They are the star here! Look for firm, smooth-skinned ones. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, you can use regular potatoes, but they will taste different. Yams are another interesting substitute, bringing a different sweetness!
Olive Oil: A great choice for baking, giving the chips a nice crispiness. If you don’t have olive oil, you can use avocado oil or coconut oil. Both work well and add a slight flavor twist!
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a lovely smoky flavor. If you want a milder taste, you could skip the cayenne pepper or use paprika instead. Don’t have garlic powder? Minced fresh garlic works too but use it sparingly as it can burn easily.
Salt: This enhances all flavors. For a healthy twist, try sea salt or Himalayan pink salt. You can also adjust the amount according to your taste or dietary needs.
How Do You Get Sweet Potato Chips Extra Crispy?
The key to crispy sweet potato chips lies in the slicing and baking process. Ensure your slices are thin and uniform, about 1/8 inch thick. A mandoline slicer makes this super easy!
- Preheat your oven and use parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Space chips out on the baking sheet; overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping.
- Flip the chips halfway through baking for even cooking.
- If they aren’t crispy enough, keep them in the oven for a few more minutes, but watch them closely.
For the best results, allow the chips to cool before serving—they’ll get crunchier as they cool down!
How to Make Spicy Sweet Potato Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick snack that packs a punch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will help the chips get crispy. While the oven preheats, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Slice the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash and dry your sweet potatoes thoroughly. Using a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife, thinly slice the sweet potatoes into 1/8 inch (about 3 mm) rounds. Aim for even thickness so that they cook evenly.
3. Coat the Slices With Oil:
Place the sweet potato slices in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss them until they are evenly coated. This will help the spices stick and also make them crispy when baked.
4. Mix The Spices:
In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix the spices well to create an even distribution of flavors.
5. Season the Sweet Potatoes:
Sprinkle the spice mixture over the sweet potato slices. Toss the slices again until they are well-coated in the spices. Every slice should be touched by the flavor!
6. Bake The Chips:
Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, ensuring they do not overlap. Bake in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping the chips halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning—they can quickly change from perfect to burnt!
7. Cool and Add Finishing Touches:
Once the chips are crisp and golden brown, remove them from the oven. If they aren’t crispy enough, pop them back in for an additional 2-3 minutes, but watch closely. Once done, transfer the chips to a cooling rack or plate lined with paper towels. Sprinkle with a bit of extra salt while they’re still warm if you like.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your spicy sweet potato chips warm. They are fantastic on their own or paired with a cool dip like ranch dressing or sour cream. Enjoy your delicious, crunchy snack!
These chips bring a delightful crunch with a spicy twist and are perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Regular Potatoes Instead of Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, regular potatoes can be used, but they will have a different flavor and texture. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes work well, but adjust the baking time as they may cook differently than sweet potatoes.
Can I Make These Chips in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
How to Store Leftover Chips?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They may lose some crispiness, but you can re-crisp them briefly in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes before serving.
Can I Customize the Spices?
Definitely! Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. You can add cumin for a warm flavor, or try other herbs like rosemary or thyme for a different twist. Get creative!