These spicy sweet potato chips are crispy and full of flavor! With a kick of spice and a hint of sweetness, they’re a tasty snack that makes you feel good about munching.
Who needs store-bought chips when you can whip these up at home? Just slice, season, and bake! I love serving them with a dip—perfect for movie night! 🍿
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: The star of the show! Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet and turn crispy when baked. If you don’t have sweet potatoes, you could try regular potatoes or even zucchini for a different flavor and texture.
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps the chips crisp up nicely. You can replace it with avocado oil or coconut oil for different taste profiles. Just keep the oil light to prevent greasy chips!
Smoked Paprika: This gives a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or chili powder can work too! If you like heat, add some more cayenne pepper!
Cayenne Pepper: A little spice goes a long way! If you prefer milder chips, reduce the amount or skip it altogether. Alternatively, you could use chili flakes for a different kind of heat.
How Do You Get Your Chips Extra Crispy?
To make sure your sweet potato chips are perfectly crispy, follow these tips:
- Slice evenly: Use a mandoline for consistent thin slices, which helps them cook evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd: Spread out the sweet potato slices in a single layer on the baking sheets. Overlapping will lead to steaming and soggy chips, not the crunchy ones you want!
- Keep an eye on them: Baking times can vary. Check the chips frequently, especially in the last few minutes, to ensure they don’t burn.
- Cool on the pan: After baking, let your chips cool for a couple of minutes on the baking sheet. They will become crispier as they cool down.
How to Make Spicy Sweet Potato Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spice level)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional dip: ranch or sour cream dip with a sprinkle of smoked paprika and herbs
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 30-35 minutes to bake. You’ll spend a little time slicing those sweet potatoes and mixing up the spices, but once they’re in the oven, you’ll just need to keep an eye on them. Total time is about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure your chips bake evenly and become nice and crispy. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or grease them lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
2. Slice the Sweet Potatoes:
Take your peeled sweet potatoes and slice them into very thin rounds. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick for the best results. A mandoline slicer is perfect for getting even slices, but a sharp knife will do if you’re careful.
3. Coat the Sweet Potato Slices:
In a large bowl, add your sweet potato slices. Drizzle the olive oil over them, then toss everything together. You want each slice to be coated evenly in oil so they can crisp up in the oven!
4. Mix the Spices:
In a small bowl, mix together the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This spice blend will add amazing flavor to your chips!
5. Season the Sweet Potatoes:
Sprinkle your spice mixture over the oiled sweet potato slices. Toss them again until all the slices are well-coated in the seasoning. This is where all the flavor comes in!
6. Arrange on Baking Sheets:
Lay the seasoned sweet potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Try not to let them overlap; otherwise, they won’t become crispy and might end up steaming instead.
7. Bake the Chips:
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. After the time is up, carefully flip the chips using a spatula to ensure they bake evenly. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, especially towards the end—nobody likes burnt chips!
8. Cool and Crisp:
Once they are golden brown and crisp around the edges, remove them from the oven. Let the chips cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. They will become even crispier as they cool down!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your spicy sweet potato chips warm or at room temperature. They’re great on their own or served with a delicious dip like ranch or a herb-yogurt dip. Perfect for snacking!
And there you have it—crispy, flavorful, and oh-so-delicious homemade spicy sweet potato chips!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes give these chips their signature sweetness, you can also use regular potatoes or even beets for a different flavor. Just adjust the baking time as needed based on the thickness of your slices.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer milder chips, simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. For an extra kick, you can increase the amount or add a pinch of chili powder or hot sauce to the seasoning mix!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but if they lose some crispiness, you can re-crisp them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
Can I Make These Chips in an Air Fryer?
Yes! Just toss the sweet potato slices with the oil and seasonings, then place them in a preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. Enjoy the healthier version!