These spicy sweet potato chips are a crunchy delight! With a sprinkle of seasoning and a hint of heat, they make a perfect snack for any time of day.
I love to munch on these while binge-watching my favorite show. Plus, they’re way tastier than regular chips! Just slice, spice, and bake for a healthier treat. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the show! Look for firm, unblemished sweet potatoes for the best flavor. If you’re out of sweet potatoes, try using regular potatoes, but keep in mind the taste will be different.
Olive Oil: This helps the chips crisp up nicely. You could swap it with coconut oil or avocado oil if you prefer a different flavor or heat tolerance.
Spices: Smoked paprika adds a rich flavor, but if you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder will work. Adjust the cayenne pepper based on your spice preference—less for milder chips, or more if you like the heat!
Dipping Sauce: I love using Greek yogurt for a healthier option, but if dairy isn’t your thing, try a cashew cream or a dairy-free yogurt. This still gives you that creamy texture and delicious taste!
How Do I Get My Chips Super Crispy?
Getting those perfect crispy chips takes a little care. Here’s how:
- Slice Thinly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice the sweet potatoes as thin as possible. Uniform thickness ensures even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Lay the slices in a single layer on the baking sheet. If they’re crowded or overlapping, they’ll steam instead of crisp.
- Keep an Eye on Them: Bake for about 15 minutes, then flip. Watch closely in the last few minutes because they can quickly go from perfect to burnt.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the chips to cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps them crisp up even more!
Following these tips will help you achieve unbeatable crunchy chips every time! Enjoy them as a snack or share with friends at your next gathering.
How to Make Spicy Sweet Potato Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chips:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
For the Dipping Sauce (optional):
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes for prep and around 30 minutes for baking, so in total, you’ll need about 40 minutes to have delicious chips ready to snack on.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash your sweet potatoes thoroughly and peel them with a vegetable peeler. Then, slice them into very thin rounds (about 1/8 inch thick) using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife. The thinner they are, the crispier they will get!
3. Toss in Olive Oil:
In a large bowl, add the sweet potato slices. Drizzle the olive oil over them and toss until each slice is evenly coated.
4. Mix the Spices:
In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
5. Season the Sweet Potatoes:
Sprinkle the spice mixture over the sweet potato slices in the bowl. Toss again to ensure all the slices are coated with the delicious spices.
6. Arrange for Baking:
Lay the sweet potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure they don’t overlap so they can crisp up nicely.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Bake the chips in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. After that, carefully flip each chip and return them to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden. Watch them closely to avoid burning!
8. Garnish:
Once baked, take the chips out of the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped chives or parsley if you like.
9. Make the Dipping Sauce:
If you want a dipping sauce, mix the sour cream or Greek yogurt with chopped chives, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the chips cool for a few minutes to become even crispier. Serve them alongside the creamy dipping sauce. Enjoy your tasty spicy sweet potato chips!
Can I Use Regular Potatoes Instead of Sweet Potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute regular potatoes for sweet potatoes, but keep in mind that the flavor and sweetness will be different. Adjust the seasoning to match your taste preferences since regular potatoes are more neutral.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have a Mandoline Slicer?
No worries! A sharp knife works perfectly fine. Just take your time to slice the sweet potatoes as thinly and evenly as you can to ensure they cook uniformly.
How Can I Store Leftover Chips?
Store leftover chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If they become soft, you can re-crisp them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Absolutely! Feel free to reduce or increase the cayenne pepper or chili powder to suit your spice tolerance. You can also add other spices like paprika or even a bit of cinnamon for a different flavor twist.
