These Spicy Sweet Potato Chips are crispy, crunchy, and packed with flavor! The sweetness of the potatoes meets a zesty kick that makes them hard to resist.
Perfect for a snack or party treat, I love munching on these while binge-watching my favorite shows. They’re a lot tastier than plain old chips, for sure! 🥔🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the show! Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the spices. If you can’t find sweet potatoes, try butternut squash for a similar sweetness and texture.
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps crisp up the chips and adds great flavor. Feel free to substitute with avocado oil or coconut oil if you like. Just keep the oil light; you want them crispy, not greasy.
Spices: Smoked paprika gives a nice smoky flavor, while cayenne adds heat. If you don’t like it spicy, replace cayenne with a pinch of ground black pepper or omit it altogether. Garlic and onion powder add depth, but if you have fresh, feel free to use it!
Dipping Sauce: Sour cream or Greek yogurt is perfect for a cooling dip. For a dairy-free option, try using cashew cream or a vegan yogurt. You can also mix in avocado for a creamy twist.
How Do I Cut Sweet Potatoes Thinly for Chips?
Getting the slices just right is key to making perfectly crispy chips. Here are simple steps:
- Use a mandoline slicer for even thickness, ideally about 1/8 inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly.
- If you don’t have a mandoline, a sharp knife works too—just take your time to slice as uniformly as possible.
- Rinse the sliced sweet potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch, which helps them crisp up better.
Enjoy your chip-making adventure! Experiment with spices and techniques until you find what you love best. Happy snacking!
Spicy Sweet Potato Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 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
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or chives
For Dipping (optional):
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep, and you’ll need an additional 30-40 minutes for baking, so overall plan for about 50 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have crispy, spicy chips ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Start by washing and peeling the sweet potatoes. Then using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, slice them very thinly—about 1/8 inch thick. The thinner they are, the crispier they will get!
3. Coat the Slices:
Place the sweet potato slices in a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over them and gently toss everything together until the slices are coated evenly.
4. Mix the Spices:
In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This mix will add a burst of flavor to your chips!
5. Season the Chips:
Sprinkle the spice mixture over the sweet potato slices and toss again until every slice is well-coated with the delicious spices.
6. Arrange on Baking Sheets:
Lay out the sweet potato slices in a single layer on the baking sheets. Make sure they don’t overlap too much, as this helps them cook evenly and become crispy.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the trays in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. After that, flip each chip over and bake for another 10-15 minutes until they are golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them as ovens can vary!
8. Cool Down:
Once they are out of the oven, let the chips cool on a wire rack. They will continue to crisp up as they cool down.
9. Make Your Dip:
If you’re making the dip, mix the sour cream or Greek yogurt with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes in a small bowl. This cool dip pairs perfectly with your spicy chips!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your spicy sweet potato chips warm or at room temperature alongside the creamy dip. If you want, garnish with some chopped parsley or chives for a fresh touch!
Enjoy your spicy, crunchy sweet potato chips—perfect for snacking at any time!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes give a unique flavor, you can substitute them with regular potatoes, such as russet or Yukon gold. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the type of potato used.
How Can I Make These Chips Less Spicy?
If you prefer less heat, you can simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. Alternatively, consider adding additional smoked paprika for flavor without the spice.
What Is the Best Way to Store Leftover Chips?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them crispy. They’re best eaten within a day or two; after that, they may lose some crunch.
Can I Make These Chips in an Air Fryer?
Yes! Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning!