These spicy sweet potato chips are a fantastic snack! Crunchy, slightly sweet, and just the right amount of heat make them super tasty. They’re perfect for munching on movie night!
I love how easy they are to make at home. Just slice the sweet potatoes, toss them with spices, and bake until crispy. I often sneak a few before they even cool down! 😁
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: They are the star of the show! Look for firm, smooth potatoes without blemishes. If you’re out of sweet potatoes, try using regular potatoes or even butternut squash for a different flavor.
Olive Oil: This helps the chips get crispy. You can swap it with avocado oil for a different taste and a higher smoke point. You can also use coconut oil for a hint of sweetness.
Spices: Smoked paprika adds depth, while cayenne gives a kick. Feel free to adjust the cayenne to your spice level. If you want mild heat, try paprika alone or use a milder chili powder.
Salt: Essential for flavor! Consider sea salt or Himalayan salt for variety. You can also try seasoning blends like garlic salt for extra flavor.
How Do You Get These Chips to Be Extra Crispy?
To achieve crispy sweet potato chips, slicing them thinly is key. The thinner they are, the crispier they will become. Here’s how to ensure they come out perfectly:
- Use a mandoline slicer if possible; it gives you uniform slices.
- After slicing, soak the sweet potato pieces in cold water for about 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch.
- Make sure they’re dry before tossing with oil and spices. Pat them down with a towel to absorb any moisture.
- Spread the slices evenly on the baking sheet, avoiding overlap.
- Keep an eye on them as they bake—check for golden edges, and rotate the trays if necessary.
Following these tips will help you make the crispiest spicy sweet potato chips you can enjoy! Happy snacking!
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 cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of sugar or cinnamon for a hint of sweetness
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take approximately 10 minutes to prep and another 30-40 minutes to bake, depending on your oven. You’ll enjoy crispy, spicy sweet potato chips in about 50 minutes in total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Slice the Sweet Potatoes:
Next, wash and dry your sweet potatoes thoroughly. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, carefully slice the sweet potatoes as thinly as you can. Aim for about 1/16 inch thickness for a crunchy texture.
3. Make the Spice Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, pour the olive oil and add the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined.
4. Coat the Sweet Potatoes:
Add the sweet potato slices to the bowl and toss them with the spice mixture until each slice is well coated. Be gentle to avoid breaking the slices!
5. Arrange for Baking:
Lay the seasoned sweet potato slices in a single layer on the lined baking sheets. Make sure they aren’t overlapping—this will help them bake evenly and get crispy.
6. Bake to Perfection:
Bake the sweet potato chips in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. After that time, flip the chips over carefully and bake for another 10-15 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
7. Cool and Crisp Up:
Once baked, remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the chips cool for a few minutes. This cooling time helps them get even crispier!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your spicy sweet potato chips right away as a tasty snack! If you have leftovers (if you can resist!), store them in an airtight container after they’ve completely cooled down.
Dig into your crunchy, fiery, and slightly sweet homemade spicy sweet potato chips! Happy snacking!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Yes, while sweet potatoes are recommended for their natural sweetness, you can substitute with regular potatoes or even beetroot for a unique flavor and color. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly.
What If I Don’t Have a Mandoline Slicer?
No worries! You can use a sharp knife to slice the sweet potatoes, but be sure to cut them as thinly and evenly as possible for consistent cooking. A little patience will go a long way!
How Do I Store Leftover Chips?
To keep your chips crispy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigerating, as this can make them soggy. If they lose their crunch, you can re-bake them briefly in a preheated oven to crisp them up again.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Absolutely! Feel free to modify the amount of cayenne pepper and chili powder according to your spice tolerance. If you prefer a milder version, you can skip the cayenne or use sweet paprika instead of smoked paprika.