Baked Sweet Potato Chips Recipe

In our household, snack time is serious business. We’re always on the lookout for treats that are both delicious and, dare I say, a little bit virtuous. Fried potato chips used to be a staple, but I was searching for a healthier alternative that wouldn’t compromise on flavor or that satisfying crunch. That’s when I stumbled upon this baked sweet potato chips recipe, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer. From the very first batch, these vibrant orange crisps were a hit. My kids, initially skeptical of anything “sweet potato” pretending to be a chip, devoured them. My husband, a self-proclaimed chip connoisseur, declared them “surprisingly addictive.” And me? I loved that I could indulge in a snack that was packed with nutrients without any of the guilt associated with traditional fried chips. The subtle sweetness of the potato, combined with the smoky warmth of chili powder and a hint of salt, is simply irresistible. We’ve made these chips countless times since, experimenting with different spice blends and dipping sauces, but this simple, classic recipe remains our go-to. If you’re looking for a healthier, homemade snack that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor, look no further. These baked sweet potato chips are about to become your new favorite too!

Baked Sweet Potato Chips Recipe

Looking for a healthier and equally satisfying alternative to greasy fried potato chips? This baked sweet potato chips recipe is your answer! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can create crispy, flavorful chips right in your oven. The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with a smoky chili spice blend, making these chips incredibly addictive. Perfect for snacking, parties, or as a side dish, these baked sweet potato chips are a guilt-free way to satisfy your chip cravings.

Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a few key ingredients to transform humble sweet potatoes into crispy, flavorful chips. Let’s break down each ingredient and discuss why it’s essential and potential variations.

• 4 large sweet potatoes: The star of the show! Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and fiber. When choosing sweet potatoes, look for firm potatoes without bruises or blemishes. The size is important for even cooking – large potatoes are easier to slice uniformly.
  • Variations: While this recipe specifically calls for sweet potatoes, you could experiment with other root vegetables like yams (often confused with sweet potatoes but slightly drier and starchier), or even regular potatoes for a different flavor profile. However, sweet potatoes offer a unique sweetness and vibrant color that works particularly well in this recipe.
  • Choosing the Right Sweet Potato: There are different varieties of sweet potatoes, often categorized by their flesh color – orange, white, or purple. For this recipe, orange-fleshed sweet potatoes are ideal due to their moisture content and sweetness, which crisp up beautifully in the oven. Avoid overly soft or sprouted sweet potatoes, as these may be less flavorful and harder to slice evenly.
  • Nutritional Powerhouse: Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A, crucial for vision, immune function, and skin health. They are also a good source of fiber, promoting digestive health and helping you feel full and satisfied. Compared to regular potatoes, sweet potatoes are generally lower on the glycemic index, meaning they cause a slower and steadier rise in blood sugar levels.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Olive oil is used to coat the sweet potato slices, helping them to crisp up in the oven and preventing them from drying out. It also adds a subtle richness and healthy fats to the chips.
  • Variations: While olive oil is a great choice for its flavor and health benefits, you can also use other oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, coconut oil (refined for neutral flavor), or even grapeseed oil. Each oil will impart a slightly different flavor profile. Avocado oil is very neutral and has a high smoke point, making it an excellent alternative. Coconut oil can add a subtle sweetness, while grapeseed oil is also neutral and light.
  • Benefits of Olive Oil: Olive oil, particularly extra virgin olive oil, is rich in monounsaturated fats, considered heart-healthy fats. It also contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. When baking at high temperatures, using an oil with a high smoke point is crucial to prevent it from breaking down and producing unhealthy compounds. Olive oil, especially light or refined olive oil, works well in baking.
• 1½ teaspoons chili powder: Chili powder provides a warm, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor that complements the sweetness of the sweet potatoes perfectly. It adds depth and complexity to the chips, preventing them from being overly sweet.
  • Variations: The beauty of spice blends is their versatility! You can easily adjust the flavor profile by using different chili powders or adding other spices. For a milder flavor, use a mild chili powder or reduce the amount. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicier chili powder blend. You can also experiment with smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor, cumin for warmth, garlic powder for savory notes, or even a touch of cinnamon for a sweeter, more Moroccan-inspired flavor.
  • Understanding Chili Powder: Chili powder is typically a blend of dried chili peppers and other spices, such as cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and paprika. The exact composition can vary depending on the brand and type of chili powder. Always check the label if you are sensitive to certain spices or want a specific flavor profile. For this recipe, a standard chili powder blend works wonderfully.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Salt is essential for enhancing the flavors of all the other ingredients and balancing the sweetness of the sweet potatoes. Kosher salt is preferred by many cooks because of its larger crystals, which make it easier to pinch and distribute evenly.
  • Variations: You can use other types of salt, such as sea salt or table salt. Sea salt often has a slightly coarser texture and may contain trace minerals. Table salt is finely ground and may contain iodine. Adjust the amount of salt to your taste. For a more intense salty flavor, you can use flaky sea salt and sprinkle it on the chips after baking.
  • Importance of Salt: Salt not only enhances flavor but also plays a role in the texture of the chips. It helps to draw out moisture from the sweet potatoes, which contributes to crispier chips. Don’t be afraid to season generously, but start with the recommended amount and adjust to your liking.
• ⅛ teaspoon seasoned salt such as Lawry’s, to taste: Seasoned salt adds another layer of savory flavor complexity. Lawry’s is a popular brand, but other seasoned salt blends will work as well. Use it to taste, as some seasoned salts can be quite salty.
  • Variations: If you don’t have seasoned salt, you can easily create a similar flavor by adding a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to your salt mixture. You can also experiment with other seasoning blends, such as Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, or even a simple blend of black pepper and garlic powder. For a healthier option, you can skip the seasoned salt altogether or use a low-sodium version.
  • Homemade Seasoned Salt: Making your own seasoned salt allows you to control the ingredients and sodium content. A simple homemade version can be made by combining salt with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of turmeric for color. You can adjust the ratios to your preference.

Instructions

Making these baked sweet potato chips is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfectly crispy and flavorful results every time.

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Lightly oil a baking sheet (or line with foil and oil). Set aside. Preheating the oven to the correct temperature is crucial for even cooking and crisping. The high temperature helps to quickly evaporate moisture from the sweet potatoes, resulting in crispy chips rather than soggy ones.
   • Why 425°F? This temperature is hot enough to promote crisping but not so hot that the chips burn before they are cooked through. It strikes a good balance for achieving both tenderness and crispness.
   • Oiling the Baking Sheet: Oiling the baking sheet prevents the chips from sticking and ensures they release easily once baked. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or cooking spray. Alternatively, lining the baking sheet with foil or parchment paper makes cleanup easier. If using foil, lightly oil it to prevent sticking. Parchment paper is naturally non-stick and is a great option for even baking.
   • Oven Thermometer: Oven temperatures can vary, so using an oven thermometer is a good way to ensure your oven is accurately preheated to 425°F. This will help you achieve consistent results.
2. Using a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife, cut the sweet potatoes into thin slices (¼ inch for thicker chips or ⅛ inch for thinner chips). The thickness of the sweet potato slices directly affects the cooking time and crispiness. Thinner slices will cook faster and become crispier, while thicker slices will be slightly softer in the center.
   • Mandoline Slicer: A mandoline slicer is highly recommended for achieving uniformly thin slices quickly and easily. It ensures consistent thickness, which is essential for even cooking. If using a mandoline, be extremely careful and use the safety guard to protect your fingers.
   • Sharp Knife: If you don’t have a mandoline, a very sharp knife is essential. Use a chef’s knife or a similar large, sharp knife. Take your time and aim for even slices. It helps to cut a flat base on the sweet potato first to prevent it from rolling around while slicing.
   • Thickness Matters: For truly crispy chips, aim for slices that are ⅛ inch thick or even slightly thinner. ¼ inch slices will be less crispy but still delicious. Experiment with different thicknesses to find your preferred texture. Thicker slices may require a slightly longer baking time.
   • Even Slicing Tips: To ensure even slices, hold the sweet potato firmly and use a consistent slicing motion. If using a knife, you can score the sweet potato lengthwise and then slice along the score marks to guide your cuts.
3. Combine the olive oil and seasonings in a large bowl. Mixing the oil and seasonings together first ensures that the spices are evenly distributed and coat the sweet potato slices effectively.
   • Large Bowl: Use a large bowl to provide ample space for tossing the sweet potatoes and seasonings without overcrowding. A stainless steel or glass bowl works well.
   • Mixing Thoroughly: Whisk or stir the olive oil, chili powder, kosher salt, and seasoned salt together until well combined. This creates a flavorful coating for the chips.
4. Add the cut sweet potatoes; toss gently to coat. Gently tossing the sweet potato slices with the seasoned oil ensures that each slice is evenly coated with the flavor and oil, which is crucial for crisping and even baking.
   • Gentle Tossing: Avoid being too rough when tossing, as you don’t want to break or bruise the sweet potato slices. Use your hands or two large spoons to gently toss and turn the slices until they are all coated with the oil and spices.
   • Even Coating: Make sure every slice is coated with the oil mixture. This will help them crisp up evenly in the oven and prevent them from drying out. If needed, add a little more olive oil to ensure all slices are lightly coated.
5. Place the potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Arranging the sweet potato slices in a single layer is absolutely essential for achieving crispy chips. Overcrowding the baking sheet will cause the chips to steam instead of bake, resulting in soggy chips.
   • Single Layer Importance: When the chips are in a single layer, hot air can circulate around each slice, allowing moisture to evaporate and the chips to crisp up properly. If they are piled on top of each other, they will trap moisture and become soggy.
   • Baking in Batches: If you have a lot of sweet potato slices, it’s better to bake them in batches rather than overcrowding a single baking sheet. Use multiple baking sheets if necessary or bake in two batches to ensure crispiness.
   • Spacing: Leave a little space between each slice on the baking sheet to allow for air circulation. Don’t stack or overlap the slices.
6. Bake, turning once, until golden and tender, about 10 minutes on each side. Baking the chips in two stages, flipping them halfway through, ensures even cooking and crisping on both sides. The baking time may vary depending on the thickness of the slices and your oven.
   • Turning Halfway: Flipping the chips halfway through baking allows both sides to be exposed to the hot oven air, promoting even crisping. Use a spatula to carefully flip each slice.
   • Doneness Check: The chips are done when they are golden brown around the edges and tender when pierced with a fork. They should also be slightly crispy to the touch. Avoid overbaking, as they can become too hard or burnt.
   • Baking Time Variation: Keep an eye on the chips and adjust the baking time as needed. Thinner slices will bake faster, while thicker slices may require a few extra minutes. Oven temperatures can also vary, so use the baking time as a guideline and rely on visual cues and tenderness to determine doneness.
7. After roasting, broil on each side on high for just a couple of minutes. Watch them closely to make sure they do not burn. Broiling is an optional but highly recommended step to achieve extra crispiness and a slightly caramelized edge on the chips. However, broiling requires close attention as chips can burn quickly under the broiler.
   • Broiling for Crispness: The intense heat of the broiler quickly crisps up the surface of the chips and adds a beautiful golden-brown color. It also enhances the flavor and texture.
   • Watch Closely: Broiling is very fast, so you need to watch the chips constantly to prevent them from burning. Stay right by the oven and check them every minute or even every 30 seconds.
   • Broiling Technique: Position the baking sheet about 4-6 inches from the broiler element. Broil on high for 1-2 minutes per side, or until the chips are golden brown and crispy. Flip them once during broiling. If they start to burn in spots, remove them from the broiler immediately.
8. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces! Baked sweet potato chips are delicious on their own, but they are even better with dipping sauces. Let them cool slightly after baking, as they will crisp up further as they cool.
   • Cooling Slightly: Allowing the chips to cool for a few minutes after baking helps them to crisp up fully. They will be slightly softer when hot out of the oven but will become crispier as they cool.
   • Dipping Sauce Ideas: The possibilities for dipping sauces are endless! Consider serving them with classic ketchup, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or aioli. For a healthier option, try Greek yogurt-based dips, hummus, guacamole, or salsa. Spicy mayo, sriracha aioli, or chipotle mayo are also great choices for those who like a little heat. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorites!

Nutrition Facts

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving (estimated): Approximately 200-250 calories per serving. This is a rough estimate and can vary based on the size of the sweet potatoes and the amount of oil used.
  • Breakdown: A serving of baked sweet potato chips is a relatively healthy snack option compared to fried potato chips. Sweet potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Baking instead of frying significantly reduces the fat content.
  • Healthier Choice: These baked chips are lower in fat and calories than traditional fried potato chips. They are also a good source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and fiber, making them a more nutritious snack option.
  • Portion Control: While these chips are healthier, it’s still important to practice portion control. One serving is a reasonable snack size. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Preparation Time

This recipe is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight snack or a last-minute appetizer.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
  • Fast Prep: The prep time is minimal, mainly involving slicing the sweet potatoes and mixing the seasonings. Using a mandoline slicer can further speed up the slicing process.
  • Quick Cooking: The baking time is relatively short, around 20 minutes, making this a quick snack to prepare from start to finish.
  • Efficient Snack: In just 30 minutes, you can have a batch of delicious and healthy homemade sweet potato chips ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Baked Sweet Potato Chips

Baked sweet potato chips are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• With a variety of dipping sauces: This is the most classic way to enjoy sweet potato chips. Offer a selection of sauces to cater to different tastes.
  • Classic Dips: Ketchup, ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, aioli, mayonnaise.
  • Healthy Dips: Hummus, guacamole, salsa, Greek yogurt dip (flavored with herbs, garlic, or spices), black bean dip.
  • Spicy Dips: Sriracha mayo, chipotle aioli, spicy ranch, buffalo sauce.
  • Sweet Dips (for a fun twist): Cinnamon-maple yogurt dip, marshmallow fluff dip (for a dessert-like snack).
• As a side dish: Serve them alongside burgers, sandwiches, grilled chicken, fish, or vegetarian mains. They make a healthier and more interesting alternative to regular fries.
  • Burger and Sandwich Companion: Sweet potato chips pair perfectly with burgers, veggie burgers, chicken sandwiches, and wraps.
  • Grilled Dishes: Serve them as a side with grilled chicken, steak, fish, or vegetables.
  • Salads: Add a handful of sweet potato chips to a salad for extra crunch and flavor.
• As a snack on their own: These chips are delicious and satisfying enough to be enjoyed simply on their own as a healthy snack between meals.
  • Mid-afternoon snack: A handful of sweet potato chips can curb hunger and provide a boost of energy.
  • Movie night snack: A healthier alternative to popcorn or other traditional movie snacks.
  • Party snack: Perfect for parties and gatherings, offering a healthier chip option.
• Crumbled over salads or bowls: Add a crunchy topping to salads, grain bowls, or chili by crumbling baked sweet potato chips over the top.
  • Salad Topping: Adds texture and flavor to salads.
  • Bowl Accents: Enhances grain bowls, quinoa bowls, or rice bowls.
  • Chili or Soup Garnish: Provides a crispy contrast to soft chili or soup.
• As a fun and healthy appetizer for parties: Arrange them attractively on a platter with various dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
  • Party Platter: Arrange chips on a platter with bowls of different dipping sauces for guests to choose from.
  • Skewers: Thread sweet potato chips onto skewers with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, or grilled vegetables for a fun appetizer presentation.

Additional Tips for Perfect Baked Sweet Potato Chips

Want to ensure your baked sweet potato chips are always crispy and delicious? Here are five essential tips to keep in mind:

1. Slice them evenly and thinly: Consistency is key! Uniformly thin slices cook at the same rate and crisp up beautifully. Use a mandoline slicer for best results, or take your time with a sharp knife to achieve even slices around ⅛ inch thick. Thicker slices will be less crispy and may cook unevenly.
2. Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: This is crucial for crispiness. Overcrowding causes steaming instead of baking, leading to soggy chips. Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer with space between each chip for proper air circulation. Bake in batches if necessary.
3. Season generously and evenly: Don’t be shy with the seasonings! Ensure the olive oil and spice mixture is evenly distributed over all the sweet potato slices. This maximizes flavor and ensures every chip is tasty. Toss thoroughly to coat every slice.
4. Broil for extra crispness (but watch carefully!): Broiling at the end is a game-changer for achieving that perfect crispy texture. However, broiling is intense heat, so watch the chips like a hawk to prevent burning. Broil for just a minute or two per side until golden brown and crispy, but don’t let them blacken.
5. Let them cool slightly before serving: Baked sweet potato chips crisp up further as they cool. Resist the urge to eat them immediately out of the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to allow them to reach their maximum crispiness. They will be perfectly crispy and ready to dip once slightly cooled.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Baked Sweet Potato Chips

Have questions about making baked sweet potato chips? Here are answers to some common queries:

Q1: Can I use different spices for my sweet potato chips?

A: Absolutely! This recipe is a great base, and you can easily customize the spice blend to your liking. Experiment with different flavors!

• Spice Variations: Try smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, curry powder, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, cinnamon, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Flavor Profiles: Consider your desired flavor profile. For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika and chipotle powder. For a savory profile, try garlic powder, onion powder, and herbs like rosemary or thyme. For a sweeter profile, add cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar (though this might caramelize and burn easily, so watch carefully).
• Spice Blends: Premade spice blends like taco seasoning, fajita seasoning, or everything bagel seasoning can also be fun and easy options.

Q2: Can I bake these sweet potato chips in an air fryer?

A: Yes, air frying is an excellent alternative for making crispy sweet potato chips! Air fryers circulate hot air around the food, mimicking the effect of baking but often faster and with even crispier results.

• Air Fryer Instructions: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the seasoned sweet potato slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer). Air fry for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them as air fryers can cook quickly.
• Benefits of Air Frying: Air frying often results in crispier chips compared to oven baking, and it usually takes less time. It also uses less oil, making it an even healthier option.
• Adjusting Time and Temperature: Air fryer models vary, so you may need to adjust the time and temperature slightly. Start with the recommended settings and adjust as needed based on your air fryer and the thickness of your chips.

Q3: How do I store leftover baked sweet potato chips?

A: Baked sweet potato chips are best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness, but you can store leftovers.

• Storage Method: Store leftover chips in an airtight container at room temperature. Line the container with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture and help maintain crispness.
• Reheating: Reheat leftover chips in a preheated oven at 350°F or in an air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to crisp them up again. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make them soggy.
• Best Eaten Soon: While they can be stored, baked sweet potato chips are best enjoyed within 1-2 days for optimal texture and flavor. They will lose some crispiness over time, but reheating can help restore some of it.

Q4: Why are my baked sweet potato chips soggy, not crispy?

A: Soggy chips are a common issue, but easily avoidable! The most common culprits are moisture and overcrowding.

• Overcrowding: As mentioned before, overcrowding the baking sheet is a major cause of soggy chips. Ensure the slices are in a single layer with space between them.
• Too Much Moisture: Sweet potatoes naturally contain moisture. Make sure you slice them thinly and bake them at a high enough temperature to evaporate the moisture effectively. Don’t rinse the sliced potatoes with water before baking, as this adds extra moisture.
• Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature (425°F) and that it maintains that temperature consistently. A lower oven temperature will lead to steaming rather than baking.
• Storage (if they become soggy after baking): If your chips are crispy when they come out of the oven but become soggy later, it could be due to moisture absorption. Make sure to let them cool completely before storing and use paper towels in the storage container.

Q5: Can I make these baked sweet potato chips vegan, vegetarian, or gluten-free?

A: Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free!

• Vegan and Vegetarian: The recipe uses only plant-based ingredients and contains no animal products, making it suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
• Gluten-Free: Sweet potatoes, olive oil, chili powder, salt, and seasoned salt are all naturally gluten-free ingredients. Always double-check the label of your chili powder and seasoned salt to ensure there are no hidden gluten-containing additives, although this is rare for these basic ingredients.
• Dietary Friendliness: These baked sweet potato chips are a healthy and inclusive snack option for people with various dietary needs and preferences.

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