These spicy sweet potato chips are a crunchy and tasty snack! With a nice blend of sweetness and heat, they make your taste buds happy. Plus, they’re baked, not fried!
You’ll love how easy they are to whip up! I like to munch on them while watching a movie. Just grab a handful, and you’re good to go—no guilt here! 🎥🍟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: These are the star of the show! Look for firm, smooth-skinned sweet potatoes. If you need a substitution, you might try butternut squash for a similar sweetness and texture.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil works great here, adding healthy fats. If you prefer a high smoke point oil, avocado oil is a fantastic alternative.
Spices: Smoked paprika adds a lovely depth. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works too. For heat, adjustable cayenne pepper is key. Prefer something milder? Go with a bit of brown sugar — it balances out the heat nicely.
How Do I Get My Chips Extra Crispy?
The key to crispy chips lies in slicing and baking. Thin slices (about 1/8 inch) allow for even cooking, so a mandoline can help. Bake them in a single layer; overlapping slices won’t crisp up properly.
- Preheat your oven, so the chips cook evenly from the start.
- Flip them halfway through cooking for an even crunch.
- Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes; burnt chips are no fun!
Let them cool on the baking sheet as they crisp up further. Enjoy your crunchy, spicy snacks! 🌶️🥔
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 spiciness)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of chili powder or chipotle powder for extra smoky heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious snack takes about 10 minutes for prep and approximately 15-20 minutes of baking time. From start to finish, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes, including some cooling time. Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps to ensure your chips bake evenly. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or give them a light greasing to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt, then dry them off. Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice the sweet potatoes as thinly as possible—aim for about 1/8 inch or less. Thin slices will lead to that perfect crunch!
3. Coat with Olive Oil:
In a large bowl, toss the sliced sweet potatoes with the olive oil until they are evenly coated. This helps the spices stick and gives your chips a lovely flavor.
4. Mix the Spices:
In a separate small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and if you wish, a pinch of chili or chipotle powder for an extra kick.
5. Season the Chips:
Sprinkle the spice mixture over the sweet potato slices and gently toss them again to ensure all the slices are well-seasoned.
6. Arrange for Baking:
Lay the seasoned sweet potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, making sure that they don’t overlap. This is key for achieving crunchiness.
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Remember to flip the slices halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Keep a close watch on them, especially around the 15-minute mark—your goal is crispy and slightly browned chips, not burnt ones!
8. Cool the Chips:
Once done, remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the chips to cool on the sheets for a few minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
These spicy sweet potato chips are best enjoyed immediately for maximum crunch, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container once they are completely cooled. Enjoy your flavorful, homemade snack!
Enjoy your homemade spicy sweet potato chips—crispy, flavorful, with a pleasing balance of sweetness and heat!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Yes! While sweet potatoes give a unique flavor and sweetness, you can use regular white or yellow potatoes for a different twist. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer milder chips, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and chili powder. For more heat, feel free to add more cayenne or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the olive oil before coating the potatoes.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Chips?
Store any leftover chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they start to lose their crispness, you can re-crisp them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
Can I Make These in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! In an air fryer, arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer and cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking!