Sweet potato chips are a delicious and healthy snack option that you can make easily in an air fryer. Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, as they offer a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. They use hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in crispy and tasty dishes without the need for excessive amounts of oil. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making sweet potato chips in an air fryer, providing you with a step-by-step method to achieve perfectly crispy and flavorful chips every time.
Gathering the Ingredients and Utensils
What You Will Need:
To make sweet potato chips in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:
– Sweet potatoes (choose firm and unblemished ones)
– Olive oil (or any other oil of your choice)
– Salt (optional, for seasoning)
In addition to the ingredients, you will also need the following utensils:
– A sharp knife
– A mandoline slicer or a vegetable peeler
– A mixing bowl
– A colander
– Paper towels
– An air fryer
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
Step 1: Washing and Peeling
Begin by thoroughly washing the sweet potatoes under running water to remove any dirt or debris. You may choose to peel the sweet potatoes, but it is not necessary. The skin of sweet potatoes adds extra nutrients and a delightful crunch to the chips. If you decide to peel them, use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin gently.
Step 2: Slicing the Sweet Potatoes
To achieve uniformly thin and crisp chips, it is best to use a mandoline slicer. Mandoline slicers can be adjusted to your desired thickness. Take caution when using the mandoline slicer as the blades are sharp. If you don’t have a mandoline slicer, you can also use a sharp knife, but this may require more effort and precision.
Step 3: Soaking the Sweet Potatoes
Once your sweet potatoes are sliced, place them in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch from the potatoes, resulting in crispier chips. After 30 minutes, drain the sweet potatoes in a colander and pat them dry using paper towels.
Air Frying the Sweet Potato Chips
Step 4: Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that the air fryer is hot enough to begin cooking the chips as soon as you place them inside, leading to better results.
Step 5: Tossing the Sweet Potatoes in Oil
In a mixing bowl, toss the dried sweet potatoes in a tablespoon or two of olive oil. It is important to coat each slice evenly to ensure the chips turn out crispy. You can use your hands or a spatula to gently mix the sweet potatoes and oil together.
Step 6: Arranging the Sweet Potato Chips
Carefully arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking, so it is better to cook them in multiple batches if necessary. If you like, you can sprinkle some salt over the chips for added flavor, but this step is optional.
Step 7: Air Frying Time
Now, it’s time to air fry the sweet potato chips! Place the basket in the air fryer, ensuring that it is properly inserted. Cook the chips at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Be sure to check on the chips occasionally to avoid burning.
Step 8: Flipping the Chips
After the initial cooking time, use tongs or a spatula to carefully flip the sweet potato chips. This step allows both sides of the chips to cook evenly, resulting in perfectly crisp chips. Continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the chips reach your desired level of crispness.
Step 9: Cooling and Enjoying
Once the chips are cooked to your satisfaction, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. This will allow them to become even crispier as they cool down. Once cooled, transfer the sweet potato chips to a serving bowl or plate, and they are ready to be enjoyed as a delicious and healthy snack.
Additional Tips and Variations
Here are some additional tips and variations to consider when making sweet potato chips in an air fryer:
– Experiment with seasoning: Apart from salt, you can get creative with your seasoning choices. Try sprinkling some paprika, garlic powder, or even a hint of cinnamon for a unique twist.
– Play with thickness: Adjust the thickness of the sweet potato slices according to your preference. Thicker slices will result in chewier chips, while thinner slices will be crispier.
– Mixing sweet potatoes: You can combine different types of sweet potatoes, such as orange and purple varieties, for an eye-catching and flavorful chip assortment.
– Avoid overcrowding: Ensure that the sweet potato slices are spread out in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to unevenly cooked or soggy chips.
– Monitor cooking time: Keep a close eye on the chips in the air fryer, as cooking times may vary based on the thickness and moisture content of the sweet potatoes. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to achieve the desired level of crispness.
In conclusion, making sweet potato chips in an air fryer is a simple and rewarding process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a delicious and healthy snack that is perfect for any occasion. With minimal oil and maximum flavor, these homemade sweet potato chips are sure to satisfy your cravings while providing a nutritious alternative to traditional potato chips. So, why not give it a try and enjoy this guilt-free snack?