Sweet potato chips are the perfect balance of crunchy, sweet, and savory. Whether you’re looking for a wholesome snack, a fun appetizer, or a healthy alternative to traditional potato chips, these golden beauties fit the bill. With their naturally vibrant color and subtle sweetness, sweet potato chips are just as beautiful as they are delicious.
This article walks you through everything you need to know to make the perfect sweet potato chips at home—from slicing and seasoning to baking and storing—with plenty of variations and tips to elevate your chip game.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
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Naturally Sweet and Crunchy – The sweet potato brings out deep, caramel-like notes when crisped.
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Healthier than Regular Chips – Especially when baked or air-fried with minimal oil.
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Customizable Flavors – From classic salt to smoky paprika or spicy chili, there’s room to play.
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Easy to Make at Home – Requires just a few ingredients and basic kitchen tools.
Ingredients List
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make homemade sweet potato chips.
Basic Ingredients
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2 large sweet potatoes (orange-fleshed, like Beauregard or Garnet)
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2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
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½ to 1 teaspoon sea salt
Optional Flavor Enhancers
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½ teaspoon smoked paprika
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon garlic powder
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⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for spice)
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1 tablespoon brown sugar (for a sweet twist)
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Fresh rosemary or thyme (for herbed chips)
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 20–30 minutes (depending on thickness and method)
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Total Time: 35–45 minutes
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Servings: 4 cups of chips (approx. 2–3 servings)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Sweet Potato Chips
Step 1: Wash and Slice the Sweet Potatoes
Scrub the sweet potatoes well (no need to peel), and slice them evenly into thin rounds using a mandoline or sharp knife. Aim for 1/16 to ⅛-inch thick slices for optimal crispiness.
Step 2: Soak for Crispiness (Optional)
Soak the slices in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This step helps achieve a crisp texture. Drain and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels or a clean dish towel.
Step 3: Season the Chips
Place the dried slices in a large bowl. Toss with olive oil and your chosen seasonings. Coat evenly, but avoid over-oiling.
Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the slices in a single layer, avoiding overlap for even crisping.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 15 minutes, then flip the chips and bake for another 10–15 minutes. Watch closely near the end to prevent burning. Chips are done when edges curl and centers are firm.
Step 6: Cool and Crisp
Remove from the oven and let the chips cool on the baking sheet—they will crisp up as they cool.
Air Fryer Method
Want even faster results? The air fryer is your best friend for small batches.
How to Make Sweet Potato Chips in the Air Fryer:
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Preheat air fryer to 325°F.
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Place chips in a single layer in the basket (do in batches).
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Cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
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Cool and enjoy!
Flavor Variations
1. Smoky BBQ Chips
Toss with paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, and chili powder.
2. Sweet Cinnamon Chips
Skip the salt and toss with cinnamon and a touch of coconut sugar.
3. Spicy Jalapeño
Add cayenne pepper and a pinch of lime zest for a spicy kick.
4. Herb & Sea Salt
Sprinkle with rosemary or thyme before baking for an earthy aroma.
5. Cheesy Chips
Once baked, dust with nutritional yeast or finely grated parmesan for a cheesy finish.
Serving Ideas
Sweet potato chips are more than just a snack. Here are creative ways to use them:
As a Snack
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Pair with guacamole, hummus, or Greek yogurt dip.
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Serve on a snack board with cheese and fruit.
With Meals
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Add crunch to sandwiches and burgers.
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Serve alongside soups like black bean or lentil.
Appetizer Ideas
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Use as dippers for crab dip or buffalo chicken dip.
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Top with pulled pork and cheese for sweet potato chip nachos.
Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Chips
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Use a Mandoline: For uniform thickness and even baking.
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Dry Completely: Moisture = sogginess. Dry slices well.
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Don’t Crowd the Pan: Overlapping chips = steamed chips.
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Low and Slow: Baking at a lower temp ensures even drying and prevents burning.
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Watch Closely: Chips can go from crisp to burnt fast near the end.
Storage and Shelf Life
How to Store:
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Store completely cooled chips in an airtight container or ziplock bag.
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Add a piece of paper towel inside to absorb any residual moisture.
Shelf Life:
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Best enjoyed within 2–3 days for maximum crispiness.
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Re-crisp in the oven at 250°F for 5–10 minutes if needed.
Nutritional Overview (Per 1 Cup of Chips)
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Calories: 120
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Fat: 5g
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Carbohydrates: 18g
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Fiber: 3g
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Protein: 1g
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Vitamin A: 120% DV
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Sodium: 100mg (varies by seasoning)
Note: Nutrition will vary based on oil and toppings.
FAQs
Are sweet potato chips healthier than regular potato chips?
Yes, they contain more fiber and vitamin A. Baking or air frying also reduces oil content compared to deep frying.
Can I use purple or white sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! Different varieties offer different textures and flavors. Purple ones are slightly drier and starchier but still crisp well.
Why are my chips not crispy?
They may be too thick, not fully dried before baking, or baked at too high a temperature. Let them cool completely to crisp up.
Can I deep fry sweet potato chips?
Yes, you can deep fry at 325°F until golden, but be sure to drain on paper towels and salt immediately.
Make-Ahead Tips
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Slice the potatoes and soak them in advance. Store soaked slices in water in the fridge up to 24 hours.
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Pre-seasoned and sliced sweet potatoes can be kept in the fridge (covered) for a few hours before baking.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair sweet potato chips with:
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Drinks: Sparkling water, cider, iced tea, or margaritas.
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Dips: Greek yogurt ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, honey mustard.
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Main Dishes: BBQ chicken, grilled veggie wraps, or spicy tofu.
Conclusion
Sweet potato chips bring the perfect balance of comfort, crunch, and color to your snack lineup. They’re incredibly versatile, easy to personalize with your favorite spices, and healthier than store-bought chips. Plus, making them at home means you control the ingredients—and the crispiness.
Whether you’re entertaining guests, meal prepping snacks, or just looking for a better-for-you treat, these homemade chips are a deliciously smart choice.