These spicy sweet potato chips are crispy, crunchy, and full of flavor! Baked, not fried, they’re a healthier snack that’s both sweet and a little kicky.
Whenever I make these, I can’t help but munch on them right out of the oven—who can resist a warm chip? They’re perfect for movie night or just as a tasty treat. 🍠✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet Potatoes: Use large sweet potatoes for a satisfying crunch. If you can’t find them, butternut squash or regular potatoes work too, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds great flavor, but feel free to substitute with avocado oil or coconut oil if preferred. Both have high smoke points and are healthy options!
Smoked Paprika: This gives a smoky flavor to the chips. If you don’t have it, regular paprika can be used, though you might miss some of that depth. If you like heat, add a bit more cayenne instead.
Cayenne Pepper: Adjust according to your spice tolerance. For a milder version, use less cayenne or replace it with a pinch of red pepper flakes or even omit it for a non-spicy version.
Garlic Powder: You could substitute with fresh minced garlic. Just be careful not to burn it, as fresh garlic can brown faster than garlic powder.
How Do You Get Your Sweet Potato Chips Extra Crispy?
Crispy chips are all about technique! Slicing the sweet potatoes very thinly is crucial—aim for about 1/8 inch or thinner. This helps them cook through and get crispy.
- Preheat the oven properly to ensure immediate cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheets—make sure chips are in a single layer with some space between them.
- Watch the chips closely at the end. Baking time can vary based on thickness, so check to prevent burning.
- Let them cool on the baking sheet after baking. They become crispier as they cool.
By following these tips, you’ll have delicious, crunchy chips every time!
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 spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of sugar or brown sugar for a bit of sweetness balance
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious snack takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 30-35 minutes of baking time. In total, you’ll be enjoying crispy sweet potato chips in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial for perfectly baking your chips. Next, line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Sweet Potatoes:
Wash and peel the sweet potatoes to remove any dirt and skin. Using a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife, slice the sweet potatoes as thinly as you can (about 1/8 inch or thinner). Thinner slices will yield crispier chips, which is what we’re after!
3. Toss with Olive Oil:
In a large bowl, add the sweet potato slices and drizzle the olive oil over them. Toss the slices gently until they are evenly coated in oil. This will help the spices stick and help with crispiness.
4. Mix the Spices:
In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and sugar (if using). Mixing the spices together first ensures that each chip gets an even flavor!
5. Spice Up the Slices:
Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the sweet potato slices. Toss again gently to coat all the slices thoroughly. Get those flavors in there!
6. Bake the Chips:
Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Make sure they are not overlapping; this is key for achieving that crispy texture! Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes.
7. Flip and Finish Baking:
After the first bake, carefully flip each chip to ensure an even bake on both sides. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning. Look for a crispy and golden edge!
8. Cool and Enjoy:
Once done, remove the chips from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Delicious!
9. Serve or Store:
Enjoy your spicy sweet potato chips fresh out of the oven with a cooling dip, like ranch or a yogurt-based dip. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container once fully cooled.
Enjoy your crunchy, spicy sweet potato chips!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While sweet potatoes are recommended for their natural sweetness and crispiness, you can use regular potatoes or butternut squash if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will vary slightly.
What Can I Use Instead of Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can substitute it with avocado oil or coconut oil! Both alternatives will work well and help achieve that crispy texture.
How Do I Keep the Chips from Getting Soggy?
Make sure to slice the sweet potatoes very thinly and spread them out in a single layer on your baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding, as moisture can build up and make them soggy. Plus, letting them cool a bit after baking helps maintain their crispiness!
Can I Store Leftover Chips?
Yes! Once completely cooled, store the leftover chips in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay crispy for about 2-3 days, but they taste best fresh!
