Baked Sweet Potato Chips

These crispy and nutritious chips are made from thinly sliced sweet potatoes, lightly coated in olive oil and seasonings, and baked until they achieve a delightful crunch. They offer a healthier alternative to traditional potato chips, with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and the added benefit of being baked rather than fried. Enjoy them as a tasty and satisfying snack or side dish.

Ingredients for baked sweet potato chips

Here’s a description of each ingredient used in making baked sweet potato chips:

1. Sweet Potato: Sweet potatoes are root vegetables known for their natural sweetness and vibrant orange flesh. They are a nutritious source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. In this recipe, sweet potatoes are thinly sliced to create crispy chips when baked.
2. Olive Oil: Olive oil is a heart-healthy cooking oil made from pressed olives. It adds a touch of healthy fat and helps coat the sweet potato slices evenly, promoting crispiness during baking.
3. Salt: Salt is a common seasoning used to enhance the flavor of the sweet potato chips. It provides a savory contrast to the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes and helps bring out their flavors.
4. Optional Seasonings: Various seasonings, such as paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or herbs and spices of your choice, can be added to the sweet potato chips for additional flavor. I used paprika as it adds a smoky and mildly spicy flavor. You can choose the seasonings to customize the flavor profile to your liking.

Are baked sweet potato chips healthy?

Yes, homemade baked sweet potato chips can be a healthier snack option when compared to many commercial potato chips. They provide the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes and are lower in fat due to baking rather than frying. Here are some of their health benefits:

1. Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a nutrient-rich source of vitamins (like vitamin A and vitamin C), minerals (such as potassium), and dietary fiber. They are naturally sweet and lower in calories compared to regular potatoes.
2. Baked, Not Fried: Baking sweet potato chips instead of frying them reduces the amount of added oil and overall fat content, making them a lower-fat option.
3. Less Sodium: When you make your sweet potato chips at home, you can control the amount of salt used, reducing excessive sodium intake.

How to make baked sweet potato chips?

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Start by peeling and washing the sweet potatoes. I didn’t peel it as my potato was so clean, I decided to leave the peel on. Next, carefully slice them into thin, uniform rounds using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer. Consistent thickness is important for even cooking.

In a spacious bowl, gently coat the sweet potato slices with olive oil, salt, and paprika. If desired, you can also introduce your preferred seasonings or spices for added flavor. This is where you can get creative and customize the taste to your liking.

Lay out the seasoned sweet potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets. Ensure they are not overlapping to facilitate even baking.

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the sweet potato chips for approximately 15-20 minutes. Keep a close eye on them as cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the slices. Remove them when they begin to acquire a golden-brown hue and achieve the desired level of crispiness.

Once baked, take the chips out of the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. During the cooling process, they will become even crispier. Now, savor your homemade baked sweet potato chips as a delightful and wholesome snack!

If you like chips, check out these recipes:

• Oven Baked Potato Chips
• Crispy Zucchini Chips
• Rice Paper Chips