Are you looking for a tasty and healthy snack that’s easy to make and fun to eat? Look no further than sweet potato crisps! These crispy, golden treats are made from thinly sliced sweet potatoes that are baked or fried to perfection. In this article, we’ll show you how to make sweet potato crisps at home, including tips and tricks for achieving the perfect crunch.
Why Sweet Potato Crisps are a Great Snack
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why sweet potato crisps are such a great snack. Here are just a few reasons:
- They’re healthy: Sweet potatoes are a nutrient-rich food that’s high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They’re also low in calories and fat, making them a great choice for those looking for a guilt-free snack.
- They’re delicious: Sweet potato crisps have a sweet, nutty flavor that’s hard to resist. They’re perfect for munching on while watching TV, studying, or working.
- They’re easy to make: Making sweet potato crisps is a breeze. Simply slice up some sweet potatoes, toss with oil and seasoning, and bake or fry until crispy.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make sweet potato crisps, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 2-3 large sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Mandoline or sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
Choosing the Right Sweet Potatoes
When it comes to making sweet potato crisps, the type of sweet potato you use can make a big difference. Here are a few tips for choosing the right sweet potatoes:
- Look for sweet potatoes that are high in starch: Sweet potatoes that are high in starch will yield a crisper exterior and a fluffier interior. Look for sweet potatoes that are labeled as “starchy” or “high-starch.”
- Choose sweet potatoes that are firm and smooth: Avoid sweet potatoes that are soft or wrinkled, as they may not yield the best results.
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
Once you’ve chosen your sweet potatoes, it’s time to prepare them for slicing. Here’s how:
- Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly: Rinse the sweet potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris.
- Peel the sweet potatoes: Use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin from the sweet potatoes.
- Slice the sweet potatoes thinly: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to slice the sweet potatoes into very thin rounds. Try to make the slices as uniform as possible so that they cook evenly.
Method 1: Baked Sweet Potato Crisps
Baking sweet potato crisps is a great way to make a healthier version of this snack. Here’s how:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Toss the Sweet Potato Slices with Oil and Seasoning
In a bowl, toss the sweet potato slices with vegetable oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder (if using).
Step 3: Line the Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Step 4: Arrange the Sweet Potato Slices in a Single Layer
Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure not to overlap the slices.
Step 5: Bake the Sweet Potato Crisps
Bake the sweet potato crisps for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re crispy and golden brown. Repeat with any remaining sweet potato slices.
Method 2: Fried Sweet Potato Crisps
Frying sweet potato crisps is a great way to make a crunchier version of this snack. Here’s how:
Step 1: Heat the Oil in a Deep Frying Pan
Heat about 1/2-inch (1 cm) of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (180°C).
Step 2: Toss the Sweet Potato Slices with Oil and Seasoning
In a bowl, toss the sweet potato slices with vegetable oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder (if using).
Step 3: Fry the Sweet Potato Crisps in Batches
Fry the sweet potato crisps in batches until they’re golden brown and crispy. Repeat with any remaining sweet potato slices.
Step 4: Drain the Sweet Potato Crisps on Paper Towels
Drain the sweet potato crisps on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you make the best sweet potato crisps ever:
- Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature: If you’re frying your sweet potato crisps, make sure to use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature. This will help you achieve a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet or frying pan: Make sure to leave enough space between each sweet potato slice so that they can cook evenly.
- Experiment with different seasonings: Try adding different seasonings to your sweet potato crisps, such as chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika.
- Make sweet potato crisps in advance: You can make sweet potato crisps in advance and store them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Conclusion
Making sweet potato crisps is a fun and easy way to create a delicious and healthy snack. Whether you bake or fry them, sweet potato crisps are sure to be a hit with family and friends. With these simple steps and tips, you can make sweet potato crisps at home and enjoy them whenever you want. So go ahead, give it a try, and indulge in the crispy, sweet goodness of sweet potato crisps!
What are the key ingredients required to make sweet potato crisps?
The key ingredients required to make sweet potato crisps include large sweet potatoes, vegetable oil for frying, salt to taste, and any additional seasonings you prefer, such as paprika, garlic powder, or chili powder. You will also need a mandoline or sharp knife to slice the sweet potatoes thinly and evenly.
Optional ingredients may include additional flavorings like smoked paprika, dried herbs, or grated cheese. Some recipes may also call for a small amount of sugar or honey to balance out the savory flavors. However, the core ingredients remain sweet potatoes, oil, and salt, making this a relatively simple and accessible snack to prepare.
How do I slice the sweet potatoes to achieve the perfect crisp?
To achieve the perfect crisp, it’s essential to slice the sweet potatoes very thinly and evenly. A mandoline is the best tool for this job, as it allows you to adjust the thickness of the slices and achieve uniformity. If you don’t have a mandoline, a sharp knife will also work, but be careful to slice the sweet potatoes as thinly as possible.
Aim for slices that are around 1/16 inch (1.5 mm) thick. This will help the sweet potato crisps cook evenly and become crispy in the right amount of time. If the slices are too thick, they may not crisp up properly, while slices that are too thin may burn easily. Experiment with different slice thicknesses to find the one that works best for you.
What is the best oil to use for frying sweet potato crisps?
The best oil to use for frying sweet potato crisps is one with a high smoke point, as this will help prevent the oil from burning or smoking during the frying process. Some good options include avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or peanut oil. These oils also have a mild flavor that won’t overpower the natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes.
Other oils like olive oil or coconut oil can also be used, but they may not be the best choice due to their lower smoke points. Olive oil, in particular, can become bitter when heated to high temperatures, which may affect the flavor of the sweet potato crisps. Always choose a high-quality oil that is suitable for frying to ensure the best results.
How do I prevent the sweet potato crisps from becoming greasy?
To prevent the sweet potato crisps from becoming greasy, it’s essential to not overcrowd the pot or deep fryer when frying. Fry the sweet potato slices in batches, so they have enough room to cook evenly. This will help prevent the sweet potatoes from sticking together and becoming greasy.
Additionally, make sure to drain the sweet potato crisps on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel after frying. This will help absorb any excess oil and prevent the crisps from becoming soggy or greasy. You can also try dusting the sweet potato crisps with a small amount of cornstarch or flour before frying to help absorb excess moisture and reduce greasiness.
Can I bake sweet potato crisps instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake sweet potato crisps instead of frying them. This is a great option if you’re looking for a healthier alternative or want to avoid the mess and hassle of deep-frying. To bake sweet potato crisps, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer on the baking sheet and drizzle with a small amount of oil. You can also add any additional seasonings or flavorings at this stage. Bake the sweet potato crisps for around 20-25 minutes, or until they’re crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn or become too dark.
How do I store sweet potato crisps to keep them fresh?
To keep sweet potato crisps fresh, it’s essential to store them in an airtight container. You can use a glass jar or a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure the container is completely dry before adding the sweet potato crisps, as any moisture can cause them to become soggy or stale.
Store the sweet potato crisps in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard. You can also store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but be aware that they may lose some of their crispiness. If you want to keep the sweet potato crisps fresh for longer, consider freezing them. Simply place the crisps in a single layer on a baking sheet, put the sheet in a freezer-safe bag, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Can I make sweet potato crisps ahead of time?
Yes, you can make sweet potato crisps ahead of time, but it’s best to fry or bake them just before serving to ensure they’re crispy and fresh. However, you can prepare the sweet potato slices ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Simply slice the sweet potatoes, place them in a bowl of cold water, and refrigerate until you’re ready to fry or bake them. This will help prevent the sweet potatoes from browning or becoming discolored. You can also prepare the seasonings or flavorings ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to use them.