Have you ever craved that perfect crunch of a potato chip but wished for something a bit more nutritious? Air fryer sweet potato chips are about to become your new obsession. These crispy, golden rounds deliver that satisfying snap with natural sweetness that regular chips can’t match—all while using significantly less oil than store-bought versions. The best part?
You’re just minutes away from a snack that’s both indulgent and wholesome.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Air fryer sweet potato chips stand in a league of their own. Unlike commercial varieties that often come loaded with preservatives and excess salt, these homemade chips give you complete control over ingredients while still delivering that irresistible crunch. The air fryer transforms simple sweet potatoes into perfectly crisp chips without the grease and mess of deep frying.
You’ll get that beautiful caramelization that brings out the natural sugars, creating a snack that’s slightly sweet with a savory edge—perfect for satisfying cravings without derailing your healthy eating goals. Plus, sweet potatoes pack significant nutrition, offering fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that regular white potatoes simply can’t match.
Equipment needed: Air fryer, mandoline or sharp knife, mixing bowl, paper towels
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips
Ingredients
- 2 medium sweet potatoes about 1 pound, scrubbed clean
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder optional
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika optional
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper optional
- Cooking spray preferably olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare the sweet potatoes by washing them thoroughly and patting them dry. There’s no need to peel them—the skin adds nutrition and helps the chips hold together.
- Slice the sweet potatoes as thinly and uniformly as possible (about 1/16 inch thickness) using a mandoline slicer or a very sharp knife. Consistent thickness is crucial for even cooking.
- Soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps achieve maximum crispiness. Then drain thoroughly and pat completely dry with paper towels.
- Place dried sweet potato slices in a mixing bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss gently with your hands to ensure each slice is lightly coated. Too much oil will make them soggy rather than crispy.
- Season the chips with salt and any optional seasonings (garlic powder, paprika, black pepper). Distribute the seasonings evenly for consistent flavor.
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes. This ensures the chips start cooking immediately when placed inside.
- Arrange a single layer of sweet potato slices in your air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap. You’ll need to cook in batches for best results.
- Lightly spray the arranged chips with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, pausing halfway to shake the basket and flip chips as needed. Watch carefully during the last few minutes as they can burn quickly.
- Remove chips when they’re golden brown and crisp around the edges. They’ll continue to crisp up slightly as they cool.
- Transfer to a cooling rack immediately rather than piling them in a bowl while hot, which can create steam and make them soggy.
- Repeat with remaining batches until all chips are cooked. Adjust cooking time as needed since your air fryer will already be hot.
Notes
- For extra crispy chips, slice the sweet potatoes as thinly as possible—a mandoline is highly recommended for consistent results.
- Different air fryer models vary in cooking time and temperature, so keep a close eye on your first batch and adjust accordingly.
- Chips will continue to crisp as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem slightly soft when first removed.
- Store cooled chips in an airtight container for up to 3 days, though they’re best enjoyed within 24 hours of making.
- If chips lose their crispiness during storage, you can refresh them with a quick 1-2 minute air fry at 350°F.
Calories & Nutritional Info
- Calories: Approximately 120-150 calories per serving
- Carbohydrates: 23g per serving
- Fiber: 3.5g per serving
- Protein: 2g per serving
- Fat: 5g per serving (primarily from olive oil)
- Vitamin A: 377% of daily recommended intake
- Gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and paleo-friendly
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the soaking step – This removes excess starch and is crucial for achieving crispy chips.
- Not drying the slices thoroughly – Any excess moisture will create steam and prevent chips from crisping properly.
- Slicing inconsistently – Varying thicknesses will result in some chips burning while others remain undercooked.
- Overcrowding the air fryer basket – This prevents proper air circulation and results in steaming rather than crisping.
- Walking away during cooking – Sweet potatoes can go from perfectly crisp to burnt in less than a minute due to their natural sugar content.
- Adding too much oil – This defeats the purpose of air frying and will make your chips greasy instead of crispy.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Oil alternatives: Avocado oil or coconut oil can replace olive oil for different flavor profiles.
- Seasoning variations: Try cinnamon and a pinch of coconut sugar for sweet chips, or cayenne and lime zest for spicy chips.
- Root vegetable options: This same technique works well with regular potatoes, beets, parsnips, or carrots.
- Lower-calorie version: Reduce oil to just a light spray and rely on seasonings for flavor.
- AIP-friendly option: Omit black pepper and paprika, using just salt and herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- No air fryer? Bake in a conventional oven at 375°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through (though they may not get quite as crispy).
FAQs
Why are my sweet potato chips not crispy?
This usually happens if the slices are too thick or weren’t dried properly after soaking. Make sure to slice as thinly as possible (1/16 inch ideal) and pat thoroughly dry. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as chips need space for air to circulate.
Can I make these chips ahead for a party?
Yes, but they’re best within a few hours of cooking. If making ahead, slightly undercook them, then refresh with a 1-2 minute air fry just before serving to restore crispness.
How do I know when the chips are done?
Perfect chips should be golden brown with slightly curled edges. They might not feel completely crisp immediately—they’ll continue to crisp as they cool. If they’re browning too quickly without crisping, lower your air fryer temperature by 25°F.
Are sweet potato chips healthier than regular chips?
Yes! Sweet potatoes contain more fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants than white potatoes. When air-fried with minimal oil, they’re significantly healthier than commercially fried chips.
Can I use pre-sliced sweet potatoes from the store?
Pre-sliced sweet potatoes are usually too thick for chips. For this recipe, fresh, thinly sliced sweet potatoes work best. If using pre-sliced, you may need to adjust for thicker, more fry-like results.
Final Thoughts
These air fryer sweet potato chips prove that wholesome snacking doesn’t require sacrifice. There’s something truly satisfying about transforming a simple root vegetable into a crave-worthy snack with just a few minutes of effort. Whether you’re new to air frying or looking to expand your repertoire, these chips deliver that perfect balance of nutrition and indulgence.
So go ahead—make a batch and experience the joy of homemade chips that you can feel good about enjoying.
