Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Chips

Making air-fryer sweet potato chips at home is one of those satisfying kitchen projects that delivers big on both flavor and fun. There’s something kinda magic about slicing up sweet potatoes, tossing them with a perfectly balanced mix of oil and spices, then watching them turn into crispy, golden perfection. You don’t get homemade chips every day. And let’s be honest—store-bought chips can’t touch the fresh, warm crunch of homemade. Plus, you get to pair them with a creamy dip that’s so much more interesting than anything from a jar. Whether you’re serving them up for a crowd or just snacking solo, these chips are a snack you’ll want to make on repeat.

Ingredients for Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Chips

• Sweet potatoes: The sweet potatoes obviously provide the base for the chips, offering their naturally sweet flavor and a tender yet crisp texture when cooked.
• Chili powder: This spice blend adds mild heat and smoky depth.
• Garlic powder: This one infuses the chips with a savory, slightly pungent flavor that complements the sweetness of the potatoes.
• Taco seasoning: This is a blend of spices that introduces a bold, zesty flavor.
• Cumin: Ground cumin adds an earthy, warm flavor that deepens the seasoning blend on the chips.
• Cayenne pepper: This contributes a kick of heat, giving the chips a spicy finish.

Dip:

• Mayonnaise: Mayo serves as the creamy base for the dip, lending richness and a slight tang.
• Sour cream: This adds a smooth, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the mayonnaise.
• Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese provides a velvety texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor that complements the other dip ingredients.
• Fresh cilantro: Cilantro brightens the dip with a fresh, herbal note that cuts through the richness.
• Lemon juice: A touch of acidity from lemon juice lifts the flavors in the dip and adds a refreshing zing.
• Celery salt: This seasoning adds a unique, savory depth with a hint of celery flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the sweet potatoes

Julia Hartbeck for Taste of Home

Place the peeled and sliced sweet potatoes in a large bowl and cover them with cold water, then let them stand for 20 minutes. After they’ve soaked, drain the water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.

Step 2: Season the sweet potatoes

Julia Hartbeck for Taste of Home

Preheat the air fryer to 360°F. In a small bowl, mix together the canola oil, chili powder, garlic powder, taco seasoning, salt, cumin, pepper and cayenne pepper. Drizzle the seasoned oil over the sweet potatoes and toss until they’re evenly coated.

Step 3: Air-fry the sweet potatoes

Julia Hartbeck for Taste of Home

Working in batches, arrange the sweet potatoes in a single layer on a greased tray in the air-fryer basket. Cook them until they’re golden brown and crispy, 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Prepare the dip

Julia Hartbeck for Taste of Home

In a small bowl, beat together the mayonnaise, sour cream, cream cheese, cilantro, lemon juice, celery salt and pepper until smooth and well combined. Serve the dip alongside the freshly made sweet potato chips.

Julia Hartbeck for Taste of Home

Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Chip Variations

• Add a smoky twist: Substitute the chili powder with smoked paprika for a deeper, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the potatoes.
• Make it cheesy: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the sweet potato slices right after they come out of the air fryer, adding a savory, crispy finish.
• Try a tangy dip: Swap the mayonnaise in the dip with Greek yogurt, and add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard, for a tangy, protein-packed alternative.
• Make it a meal: Top the finished sweet potato chips with black beans, shredded cheese, jalapenos and sour cream to create loaded sweet potato nachos.

How to Store Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Chips

To store any leftover sweet potato chips, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Keep the container at room temperature, where the chips will stay crispy for up to two days. If you need to store them longer, a quick reheat in the air fryer will help bring back their crunch. The dip should be covered and refrigerated, where it will stay fresh for up to three days.

Can you make air-fryer sweet potato chips ahead of time?

Yes, you can make sweet potato chips in an air fryer ahead of time. To keep them fresh, store the cooled chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If they lose their crispness, a quick reheat in the air fryer will help bring back their crunch before serving.

Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Chip Tips

Julia Hartbeck for Taste of Home

Can you make air-fryer sweet potato chips without the spices?

For a simpler version, skip the spices and just toss the sweet potato slices with canola oil and a pinch of salt. Air-fry them until they’re golden and crispy, letting the natural sweetness of the potatoes shine through.

What are some dishes that pair well with air-fryer sweet potato chips?

These crispy air-fryer sweet potato chips pair perfectly with a variety of dishes. They make a great side for grilled chicken breasts and burgers. You can also serve them alongside or on top of a grilled chicken chopped salad. You could also make a variety of dips. Try classic guacamole for a creamy, zesty contrast. A cool, refreshing yogurt-based tzatziki would also complement the chips’ natural sweetness and crispy texture perfectly.

Do I need to soak and peel the sweet potatoes before air-frying?

Yes! Soaking and peeling give your potatoes their crispy, crunchy texture. It also prevents them from sticking to each other. (If you don’t have sweet potatoes on hand, make air-fryer potato chips with regular spuds.)

Why aren’t my air-fryer sweet potato chips crispy?

Closely following our recipe’s steps will provide you with crispy results. One of our best air-fryer cooking tips to make your potato chips come out crispy is to cook them in a single layer. That way, there will be plenty of air circulation to get that crunch you want while letting each chip cook evenly.