All you need to make super crispy air fryer sweet potato chips are four simple ingredients, about 15 minutes of hands-on time, and your air fryer. This method produces crunchy, restaurant-style chips without deep-frying—far less oil, but all the satisfying texture and flavor.
Air fryer sweet potato chips are a fast, healthy snack that’s easy to customize. With a mandolin for thin, even slices and a light mist of oil, you can have batches of golden chips with just a sprinkle of flaky salt and fresh chives for brightness.
These homemade chips are addictive—crispy, slightly sweet, and perfect on their own or paired with a tangy dip. This recipe will walk you through the easiest way to get consistent, crunchy results from your air fryer.
Ingredients for Sweet Potato Chips
- Sweet potato: 1 large, thinly sliced on a mandolin (aim for about 1/16 inch thickness).
- Oil for air frying: olive oil spray (avocado oil spray is a suitable alternative).
- Seasoning: flaky kosher or sea salt, to taste.
- Garnish: 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (optional).
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
- Different potatoes: This technique works well with sweet potatoes, russets, or Yukon Golds. Each variety will crisp differently and may require a slight adjustment in cook time.
- Seasonings: Keep it simple with salt and chives, or try other blends such as everything bagel seasoning or Old Bay for a savory twist.
- Oils: Olive oil spray is neutral and convenient, but avocado oil spray is a great high-smoke-point option. If you don’t have spray, use about 2 tablespoons of oil and brush it lightly onto each slice.
Should I peel my sweet potatoes first?
Either way works. Leaving the skin on adds texture, fiber, and color; peeling yields a more uniform visual and slightly smoother texture. Both are delicious.
How long do you have to air-fry chips?
About 15 minutes per batch at 325°F will typically deliver crispy chips. You will likely need to cook in a few batches depending on the size of your air fryer and how many potato rounds you have.
Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes. Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes crisp up well with this method. Expect small differences in cook time and final texture based on starch content and slice thickness.
What is a good replacement for the olive oil spray?
If you don’t have spray, use about 2 tablespoons of oil and brush it evenly over each slice with a pastry brush. Avoid pouring oil over the slices, which can lead to uneven results.
Why are some of my sweet potato chips darker than others?
Color will vary with how evenly oil is applied, the potato variety, and the specific air fryer model. Slight variation in shading is normal and doesn’t affect flavor.
Dipping Sauces to Try
These chips are delicious on their own, but pair beautifully with tangy or creamy dips. Consider these options:
- Greek yogurt dill pickle dip
- Homemade ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
- Creamy green goddess-style dressing
Storage
The chips are best served immediately for peak crispness. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Because these are preservative-free, they will slowly lose some crispness; re-crisp briefly in the air fryer if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer sweet potato chips are an excellent side for sandwiches, burgers, and grilled mains. They complement fish sandwiches, classic hamburgers, or turkey and pesto sandwiches. They also make a fun appetizer or snack for parties.
Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips — Recipe
Yield: 2 servings | Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Total: 45 mins
Ingredients
- 1 large sweet potato, thinly sliced (about 1/16 inch)
- Olive oil spray (or 2 tablespoons olive oil, brushed on)
- 1 tablespoon flaky kosher salt, divided
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 325°F (160°C).
- Using a mandolin or a very sharp knife, slice the sweet potato into very thin rounds, about 1/16 inch thick.
- Arrange the rounds in a single layer in the air fryer basket, allowing them to overlap only slightly so air can circulate.
- Lightly spray the potatoes with olive oil spray, or brush each slice with a thin coating of oil. Sprinkle about 1/4 teaspoon of flaky salt over the first batch.
- Air fry for about 15 minutes, flipping or gently tossing the slices every 5 minutes to ensure even browning. Use tongs to flip individual slices if needed.
- When the chips are golden and crisp, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to cool. Repeat with remaining slices.
- Once cool, toss with the remaining salt to taste and garnish with chopped chives. Serve immediately with your favorite dip.
Tips & Notes
- Cook time varies by potato size and air fryer model; watch closely the first time you make this to avoid burning.
- Uniform thin slices are key for consistent crisping. A mandolin makes this much easier and safer if used carefully.
- If chips lose crunch after storage, refresh them in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes.
- Adjust salt to taste and experiment with spice blends for new flavor profiles.
Nutrition (approximate per serving)
Calories: 98 kcal • Carbohydrates: 23 g • Protein: 2 g • Fat: 0.1 g • Fiber: 3 g • Sugar: 5 g
Photography: Photos used in this post were created by Ashley McGlaughlin.