Sweet potatoes are a versatile and nutritious root vegetable, often enjoyed in various forms. One particularly delightful way to prepare them is as sweet potato chips. These chips, when baked to perfection, become a crispy and healthy snack or side dish. Adding a touch of honey butter elevates their natural sweetness, making them irresistible. In this article, we will walk you through the process of making Oven Baked Sweet Potato Chips With Honey Butter.
Sweet potato chips are a healthier alternative to regular potato chips, and baking them instead of frying retains their nutritional benefits while ensuring a crispy texture. This recipe is easy to follow and perfect for anyone, from novice cooks to experienced chefs.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potato Chips:
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
For the Honey Butter:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
Preparing the Sweet Potatoes
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Wash and Slice: Wash the sweet potatoes thoroughly. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds extra fiber and nutrients. Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, cut the sweet potatoes into thin, even slices, about 1/8 inch thick.
- Season the Slices: In a large bowl, toss the sweet potato slices with olive oil, sea salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Ensure each slice is evenly coated.
Baking the Sweet Potato Chips
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Arrange the sweet potato slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overlapping the slices, as this can prevent them from becoming crispy.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping the slices halfway through. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning. The chips should be golden brown and crispy around the edges.
- Cool: Remove the chips from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
Making the Honey Butter
- Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the honey and cinnamon (if using) until well combined.
- Drizzle the Honey Butter: Drizzle the honey butter over the baked sweet potato chips, tossing gently to ensure they are evenly coated.
Tips and Variations
Tips for Perfect Sweet Potato Chips
- Uniform Slices: Ensure the sweet potato slices are uniform in thickness for even baking. A mandoline slicer can help achieve this.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Spread the slices out in a single layer to ensure they bake evenly and become crispy.
- Watch Closely: Sweet potato chips can go from perfectly crispy to burnt quickly, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking.
Variations and Substitutions
- Air Fryer Method: For an even quicker and crispier result, use an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the chips in batches for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Fried Sweet Potato Chips: If you prefer fried chips, heat oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the slices in batches until golden and crispy, about 3-5 minutes. Drain on paper towels and season immediately.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Instead of chips, cut the sweet potatoes into thick wedges or fries. Follow the same seasoning and baking instructions but extend the baking time to 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Spicy Variation: Add a kick by sprinkling cayenne pepper or chili powder along with the other seasonings.
- Savory Honey Butter: For a savory twist, add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the honey butter.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 250mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 21g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 2g
Sweet potatoes are rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making this recipe not only delicious but also nutritious.
Conclusion
Oven Baked Sweet Potato Chips With Honey Butter are a delightful snack or side dish that combines the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes with the rich flavor of honey butter. This recipe is simple to make and can be easily adapted to suit your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy them as a healthy snack, a side dish, or a party appetizer, these sweet potato chips are sure to be a hit.