Sweet Potato Chips
Desserts • India
How to Make Sweet Potato Chips (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Sweet Potato Chips, or 'Shakarkandi Chips', are a delightful Indian snack that blends tradition with modern health-conscious cooking. Popular across India, especially during winter and festival seasons like Diwali, these chips are made from shakarkandi (sweet potato), which is revered for its warming properties and sweet, earthy flavor. Unlike conventional potato chips, Sweet Potato Chips offer a unique taste and vibrant color, making them a favorite for festive platters and family gatherings. The Indian version of Sweet Potato Chips can be air-fried or baked, ensuring minimal oil use and maximum nutrition. Often spiced with chaat masala, red chili powder, and kala namak (black salt), these chips are a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. They are commonly served as an evening snack with chai or as a festive treat during Holi or Diwali. With roots in both street food and homestyle cooking, these chips are a healthy, vegetarian option that fits seamlessly into calorie-conscious diets. Their crisp texture and wholesome flavor make them a popular choice among children and adults alike, and the recipe adapts easily to regional tastes by varying the spices.
Ingredients(for 1 small bowl (about 40g chips per serving))
- 2 medium (about 250g) Shakarkandi (Sweet Potato) (locally called Shakarkandi)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil (or any cold-pressed oil (sarson ka tel))
- 1 tsp Chaat masala (for tangy Indian flavor)
- 1/2 tsp Red chili powder (lal mirch) - optional
- 1/4 tsp Kala namak (Black salt) (adds unique taste)
- 1 tbsp Fresh coriander leaves (finely chopped) - optional
- 1 tsp Lemon juice (for freshness) - optional
- 1/2 tsp Cumin powder (jeera powder) - optional
- to taste Salt (sendha namak for vrat)
Instructions
- 1
Wash and peel the shakarkandi (sweet potatoes). Slice them thinly using a mandoline or sharp knife for uniform chips.
5 minutes
Uniform slices ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- 2
Soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes to remove excess starch. Pat dry thoroughly with a clean cloth.
10 minutes
Dry chips prevent sogginess and enhance crispness.
- 3
Preheat your oven to 180°C or air fryer to 160°C. Arrange the sweet potato slices on a parchment-lined tray or air fryer basket.
2 minutes
Do not overlap chips to ensure maximum crispiness.
- 4
Brush both sides lightly with olive oil or sarson ka tel. Sprinkle salt, chaat masala, kala namak, and optional spices evenly.
3 minutes
Use minimal oil for a healthier snack.
Why This Dish is Healthy
This recipe is a healthy choice due to its use of baked or air-fried techniques, reducing oil and calories. Sweet potatoes are naturally lower in glycemic index, making them suitable for diabetics and weight-watchers. The addition of Indian spices enhances flavor without adding extra calories, and the recipe can be easily adapted to vegan and kid-friendly versions. Overall, it's a guilt-free snack with wholesome ingredients.
Sweet potatoes are rich in dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, making them a nutritious base for chips. The minimal use of oil keeps fat content low, while spices like chaat masala and jeera powder add antioxidants. Sweet Potato Chips provide slow-release carbohydrates, supporting steady energy levels. These chips are gluten-free and suitable for vegetarian diets, offering a healthier alternative to regular fried snacks.
Pro Tips
- 💡Tip 1: Use a mandoline for even, thin slices.
- 💡Tip 2: Soak slices in water and dry well for extra crunch.
- 💡Tip 3: Experiment with regional spices like ajwain or amchur for variety.
Storage & Serving
Store cooled chips in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Avoid moisture to maintain crispiness. Do not refrigerate, as it may soften the chips.
Best served: Breakfast or Lunch
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 100g |
|---|---|
| Energy | 130.0 kcal |
