Sweet Potato Chips with Cinnamon Sugar are a crunchy, sweet treat that’s both simple and delicious. Thinly sliced sweet potatoes get crispy in the oven and then get a dusting of warm cinnamon and sugar. The natural sweetness of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the cozy spice, making for a snack that feels special but is really easy to make.
I love making these chips as a quick way to satisfy a sweet craving without reaching for candy or cookies. One of my favorite tips is to slice the sweet potatoes as thin as you can so they get really crispy, almost like a homemade version of the chips you find at the store but way better. Sprinkling the cinnamon sugar right after baking when the chips are still warm makes the flavors stick and smell amazing in the kitchen.
These sweet potato chips are great to have on hand for afternoon munching, or to share at a casual get-together. I also like serving them alongside a little bowl of vanilla yogurt or cream cheese dip for dipping, which adds a creamy contrast to the crunch and spice. It’s such a simple recipe, but it always gets compliments!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sweet potatoes: The star of this recipe! Choose firm, medium-sized sweet potatoes for easy slicing. You can substitute with purple sweet potatoes for a fun color twist, or even regular potatoes if you want a less sweet chip.
Olive oil or coconut oil: Both work well for crisping. Olive oil adds a mild flavor, while coconut oil gives a slight tropical hint. Use whichever you prefer, or try avocado oil for a neutral taste.
Cinnamon sugar: Classic combo here. If you’re watching sugar intake, swap granulated sugar for a natural sweetener like maple sugar or coconut sugar. Adjust the cinnamon to taste—more if you love that warm spice kick.
Greek yogurt or cream cheese dip: This is optional but adds a creamy contrast to the crunchy chips. You can replace with any favorite dip like vanilla yogurt or a mild cream cheese spread flavored with a bit of honey.
How Can I Get Sweet Potato Chips Extra Crispy Without Burning Them?
Making sweet potato chips crispy can be tricky since they contain moisture. Here’s how I get mine just right:
- Slice thinly and evenly: Use a mandoline if you have one for uniform thickness, about 1/16 inch thick. This helps them bake evenly.
- Low and slow baking: Bake at a low temperature (250°F/120°C) to dry out the slices gently without burning.
- Flip halfway: Turn the chips halfway through baking to crisp both sides.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Arrange chips in a single layer with space around them for air circulation.
- Cool on baking sheets: Let chips cool completely on the sheet. They will crisp more as they cool.
Patience is key! Avoid raising the oven temperature to speed things up as that can cause burning before the chips crisp.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mandoline slicer – helps you slice the sweet potatoes super thin and even for perfect crispiness.
- Baking sheets – use two to spread out the chips so they bake evenly without steaming.
- Parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Mixing bowl – to toss the slices with oil and cinnamon sugar evenly.
- Spatula or tongs – for flipping the chips halfway through baking without breaking them.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try using smoked paprika instead of cinnamon for a smoky, savory snack.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cinnamon sugar for a sweet-spicy kick.
- Swap granulated sugar for brown sugar or coconut sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
- Mix in a little nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice with cinnamon to boost the warm spices.
Sweet Potato Chips with Cinnamon Sugar
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chips:
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, washed and thinly sliced
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted coconut oil)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Topping:
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: pinch of salt
For the Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- Greek yogurt or cream cheese, lightly sweetened and dusted with cinnamon
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, and around 1 hour and 15 minutes to bake. After baking, allow the chips to cool completely so they get extra crispy, which takes about 10 minutes. Total time is roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Oven and Slicing:
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to keep the chips from sticking. Using a mandoline slicer or a sharp knife, slice the sweet potatoes into very thin rounds—about 1/16 inch thick—for the crispiest results.
2. Coat and Arrange the Sweet Potato Slices:
Place the sliced sweet potatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil and gently toss to make sure each slice is lightly coated. Arrange the slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheets, making sure they don’t overlap.
3. Bake the Chips:
Bake the chips in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Flip the slices halfway through baking to help them crisp evenly. You’ll know they’re done when the edges start to dry and turn slightly golden.
4. Add Cinnamon Sugar:
While the chips bake, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon in a small bowl. When the chips come out of the oven, immediately sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the warm chips so it sticks well.
5. Cool and Serve:
Let the chips cool completely on the baking sheets. This cooling step helps them get even crispier. If you like, serve with a small bowl of lightly sweetened Greek yogurt or cream cheese dusted with cinnamon for a delicious dip.
Can I Use Frozen Sweet Potato Slices for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh sweet potatoes for crispy chips. Frozen slices tend to release moisture when baking, which can make the chips soggy instead of crunchy.
How Should I Store Leftover Sweet Potato Chips?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. Use within 2 days for the best crunch—chips can lose their crispness over time.
Can I Make These Chips Without a Mandoline?
Yes! A very sharp knife works fine if you slice as thinly and evenly as possible. Just take your time to get consistent slices for even baking.
Can I Adjust the Cinnamon Sugar to Be Less Sweet?
Absolutely! Feel free to reduce the sugar or try using a natural sweetener like coconut sugar or maple sugar to suit your taste preferences.