How to Dehydrate Sweet Potato Chips with Denali Canning

Written by: Karl Guzman

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Time to read 8 min

Ever look at a sweet potato and wonder, "How can I make this snackable and oh-so-shareable?" Well, buckle up, 'cause we’re about to transform these earthy treasures into crispy delights that'll have you ditching those greasy chips for good.

 

Imagine taking a stroll through your garden, spotting those vibrant, orange-hued sweet potatoes, and knowing you're just a few steps away from a batch of homemade goodness. Picture this: it's a lazy Saturday, the kitchen's cozy, and "The Beast" is ready to work its magic, turning fresh spuds into dehydrated wonders.

 

Whether you're after that satisfying crunch or looking to preserve the overflow of your harvest, dehydrating is your best bet. And don't worry if you’re not a sweet potato whisperer; we’ll guide you through the nitty-gritty to get those chips just right. Ready to get started? Let’s turn those homegrown spuds into the snack of the season!

KEY INFORMATION

Prep time

10 mins

Dehydrate Time

6 - 8 hours

Servings

Varies based on quantity

Category

Dehydrating

TABLE OF CONTENTS

OVERVIEW OF THE DISH 🍽

Sweet potato chips are more than just a snack; they're a testament to the art of dehydrating. Think of it as capturing the essence of your hearty, homegrown sweet potatoes and transforming them into a snacking goldmine. Imagine every chip as a little slice of home – a sweet, savory, and nutritious reminder of your gardening prowess.

 

When these orange slices hit "The Beast," they go in soft and come out as crispy, crunchy marvels. They're the kind of chips that make you want to pat yourself on the back because, let's face it, growing sweet potatoes is no small feat, and turning them into chips? That’s the kind of kitchen alchemy that gets the whole family excited.

 

We're elevating this humble root vegetable to new heights, giving it the attention it deserves. With each batch, you preserve the earthy flavors and nutrients, ensuring that every crunch is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a nod to healthy choices. So, let's fire up "The Beast" and turn those sweet potatoes into your new favorite snack!

NOTES BEFORE STARTING 🗒

Before we jump into the world of dehydrating sweet potatoes, let's ground ourselves in some spud wisdom. Dehydration is like the magic wand of food preservation — it concentrates all the natural sweetness and flavor of your sweet potatoes into a crispy, shelf-stable form. But not all spuds are the same.

 

You’ve got your plump ones, your slender ones, and everything in between. Each slice is a canvas, and thickness matters. Go too thick, and you'll wait ages for them to dry. Too thin? You might just end up with sweet potato paper. And remember, these guys are naturally sweet, so as they dehydrate, they become little bites of caramelized heaven.

 

Moisture is the enemy of the perfect chip. "The Beast" is about to become your best ally, making sure each slice dries evenly. Keep an eye on those slices as they shrink and crisp up — it's a fine line between perfectly dehydrated and overdone. So, let's get those sweet potatoes prepped and give them the dehydrating treatment they deserve!

INGREDIENT HIGHLIGHTS 🥔

Sweet potato selection is key for chip perfection. You'll want to grab those firm, heavy sweeties with smooth skins—no sprouting or bruises. Whether it’s the classic orange, the striking purple, or the subtle white, each brings its unique flavor to the crunch.


 

Mixing colors is like throwing a harvest festival right in your dehydrator. And here's a little secret: as "The Beast" works its magic, those natural sugars will caramelize, making your chips a sweet, crispy treasure.

 

So pick the best, give them a wash, and let’s slice our way to snack heaven!

EQUIPMENT CONSIDERATIONS ⚙️

When crafting the perfect sweet potato chip, "The Beast" Food Dehydrator is your best buddy. It's got space for days, with multiple racks that say 'more room for yams'. And the power? Enough to turn slices into crispy delights without breaking a sweat.

 

Ease of use? It's a cinch. Just slice, season, and lay out those sweet spuds on the non-stick mats. No flip-flopping required—the built-in fan's got airflow covered. And when you're done, it's a simple cleanup job, no fuss, no muss.

 

Plus, you get a FREE 100 recipes booklet  to keep you inspired. Whether you're a newbie or a pro at the dehydrating game, "The Beast" is the muscle behind the magic, ready to crank out batch after batch of crunchy goodness.

CONCERNS / TROUBLESHOOTING ✅

As you embark on making those yummy dehydrated sweet potato chips, keep in mind that every now and then, you might hit a little bump in the road. But don't you worry! "The Beast" makes it smooth sailing for the most part. Yet, it's always good to have a few tricks up your sleeve, so here’s the fix on solving common problems:
 

  1. Chip Consistency: Sometimes, you get a batch that's part crispy, part chewy. That's not the dream, right? Here's the fix:
     

    • Slice 'em Thin: Make sure those sweet potato slices are uniform in thickness.

    • Spread 'em Out: Give each slice its space on the trays. No overlapping, no sirree!
       

  2. Moisture Mayhem: The goal is crunchy, but you got some slices that bend like rubber? Stay calm and:
     

    • Patience, Partner: Keep 'em in a bit longer, checking regularly.

    • Heat Adjustment: Tweak "The Beast's" temp just a notch or two higher.
       

  3. Color Quirks: Off colors can be a downer, but they're not the end of the line:
     

    • Cool Down: If they're looking a tad too brown, dial down the heat a touch.

    • Slice Check: Ensure even slicing for even drying—no thick pieces hiding among the thin!
       

Remember, making the perfect chip is part art, part science. With "The Beast" by your side, you're set up for success, ready to troubleshoot your way to the crunchiest, tastiest sweet potato chips around.

RECIPE CARD 👩🏻‍🍳

Dehydrated Sweet Potato Chips

 

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Dehydrating Time: 6-8 hours (may vary based on slice thickness)
  • Total Time: 6 hours, 10 minutes to 8 hours, 10 minutes
  • Yield: Varies based on sweet potato size (typically, 1 large sweet potato yields about 2 ounces of chips)

Ingredients:
 

  • Sweet potatoes (1 large sweet potato to start)
  • Olive oil or cooking spray (just enough for a light coat)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Optional: Your choice of seasoning (paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, etc.)

COOKING / PREPPING INSTRUCTIONS 📃

 

1. PREP:
Start by giving those sweet potatoes a proper wash to get all the dirt off. No need for gloves here, but a good vegetable brush will be handy. Cut off any blemishes you find.

 

2. SLICE:


Get those sweet potatoes sliced up nice and even. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick. This is where a mandolin slicer can be your best friend, ensuring each chip is the same thickness for even drying.

 

3. SEASON (Optional):
Lightly coat the slices with olive oil using a brush or a spray. Then sprinkle them with salt. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is the time to add your favorite seasonings—be it a smoky paprika or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

 

4. LOAD UP:
Arrange the sweet potato slices on the trays of "The Beast". Make sure they lay flat and don’t overlap to allow for even dehydration.

 

5. SET AND FORGET:
Set "The Beast" to about 135°F. The sweet spot for dehydrating sweet potatoes is between 6-8 hours, but this could vary based on how thick you've sliced them. Check in every now and then. You’re aiming for a crispy texture, not charred.

 

6. COOL AND STORE:
Let those chips cool down to room temperature before you pack them away. This helps keep them crisp. Store them in airtight containers to maintain freshness.

 

Tips:

  • Keep a close eye on them the first time you make these to get a feel for the perfect timing.

  • If your chips aren’t crisping up, they might need a bit longer in "The Beast".

  • Storing in a cool, dark place helps keep your chips crispy for weeks.

Enjoy your homemade sweet potato chips!

ALTERNATIVES OR VARIATIONS 🔁

Sweet potato chips are a crowd-pleaser, but why not shake things up from time to time? Here are some twists and turns you can take on the road to chip perfection:

 

  1. Flavor Twists:
    Before dehydrating, consider marinating your sweet potato slices in a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water with a touch of sugar for a tangy kick. Or, go for a spicy marinade with a bit of hot sauce to give those chips a fiery personality.
     

  2. Herbal Notes:
    Sprinkle slices with dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil before they hit "The Beast". This will give your chips an aromatic flair that's hard to resist.
     

  3. Sweet Treats:
    For a dessert-like snack, dust your sweet potato slices with a cinnamon and sugar mix. As they dehydrate, they’ll develop a candied crust that’s pure delight.
     

  4. Alternative Methods:
    If "The Beast" is busy with other dehydrating duties, you can use your oven on the lowest setting. Just keep the door slightly ajar and be patient—it'll take longer, but the result will be just as scrumptious.
     

  5. Sun-Dried Sweetness:
    Got a sunny spot in your backyard? Lay out the slices on a clean screen and let the sun work its age-old magic. Finish them off in "The Beast" for a final crisp.
     

Embrace these variations to keep your snack game strong and your taste buds guessing. After all, variety is the spice of life, and "The Beast" is ready for whatever recipe you throw its way!

PAIRING IDEAS 🔎

Now that you've got a batch of sweet potato chips made with "The Beast," it's time to think about pairings that'll make your snack time sing. Here are some delicious ideas:
 

  1. Dips Galore:
    Dive those crispy chips into a creamy avocado dip or a tangy yogurt sauce. The contrast between the sweet and the savory will have you reaching for more.
     

  2. Soup's On:
    Add a crunchy topping to your favorite fall soups. Sweet potato chips offer a delightful textural contrast to a smooth butternut squash or pumpkin soup.
     

  3. Cheese Please:
    Pair them with a soft goat cheese or a hearty blue cheese for a sophisticated snack that's sure to impress at any gathering.
     

  4. Salad Toppings:
    Forget croutons! Crumble sweet potato chips over a fresh green salad for an extra bit of flavor and crunch.
     

  5. Sweet Sides:
    Complement a scoop of vanilla ice cream with sweet potato chips for a dessert that plays with both texture and taste.
     

  6. Sandwich Stacker:
    Take your sandwiches to the next level. Use the chips as a layer in a turkey or veggie stack for an unexpected and satisfying crunch.
     

With these sweet potato chips, you've got a versatile snack that's ready to pair with a wide range of foods. So go ahead, get creative, and let "The Beast" help you discover your new favorite combo!

CONCLUSION 🏁

And there we have it, a basket of sweet potato chips, all crisped up and ready to munch. What started as a humble root is now a snacker's delight, all thanks to the wonders of "The Beast" and a little kitchen craft.

Remember to play around with flavors, thickness, and seasonings. "The Beast" isn't just a one-trick pony; it's your partner in culinary crime, ready to tackle a whole range of dehydrating projects. And when you’ve nailed that perfect batch, don’t forget to share the love. Snap a pic and show off your sweet potato masterpieces. We're all about community here, and nothing brings folks together like good food.

TRENDING PRODUCTS 🎁

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