Zesty Lemon-Pepper Sweet Potato Crisps
Discover the delightful crunch and vibrant flavor of Zesty Lemon-Pepper Sweet Potato Crisps. Inspired by a charming sandwich shop's accompanying side dish, these chips elevate snacking to a whole new level. Each crispy bite reveals the subtle sweetness of perfectly thinly sliced sweet potatoes, complemented by the bright zing of fresh lemon pepper. Ideal for serving alongside your favorite sandwiches or as a stand-alone snack, these chips not only tantalize your taste buds but also make for a stunning appetizer at gatherings. Easy to prepare and absolutely delicious, you’ll never look at potato chips the same way again!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
sweet potatoes
2 (medium-sized, washed, sliced)
vegetable oil
for frying (enough to fill pot to 1/2 inch deep)
lemon pepper
to taste (for seasoning after frying)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing the sweet potatoes under warm water to eliminate any dirt or impurities. Slice the potatoes in half lengthwise and use a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife to cut them into uniform 1/8-inch thick slices, ensuring even cooking.
2
After slicing, rinse the sweet potato slices thoroughly to remove excess starch. Soak the slices in a bowl of ice-cold water for at least 30 minutes. This step enhances their crispiness.
3
Once soaked, drain the sweet potato slices and dry them thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or layers of paper towels. Removing moisture is crucial for achieving the perfect crisp.
4
In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat approximately 1/2 inch of vegetable oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The high sides of the pot will help prevent oil splatter.
5
Carefully add the sweet potato slices in small batches, ensuring they are in a single layer. Fry each batch for about 2-3 minutes, or until the edges just begin to darken and become crispy.
6
Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the fried sweet potato chips onto a paper towel-lined plate or a cooling rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
7
While the chips are still warm, generously sprinkle with lemon pepper and any additional seasonings like salt. Allow the chips to cool completely, as they will continue to crisp up during this time.
8
Serve the sweet potato crisps fresh on the same day for the best texture. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Lemon-Pepper Sweet Potato Crisps?
They are a delightful snack made from thinly sliced sweet potatoes that are fried and seasoned with vibrant lemon pepper for a crunchy, flavorful treat.
What are the main ingredients needed?
You only need three ingredients: two medium sweet potatoes, vegetable oil for frying, and lemon pepper seasoning to taste.
How thick should I slice the sweet potatoes?
For the best results and even cooking, slices should be approximately 1/8-inch thick.
Is a mandolin required for this recipe?
While not strictly required, a mandolin slicer is highly recommended to achieve uniform slices, though a sharp knife can also be used.
Why should I soak the sweet potato slices in ice-cold water?
Soaking the slices in ice-cold water for at least 30 minutes helps remove excess starch, which is essential for achieving a crispy texture.
How do I ensure the chips are crispy and not soggy?
The key to crispiness is thoroughly drying the slices with a kitchen towel after soaking to remove all moisture before frying.
What temperature should the frying oil be?
The vegetable oil should be heated to exactly 350 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal frying.
How much oil is necessary for frying?
You should fill a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer with approximately 1/2 inch of vegetable oil.
How long does it take to fry a batch of sweet potato chips?
Each batch typically takes about 2-3 minutes to fry until the edges begin to darken and crisp.
Can I fry all the sweet potato slices at once?
No, it is important to fry them in small batches in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly and do not stick together.
When is the best time to season the crisps?
You should sprinkle the lemon pepper and any additional salt while the chips are still warm and fresh out of the oil.
How should the chips be drained after frying?
Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate or a cooling rack set over a baking sheet to remove excess oil.
Do the chips continue to crisp after they are removed from the oil?
Yes, the chips will continue to crisp up as they cool completely at room temperature.
How do I store leftover sweet potato crisps?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
How long will the crisps stay fresh?
They are best served the same day but can be kept for up to two days in an airtight container.
Are these sweet potato crisps vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe uses plant-based ingredients and is suitable for a vegan diet.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains only sweet potatoes, oil, and lemon pepper.
What type of pot is best for frying these chips?
A heavy-bottomed pot with high sides is best to maintain even heat and prevent oil splatter.
What is the first step in preparing the sweet potatoes?
Begin by washing the sweet potatoes under warm water to remove any dirt or impurities.
Do I need to rinse the slices after cutting them?
Yes, rinsing the slices after cutting helps remove the surface starch before the soaking process.
What should the chips look like when they are done?
The edges of the sweet potato slices should just be starting to darken and appear crispy.
Can I add other seasonings besides lemon pepper?
Absolutely; while lemon pepper is the primary flavor, you can add salt or other spices to customize the taste.
How do I slice the potatoes before using the mandolin?
The recipe recommends slicing the potatoes in half lengthwise first before creating the 1/8-inch slices.
Are these chips healthy?
They are a homemade alternative to processed snacks and are tagged as a healthy snack option.
What makes the flavor of these chips 'vibrant'?
The combination of the natural sweetness of the potatoes and the bright zing of fresh lemon pepper provides a vibrant flavor profile.
Can I serve these at a party?
Yes, they make for a stunning and delicious appetizer at gatherings and social events.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe uses two medium sweet potatoes, which typically serves as a side dish or snack for 2-4 people.
Should the oil be deep or shallow?
This recipe uses a relatively shallow frying method with about 1/2 inch of oil rather than full deep-submersion.
Why is it important to use a slotted spoon?
A slotted spoon allows the hot oil to drain away from the chips as you lift them out of the pot.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a side dish served at a charming sandwich shop.