Boiled Sweet Potatoes

Introduction

You boil sliced sweet potatoes, then dry them in the sun for 2 to 3 days or use a dehydrator until they turn crisp. The process is simple, but uniform slicing and full drying matter if you want an even texture. Use this as a basic method for a snack, a pantry staple, or a make-ahead side.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

• Sweet potatoes
• Water

Instructions

1. Slice sweet potatoes in desired shape and size.
2. Boil sweet potatoes.
3. Dry in the sun for 2 to 3 days or dehydrate using a dehydrator until crispy.

Variations

• Slice the sweet potatoes into thin rounds instead of thick pieces if you want a chip-like texture that dries faster.
• Cut the sweet potatoes into thicker sticks if you want a chewier center and a longer drying time.
• Leave the skin on when you slice the sweet potatoes for a firmer bite and a more earthy flavor.
• Use purple sweet potatoes instead of orange ones if you want a denser texture and a less sweet finish.

Tips for Success

• Keep the sweet potato slices the same thickness so they boil and dry at the same rate.
• Boil the sweet potatoes until they are just tender, not falling apart, or they can break during drying.
• Drain the boiled sweet potatoes well before drying so excess surface moisture does not slow the process.
• Spread the slices in a single layer for sun-drying or in the dehydrator so air can circulate around each piece.
• Check for crispness after the slices have cooled for a minute, since they firm up as they lose heat.

Storage and Reheating

Store the dried sweet potatoes only after they are fully cool and crisp. Keep them in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 3 weeks, or freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

You usually do not need to reheat them. If they lose their crispness, spread them on a tray and warm them in a 250°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or return them to the dehydrator until crisp again.

FAQ

Do you need to peel the sweet potatoes first?

No. Peeled sweet potatoes give you a smoother texture, while unpeeled slices are slightly firmer.

How long should you boil the sweet potatoes?

Boil them until they are just tender enough to pierce with a knife. The exact time depends on thickness, but overboiling makes them hard to dry cleanly.

Why are the sweet potatoes not getting crispy?

They are usually sliced too thick, crowded during drying, or not dried long enough. Any leftover moisture will keep them soft.

Can you use a dehydrator instead of sun-drying?

Yes. A dehydrator gives you a more controlled result and usually gets the sweet potatoes crisp much faster than sun-drying.