Boiled Sweet Potatoes

Introduction

Boiled sweet potatoes are sliced, boiled, and then dried in the sun for 2 to 3 days or in a dehydrator until crispy. You get a simple make-ahead snack or side with only sweet potatoes and water, and the final texture depends on how thinly you cut the pieces.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 to 3 days
• Total Time: 2 to 3 days 10 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 thicker pieces; they dry faster and turn out crisper.
• Cut the sweet potatoes into thicker sticks or wedges; the outside still dries well, but the center stays a bit chewier.
• Leave the peel on the sweet potatoes instead of peeling them; you get a slightly firmer texture and a more earthy flavor.
• Use purple sweet potatoes instead of orange sweet potatoes; the finished pieces are usually a little denser and less sweet.
• Use a dehydrator instead of sun drying; the drying is more even and less dependent on weather or humidity.

Tips for Success

• Keep the sweet potato pieces the same size so they boil and dry at the same rate.
• Boil the sweet potatoes until just tender, not falling apart, or they can break when you move them to dry.
• Spread the boiled sweet potatoes in a single layer for drying so air can move around each piece.
• If you dry them in the sun, bring them inside at night so they do not absorb moisture back.
• Dry until the pieces are fully crispy before storing; any leftover moisture will shorten shelf life.

Storage and Reheating

Store the fully dried sweet potatoes in an airtight container after they have cooled completely. In the fridge, they keep for up to 2 weeks; in the freezer, they keep for up to 2 months, though freezing can soften the texture slightly.

To reheat, use a low oven at 250°F for 10 to 15 minutes or return them to a dehydrator until crisp again. The microwave is not the best option because it tends to make them soft instead of crisp.

FAQ

Do you need to peel the sweet potatoes first?

No. You can peel them or leave the skin on, but if you keep the skin, wash the sweet potatoes well first.

How long should you boil the sweet potatoes before drying?

Boil them until a knife slides in with light resistance. If they are too soft, they can tear or mash instead of drying cleanly.

Can you use a dehydrator instead of drying them in the sun?

Yes. A dehydrator gives you more consistent results and is usually the better choice in humid weather.

Are boiled sweet potatoes made this way vegan and gluten-free?

Yes. With only sweet potatoes and water, the recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free.