Hey there! If you’re a fan of nachos, then you’re going to love this twist using sweet potatoes! Sweet Potato Nachos are the perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and flavorful, making them ideal for a lunch, snack, or side dish. They’re packed with nutrients and flavor, and you can pair them with my Chipotle Chicken Chili for a heartier meal. It’s super easy to make and the best part? You can customize the toppings to your liking! Let’s dive into the recipe and get started!
Method
1. Prep the Sweet Potatoes
Start by slicing the sweet potatoes into thin rounds, about 1/2 cm thick. It’s important to keep the slices even to ensure they cook evenly. This thickness helps the sweet potatoes crisp up nicely in the air fryer or oven while still remaining tender on the inside. The thinner the slices, the more crispy your nachos will be, so try to be as consistent as possible when cutting.
2. Microwave for Softness
After slicing the sweet potatoes, place them in the microwave for about 5-7 minutes. This step softens them, which helps to speed up the cooking process and ensures that they become crispier when baked or air-fried. By microwaving them beforehand, you avoid undercooking the sweet potatoes and ensure they turn out tender yet crispy.
3. Season and Air Fry
Once the sweet potatoes are softened, it’s time to season them. Spray the sweet potato slices with a light coating of olive oil. Then, sprinkle on the fajita seasoning (or your custom spice mix). Make sure all the slices are evenly coated for the best flavor. Arrange the slices in a single layer in your air fryer or on a baking sheet if using the oven. Cook them at 190°C (375°F) for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they cook, and check for a golden brown color around the edges. They should be crispy but still slightly soft in the center, as sweet potatoes naturally retain moisture.
4. Add the Toppings
Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, transfer them into an oven-proof dish. This is where you get to add your toppings! First, sprinkle the grated mozzarella and cheese mix evenly over the sweet potato slices. Then, add the chopped cherry tomatoes and spring onions on top. This will give the nachos a fresh, vibrant look and a burst of flavor.
5. Melt the Cheese
Return the oven-proof dish to the air fryer or oven for a few minutes just enough to melt the cheese and allow it to become gooey. Keep an eye on the dish, ensuring the cheese melts evenly but doesn’t burn. Once the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, your sweet potato nachos are ready to be served!
Necessary Tools
- Microwave or steamer
- Air fryer or oven
- Oven-proof dish
- Grater (for the cheese)
- Knife and chopping board
- Spray oil bottle (optional)
Sweet Potato Nachos A Delicious Twist on a Classic Favorite
Cuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy1
servings10
minutes30
minutes40
minutesIngredients
300g sweet potato, sliced to about 1/2 cm thickness
A spritz of olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp fajita seasoning (or a mix of cumin, paprika, chili powder, and onion granules)
30g grated mozzarella & cheese mix
7 cherry tomatoes, chopped into quarters
2 spring onions, chopped
Directions
- Prep the Sweet Potatoes Start by slicing the sweet potatoes into thin rounds, about 1/2 cm thick. This helps them cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
- Microwave for Softness Place the sweet potato slices in the microwave for 5-7 minutes to soften them. This makes them quicker to cook and ensures they get crispy without burning.
- Season and Air Fry Once softened, spray the sweet potato slices with olive oil and coat them with the fajita seasoning (or your chosen spice mix). Arrange the slices in the air fryer or oven and cook at 190°C (375°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy (sweet potatoes will remain a bit soft but should be golden brown around the edges).
- Add the Toppings Once the sweet potatoes are cooked, place them in an oven-proof dish. Sprinkle over the grated cheese, chopped cherry tomatoes, and spring onions.
- Melt the Cheese Return the dish to the air fryer or oven for a few more minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt and become gooey.
Notes
- Watch for Crispiness Sweet potatoes have a naturally high moisture content, so they won’t get as crispy as regular tortilla chips. But don’t worry! The key is to slice them thin and cook them for the right amount of time to get them as crispy as possible.
- Avoid Overcrowding When air frying or baking, make sure to spread the sweet potato slices in a single layer. Overcrowding them will prevent them from crisping up properly.
- Seasoning If you’re using a homemade seasoning mix (like cumin, paprika, etc.), adjust the amount to your taste. Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, so you may want to balance the spices to enhance their flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Sweet Potato Nachos make a fantastic meal on their own, but you can also pair them with a protein-packed dip or a hearty salad for a complete dish. If you’re looking for more flavor, a dollop of sour cream or guacamole will take these nachos to the next level! They also go great with a refreshing drink like iced tea or a citrus-infused water to balance out the richness.
Fun Fact
Did you know that sweet potatoes are one of the best sources of vitamin A? That vibrant orange color comes from beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A to help maintain healthy skin and vision. Plus, they’re packed with fiber, making them great for digestion!
Conclusion
These Sweet Potato Nachos are a fun, flavorful, and healthier alternative to traditional nachos. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, lunch, or side dish, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings while offering a nutritious boost. Plus, they’re so easy to customize based on your favorite toppings! Try them out, and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite. Let me know what you think!
