Sweet potatoes meet their match — crisp edges, spicy caramelized seasoning, and just enough sweetness to keep you reaching for another handful.

Featured Standouts

Sweet Potatoes

These root vegetables are naturally sweet. They are not just delicious on their own. They also possess a remarkable characteristic: their ability to achieve a delightful crispness when perfectly fried. Their inherent sweetness provides a beautiful counterpoint to the dish’s spicy elements, creating a balanced and addictive flavor profile. The frying process caramelizes their natural sugars. This intensifies their taste and gives them that irresistible, slightly crispy exterior and tender interior.

Seasoned Salt

This isn’t just any salt. It is a carefully crafted blend that acts as an instant flavor boost. It expertly bridges the gap between the sweet and spicy components of the dish. It provides a foundational savory note that enhances all the other flavors, ensuring that no single element overpowers another. The seasoned salt is the secret weapon that brings all the diverse tastes into harmonious balance.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar is more than just a sweetener here; it’s a transformative ingredient. When it encounters the hot oil, it undergoes a magical caramelization process. This creates a rich, complex sweetness. It has subtle molasses undertones that adhere to the sweet potato slices. This adds an extra layer of depth. There is also a beautiful, slightly glossy finish. This caramelization also contributes to the desirable crispness of the dish.

Cayenne

For those who appreciate a gentle kick, cayenne pepper delivers a subtle yet satisfying back-end heat. It’s not about overwhelming spiciness but rather about introducing a warmth that prevents the dish from becoming overly sweet. This delicate heat keeps the palate engaged. It ensures that each bite is dynamic and exciting. It perfectly balances the inherent sweetness of the potatoes and brown sugar.

TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE BEST KETTLE FRIED SWEET AND SPICY SWEET POTATO

Precision Slicing with a Mandolin for Uniformity

The key to evenly cooked and consistently crispy sweet potato slices lies in their uniform thickness. A mandolin is your best friend for this task. It allows you to achieve perfectly even slices. These slices will cook at the same rate. This prevents some pieces from being undercooked while others are overcooked, ensuring a consistently delicious result. If you don’t have a mandolin, you can also use a sharp knife. Make sure to have a steady hand and take your time to ensure consistency.

Baked Version

While the kettle-fried version is undeniably delicious, for a lighter take, consider roasting your sweet potatoes. First, toss the uniformly sliced sweet potatoes with a little oil and the seasoned salt. Then, roast them in an oven preheated to 425°F (218°C) for 20–25 minutes. This method still yields tender and slightly caramelized sweet potatoes with a pleasing texture, albeit without the deep-fried crispness.

Storing Leftovers

To keep leftover Kettle Fried Sweet & Spicy Sweet Potatoes crispy, store them uncovered. This step is crucial to maintain their delightful crispness. Placing them in an airtight container can lead to condensation, which will soften the edges. Instead, let them cool completely. Then store them on a plate or in a container with some exposure to the air. Reheating them in an oven or air fryer will help revive some of their crispness.

Inclusive Adaptations

Safer Frying with a Counter top Fryer

For those concerned about traditional stovetop oil frying, a countertop fryer with a basket lift offers a significantly safer alternative. These appliances provide controlled heating. They minimize the risk of oil splatters. This makes the frying process much more manageable and less hazardous. The basket lift also allows for easy immersion and removal of the sweet potatoes.

Enhanced Grip with Silicone-Tipped Tongs

Handling hot, oily items requires precision and safety. Silicone-tipped tongs are an excellent tool for this. They provide a superior grip compared to metal tongs. Metal tongs can sometimes be slippery. The silicone tips also protect your cookware from scratches and are heat-resistant, making them ideal for managing fried foods.

Reduced Oil Contact with an Air Fryer

If you’re looking to significantly reduce oil contact, an air fryer is an exceptional option. You won’t sacrifice that desirable crispy texture. Air frying circulates hot air around the sweet potato slices. This method achieves a wonderfully crispy exterior. It uses a fraction of the oil compared to traditional frying. While the texture might be slightly different from deep-frying, the result is still incredibly satisfying, lighter, and healthier. First, toss your sweet potato slices with a very light coating of oil. Then add seasonings. Air fry them according to your appliance’s instructions for similar root vegetables.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE

Frying pan or air fryer

slotted spoon

bowl

tongs

measuring spoons

Similar Ingredients To

Cast Iron Tilapia Topped with Crab Etouffee

Southern Sweet Corn & Mussels

Cod in Garlic Butter Sauce

Enjoy This Recipe With

Roasted Turkey + Poblano Cheese and Rice Casserole

Spinach Salad, Lemon Croutons & Peppery Blended Arugula Vinegarette

Chef’s Salad + Golden Ranch

Recipe

Let’s Stay Connected

I love seeing you make these recipes come to life! Tag me @twoandaknife or hashtag #twoandaknife so I can celebrate your kitchen wins. Don’t forget to follow for bold comfort food inspiration!