My experiments with the Air Fryer are in full swing and it is reassuring to know that the purchase of the fryer, after being daunted months by the thought of adding yet another gadget at home, especially in a space crunched kitchen has been actually a boon!
Everyone loves chips, I am certainly no exception. For the occasional cravings, home made chips are certainly much better than store bought ones, which is not a revelation anymore! Seasonal produce attracts me thoroughly and when I chanced upon good quality kand or Purple Yam, I knew the early dinner that day was going to be Purple Yam Chips made in Air Fryer.
If you are planning a party and/or having guests at home who are health conscious and are in need of some low calorie snack ideas, then the Purple Yam chips would be an excellent idea to add in the menu. Alternatively, you can try making the Air fried Masala Cashews that uses a tsp of ghee and would be a perfect cocktail party snack for your guests too. Broccoli Corn Balls, again a non-fried snack option would be loved by both kids and adults with a side of ketchup or coriander chutney.
How to Make the Purple Yam Chips in Air Fryer
- The process of making the Air Fried Purple Yam Chips is pretty simple. I have washed the purple yam, peeled the skin and sliced them. A quick soaking in the water for 10 mins to soften them up a bit, followed by a good dab with a kitchen towel ensured excess moisture was off.
- A generous sprinkling of Himalayan Pink Salt, followed by a tsp of oil gave me these gorgeous looking beauties (as shown in pic). It took me 30 odd minutes to complete the cooking process as it was my first attempt. However, the time factor didn't bother me as I was going to enjoy guilt free snack as an early dinner.
Purple yam or Purple Sweet Potato or Kand as it is called in Hindi and Rasa Valli Kizhangu in Tamil, this vegetable is cooked in different varieties during winter season. Purple Yams are tubers and have amazing health benefits.
Not to forget, the deep lavender colour of the Purple Yam is what attracts us the most. It is used in a variety of desserts like cookies, pastries, cupcakes etc. In Phillipines, Purple Yams are known as Ube and they consume this either boiled or baked and also prepare a dessert or pudding called ube halaya.
Purple Yams contain complex carbohydrates and very little fat. A small portion of this stir fried subzi keeps us full and energetic. It has laxative properties too, which cures constipation.
While growing up, Ma used to always cook Mezhukkuparati or a simple South Indian Stir fry made with tubers, similar to Purple Yams and many other different varieties in coconut oil with just a dash of turmeric and seasoning.
The Mezhukkuparati was served with piping hot Jeera Milagu Rasam, steamed rice when we were sick or down with flu or coughs, colds. You can add a variety of tubers that are available as per season, availability and make a delicious, health stir fry that provides the much needed energy to a sick and recovering body. In case you like, do check out the recipe of Koorkai Vazhakkai Mezhukkuparati, (Chinese Potatoes and Raw Banana Stir Fry). It is gluten free and vegan.
So, needless to say, the Purple Yam chips that are Air Fried are perfect for folks who are looking to snack healthy and lose weight, great for diabetics and anyone who is basically looking for healthy snack recipes to enjoy with family.
I served the Purple yam Chips with Curd Rice and I did not miss the papads or appalam. These were a great dose of veggies too along with the carbs. You can serve them with a chutney dip or with ketchup for kids. Pair it with Dal Chawal and ditch the papads! I assure you, these sweet and salty treats will leave you surprised and wanting for more.
Let us take a look at the recipe and step by step images below.
Recipe for Air Fryer Purple Yam Chips
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 30 mins
Serves 2
Ingredients
- 250 gms Purple Yam (peeled and sliced)
- 1 tsp oil
- A generous pinch of Himalayan pink salt
Method
- Wash, peel and slice the yams.
- Soak them in water for 10 mins so they soften up a bit.
- Drain water, dab a kitchen cloth and remove the excess moisture.
- Note - The yams are a bit sticky and slimy in nature so 100% moisture will never be off.
- Preheat your Air Fryer for 5 mins at 180 degrees.
- In a bowl, add the yams, a tsp of oil and salt. Toss everything well.
- Now place them in the air fryer and cook for first 10 mins at 180 degrees.
- The chips would shrink and turn half the volume. Toss the chips slightly (for even cooking) and Air fry again for 10 mins at 180 degrees.
- Repeat the process of tossing and place it once again for the last 10 mins at 160 degrees.
- The chips would be crisp by the end and ready to eat, piping hot.
Recipe Notes
- Make the chips in small batches. Too much crowding leads to under cooked food.
- Toss the chips at regular intervals to ensure even cooking.
- You can add more salt and / or oil. Just use a brush and dab some on the chips while tossing them.
If you try this at home, please give me a shout out / Tag Me on any of my social media handles.
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Vidya Narayan