Sweet and Chewy Homemade Sweet Potato Jerky
Sweet and Chewy Homemade Sweet Potato Jerky
A Healthy Snack for the Whole Family! Chewy Sweet Potato Jerky Made at Home
I decided to make delicious sweet potato jerky using the large sweet potatoes my parents grew and sent me. While these large, delicious sweet potatoes are great for frying or making pancakes, I didn’t want to waste the ones that were starting to sprout. So, I transformed them into a perfect healthy snack! Placing a plate of this jerky on the table, my kids and the whole family found themselves reaching for it as they passed by. The chewy texture and sweet flavor are truly exceptional. Try making your own sweet potato jerky at home!
Main Ingredients- 3-4kg Large Sweet Potatoes
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the large sweet potatoes thoroughly under running water. It’s important to scrub them well to remove any remaining soil from the skin. Once clean, arrange the sweet potatoes in a steamer basket over boiling water. Steam them for about 15-20 minutes, or until a chopstick or skewer can be easily inserted into the thickest part of the sweet potato. The steaming time may vary depending on the size of the sweet potatoes, so checking for doneness with a chopstick is the most reliable method.
Step 2
Once steamed, spread the cooked sweet potatoes on a wide tray or rack to cool completely. I steamed the sweet potatoes the evening before and left them to cool overnight in a cool place. This cooling step is crucial because if you try to cut them while they are still hot, they will be soft and mushy. Pre-steaming them the night before makes the cutting process much easier the next day.
Step 3
After the sweet potatoes have completely cooled, peel them carefully. Now it’s time to cut the peeled sweet potatoes into desired sizes. You can slice them lengthwise for a longer chew, or cut them into bite-sized cubes, depending on your preference. Generally, cutting the sweet potato slices to about 1-1.5 cm thickness helps them dry well and achieve that perfect chewy texture.
Step 4
Arrange the cut sweet potato slices in a single layer on your dehydrator tray, making sure they don’t overlap. Set the dehydrator temperature to around 50-60°C (120-140°F) and dehydrate for 5-6 hours. If you prefer less dry, chewier jerky, reduce the dehydration time. If using an air fryer, consult your appliance’s manual for the appropriate sweet potato jerky setting or optimal temperature and time. It’s a good idea to check the status of the sweet potatoes periodically and adjust the time as needed.
Step 5
I dehydrated mine until they were slightly sticky to the touch but no longer mushy. Once dehydrated, let the sweet potato jerky cool down completely. Then, portion them into zip-top bags or airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they can last for about 2-3 weeks. Enjoy your delicious, chewy, and healthy homemade sweet potato jerky!
