Sichuan Chile and Maple Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Crispy roasted sweet potatoes with Sichuan chile rub and maple syrup. Easy 30-minute oven recipe for sweet, spicy, caramelized bites.
The maple syrup not only helps offset the heat of the Sichuan Chile BBQ Rub, but also helps the caramelization of the sweet potatoes, making the potatoes crunchy on the outside and pillowy on the inside.
Yield: 4 Servings
- Maple syrup tames spice and helps caramelize the potatoes for a crunchy exterior and soft interior.
- Cut potatoes into 1 inch pieces, toss with rub, maple, and oil, then roast at 400°F for about 30 minutes, flipping every 7 to 10 minutes.
- Avoid crowding the pan, finish with sea salt, and reheat in oven or air fryer to keep them crisp.
Spices
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Preparation Instructions:
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sichuan Chile BBQ Rub and can I substitute it?
Sichuan Chile BBQ Rub blends Sichuan peppercorn flavor, chili heat, and smoky BBQ spices. If you do not have it, mix chili powder or smoked paprika with a pinch of ground Szechuan peppercorn or Chinese five spice and a little brown sugar or smoked salt for depth.
How do I get the sweet potatoes crunchy on the outside and pillowy inside?
Cut into uniform 1 inch pieces, pat dry, toss with enough oil, and spread in a single layer on the pan. Roast at 400°F and flip every 7 to 10 minutes so each side browns. Avoid overcrowding so steam does not make them soggy.
Can I leave the sweet potato skin on?
Yes. Leaving the skin adds texture and nutrients. Wash and scrub well, then cut as directed. Cook time may be the same, but check for tenderness since skin can slightly change crisping.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes. Cook at about 380°F for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking or tossing every 5 minutes so pieces brown evenly. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding and keep them crispy.
How can I reduce the spice if it is too hot?
Use less Sichuan rub, add more maple syrup or a touch of brown sugar, or serve with a cooling dip like plain yogurt or sour cream. You can also mix some plain roasted potatoes in to dilute heat.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooled potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5 to 10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving for long because it makes them soft.
Can I scale the recipe or make it ahead?
Yes. Double the ingredients but roast on multiple pans so pieces are not crowded. To make ahead, roast until just tender, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to finish browning before serving.
What is Sichuan Chile BBQ Rub and can I substitute it?
Sichuan Chile BBQ Rub blends Sichuan peppercorn flavor, chili heat, and smoky BBQ spices. If you do not have it, mix chili powder or smoked paprika with a pinch of ground Szechuan peppercorn or Chinese five spice and a little brown sugar or smoked salt for depth.
How do I get the sweet potatoes crunchy on the outside and pillowy inside?
Cut into uniform 1 inch pieces, pat dry, toss with enough oil, and spread in a single layer on the pan. Roast at 400°F and flip every 7 to 10 minutes so each side browns. Avoid overcrowding so steam does not make them soggy.
Can I leave the sweet potato skin on?
Yes. Leaving the skin adds texture and nutrients. Wash and scrub well, then cut as directed. Cook time may be the same, but check for tenderness since skin can slightly change crisping.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes. Cook at about 380°F for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking or tossing every 5 minutes so pieces brown evenly. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding and keep them crispy.
How can I reduce the spice if it is too hot?
Use less Sichuan rub, add more maple syrup or a touch of brown sugar, or serve with a cooling dip like plain yogurt or sour cream. You can also mix some plain roasted potatoes in to dilute heat.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store cooled potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 5 to 10 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving for long because it makes them soft.
Can I scale the recipe or make it ahead?
Yes. Double the ingredients but roast on multiple pans so pieces are not crowded. To make ahead, roast until just tender, cool, and refrigerate. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to finish browning before serving.
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