These Air Fryer Golden Potatoes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making them a tasty side dish. The special harissa sauce adds a nice kick that you won’t forget!
I love how quick and easy these are to make. Just chop, season, and let the air fryer work its magic! Perfect for impressing friends or a cozy night in.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yukon Gold Potatoes: These potatoes are creamy and buttery, making them perfect for air frying. If you can’t find them, try using red potatoes or russets. Just ensure they’re diced to similar sizes for even cooking.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a nice flavor, but you can substitute it with avocado oil or melted coconut oil for a different twist. Both options work great for high heat cooking.
Harissa Paste: This spice mix gives the sauce its unique kick. If harissa isn’t available, try sriracha or a mix of chili powder and cumin for a milder option that still adds flavor.
Plain Yogurt: Regular plain yogurt pairs well with the spices, but you could use Greek yogurt for extra creaminess or a dairy-free option like cashew yogurt for a lighter sauce.
How Do I Get My Potatoes Extra Crispy in the Air Fryer?
Getting crispy potatoes in the air fryer is all about moisture and temperature control. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Dice the potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook evenly.
- Soak the diced potatoes in water for about 30 minutes before air frying. This removes excess starch, helping them to crisp up better.
- Dry the potatoes thoroughly with a clean towel after soaking. Any moisture left will steam them instead of crisping.
- Preheat the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the potatoes. This helps in achieving that desirable crispiness right away.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook them in batches if needed for optimal air circulation.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure all sides get nice and crispy.
How to Make Air Fryer Golden Potatoes with Harissa Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, diced into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
For the Harissa Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons harissa paste
- 2 tablespoons plain yogurt (or a dairy-free alternative)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so you’ll have crispy, golden potatoes on your table in about 30 minutes total. Perfect for a quick side dish or a tasty snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This step is crucial to get those potatoes nice and crispy!
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, combine the diced Yukon gold potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together well so that the potatoes are evenly coated in the tasty seasonings. This will give them flavor and help achieve that golden color.
3. Air Fry the Potatoes:
Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Try not to overcrowd the basket, as this will help them cook evenly. Air fry the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through the cooking time so they can brown nicely on all sides!
4. Make the Harissa Sauce:
While the potatoes are cooking, it’s time to whip up the harissa sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the harissa paste, yogurt, lemon juice, and salt until everything is smooth and well combined. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed; you want it to be just right!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the potatoes are golden and crispy, take them out of the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle the prepared harissa sauce over the potatoes and toss them gently to combine. For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious air fryer potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Yukon gold potatoes offer a great flavor and texture, you can use other varieties like red potatoes or even sweet potatoes. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the potato type you choose.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you enjoy more heat, you can either add extra harissa paste to the sauce or incorporate red pepper flakes into the seasoning mix for the potatoes. Start with a little and adjust according to your taste preference!
Can I Prepare the Harissa Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The harissa sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving, as ingredients may separate slightly over time.
How to Store Leftover Cooked Potatoes?
Store any leftover cooked potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply toss them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
