Description
Lebanese Spicy Potatoes, known as Batata Harra, are a flavorful and vibrant side dish featuring crispy, seasoned potatoes tossed in a zesty garlic-cilantro sauce. This recipe offers two cooking options: air frying for a quicker, healthier version, or oven baking for a traditional approach. Perfectly spiced with paprika, cayenne, and fresh herbs, these potatoes deliver a deliciously spicy kick and can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a side.
Ingredients
Potatoes and Seasoning
- 2 lbs potatoes (1 kg), preferably Yukon gold, cut into 1-inch cubes or baby potatoes
- ¾ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (for coating potatoes)
Cilantro Garlic Sauce
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ½ cup cilantro, chopped
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp lemon juice (or to taste)
Instructions
- Dry Potatoes: Pat the potatoes completely dry using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to ensure they crisp up properly during cooking.
- Prepare Spice Paste: In a medium bowl, mix onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir in 2 tablespoons of olive oil to form a paste.
- Coat Potatoes: Add the potatoes to the spice mixture and toss until each piece is evenly coated.
- Air Fryer Preparation: Lightly oil the air fryer basket using a paper towel soaked in oil or an oil sprayer—avoid aerosol sprays to protect the basket coating.
- Air Fry Potatoes: Place the seasoned potatoes evenly in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F (205°C) for 18 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking at the 9-minute mark to ensure even cooking.
- Finish Cooking: After 18 minutes, check potato doneness; if needed, toss and air fry for an additional 2 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Oven Baking Option: Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat with oil. Spread seasoned potatoes in a single layer and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden and tender, testing doneness with a toothpick.
- Prepare Cilantro Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, sauté minced garlic in 2 tablespoons olive oil without burning. Reduce heat to low, add cayenne pepper, briefly stir, then add chopped cilantro, paprika, and lemon juice. Stir well and remove from heat.
- Combine and Serve: Transfer cooked potatoes to a serving dish, pour the cilantro garlic sauce over them, mix well, and serve immediately as a flavorful side dish or appetizer.
Notes
- Patting the potatoes dry is essential to achieve crispiness.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control spice level.
- Use Yukon gold potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- Avoid aerosol oil sprays in air fryer baskets to preserve coating.
- Shaking/carefully tossing potatoes during cooking ensures even crisping.
- The cilantro garlic sauce adds freshness and a spicy zing to the potatoes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-32 minutes (depending on cooking method)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Lebanese
