ADVERTISEMENT
### **Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Better-Than-Fries Potatoes**
Now that we’ve gone over the ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process for making these potatoes. Whether you roast, bake, or air fry your potatoes, the steps are relatively similar, and they only take about 30-40 minutes to prepare.
#### **Step 1: Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer**
If you’re using the **oven**, preheat it to **400°F (200°C)**. If you’re using an **air fryer**, preheat it to **380°F (193°C)**. The heat needs to be high enough to get that crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender.
#### **Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes**
Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly. Depending on your preference, you can peel the potatoes, but I recommend leaving the skins on for extra texture and nutrients. If you prefer them peeled, feel free to remove the skin.
Once washed, cut the potatoes into **1-inch cubes** or **wedges**, depending on your desired shape. The size of the pieces is crucial for even cooking, so try to keep them uniform.
#### **Step 3: Season the Potatoes**
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cut potatoes with **olive oil** until they are evenly coated. Next, season with **salt**, **pepper**, and any other spices or herbs you like. Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried rosemary are great additions at this stage. If you want a cheesy potato, add **grated parmesan** into the mix as well.
#### **Step 4: Cooking the Potatoes**
– **If Roasting in the Oven**:
Spread the seasoned potatoes in an even layer on a baking sheet. Make sure the potatoes aren’t overcrowded to ensure they crisp up. Roast in the preheated oven for **25-30 minutes**, flipping them halfway through to ensure even crisping on all sides. They should be golden brown and crispy when done.
– **If Using an Air Fryer**:
Place the seasoned potato cubes or wedges in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at **380°F (193°C)** for **18-20 minutes**, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
#### **Step 5: Final Touches**
Once the potatoes are done cooking, remove them from the oven or air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. This will allow them to crisp up even more. If you want, sprinkle some fresh **lemon zest** or an extra dusting of **parmesan cheese** over the top before serving.
### **Serving Suggestions**
This homemade potato recipe is a versatile side dish that can be served with just about anything. Here are a few ideas for how to serve your crispy potatoes:
1. **With Dips**: These potatoes are perfect for dipping. Serve with classic **ketchup**, **ranch dressing**, or even a tangy **garlic aioli** for an added layer of flavor.
2. **With Steak or Chicken**: These potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled meats, especially steak, chicken, or pork. The crispiness and texture of the potatoes balance the richness of the meat.
3. **As a Snack**: If you’re craving a snack, these potatoes make a satisfying treat on their own. Add a bit of sea salt and enjoy them with a cold drink.
4. **With a Salad**: Serve alongside a fresh, green salad for a complete and balanced meal. The crispy potatoes add an extra texture and flavor contrast to the fresh veggies.
### **Variations: How to Make This Recipe Your Own**
While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, you can customize it based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few variations:
– **Sweet Potato Version**: For a twist, use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. Sweet potatoes will provide a slight sweetness and a beautiful color.
– **Spicy Potatoes**: Add a pinch of **cayenne pepper** or **chili flakes** for a spicy kick.
– **Herbed Potatoes**: Use a blend of fresh herbs like **rosemary**, **thyme**, and **oregano** for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
– **Cheese Lovers**: For a cheesy version, top the potatoes with melted **cheddar**, **mozzarella**, or **feta** cheese after baking.
– **Vegan Option**: Keep it vegan by skipping the cheese and using plant-based seasonings.
### **Conclusion: A Delicious Homemade Potato Recipe You’ll Love**
If you’ve been looking for a potato recipe that is not only easy to make but also rivals the classic French fry, this homemade recipe is for you. Crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor, these potatoes are better than fries in every way. With endless seasoning possibilities and easy preparation methods, this dish will quickly become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
Whether you make them as a side dish, snack, or main course, these homemade potatoes are sure to please anyone at the table. Give them a try, and I promise they’ll disappear in no time—just like the best fries do!
