Air Fryer Batata Harra

Air fryer batata harra is the best way to make this recipe for classic spicy Lebanese style potatoes. Using an air fryer guarantees deliciously crispy potatoes, and it’s so much easier than oven roasting or frying! You can have this classic Middle Eastern potato side dish ready in less than 30 minutes.

Jump to:

• What is batata harra?
• What makes this recipe so good?
• Ingredients you need to make batata harra:
• How to make batata harra in an air fryer:
• What to serve this with:
• Storing leftovers and make ahead instructions:
• Recipe tips and tricks:
• Recipe FAQs:
• For more classic Lebanese recipes:
• Air Fryer Batata Harra

The spicy cilantro garlic sauce that the potatoes are tossed in is SO GOOD. A crowd pleaser for sure, such a great way to elevate the basic potato. And it works so well with such a variety of dishes!

What is batata harra?

This is a classic Middle Eastern- especially Lebanese- side dish that translates literally to “spicy potato”. It’s a delicious part of a Middle Eastern spread, especially one involving grilled meat, and something I always order if I’m going out to eat at a Lebanese restaurant.

The dish basically consists of potato cubes that are fried or roasted, and tossed in a spicy garlic cilantro sauce.

Batata harra is naturally vegan, and gluten free, making it a great side dish to be enjoyed by all!

What makes this recipe so good?

My version is delicious and easy! What I like the most about it is:

• You don’t have to parboil the potato cubes like you need to in some recipes.
• There’s no deep frying involved, so it’s a lot healthier and less work.
• You don’t need to cook the sauce ingredients, since you’ll air fry the potatoes again with the sauce coating them. Again, cuts down on prep work and mess!
• The flavor of the potatoes is so tangy, smokey, a little spicy and delicious. They really are the best potato side dish ever, nothing like plain old roasted potatoes you might be used to.
• Although there is an element of spice, the recipe isn’t so spicy that it can’t be enjoyed by the whole family, kids included.
• It works well with so many delicious main and side dishes.

Ingredients you need to make batata harra:

Potatoes: I’m not too picky about what type of potato to use, because I find the air fryer is great at crisping up any basic potato. A great choice would be Yukon Gold potatoes or Russet.

Olive Oil: Plenty of olive oil is in this potato dish, so use good quality olive oil.

Salt: Pretty much to taste- we sprinkle the potato cubes generously with salt before they go in the air fryer, then if you need to add more later you can definitely do so.

Garlic: A hallmark of batata harra. Crushed garlic coats these potato cubes and gives them so much flavor.

Red pepper paste: I loooove the smoky, slightly sweet flavor and the gorgeous red tint that red pepper paste gives these potatoes. It’s my secret ingredient! You can find this online or in Middle Eastern specialty stores, it’s very common in Turkish cuisine. If you can’t find it, feel free to substitute tomato paste.

Red chili flakes: what gives this batata harra it’s trademark harr (spicy) flavor! You can add less if you want the recipe less spicy, or more if you want to increase the heat factor.

Paprika: You can go for sweet, smoked, or hot paprika here, whatever you prefer.

Cilantro: Also known as coriander, this is essential to the flavor of batata harra.

Lemon juice: A squeeze of this on the finished potatoes gives this delicious tangy flavor that offsets the spiciness of the red chili flakes

How to make batata harra in an air fryer:

1. Toss the potato cubes in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season well with salt. Spread in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and air fry at 350F/180C for 12-15 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through (start checking at 10 minutes)
2. Mix together the additional tablespoon of olive oil, the crushed garlic, paprika, red chili flakes, red pepper paste, and 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro in a large bowl. Add the air fried potato cubes to this bowl, and toss really well to combine, I like using my hands.
3. Return the potato cubes to the air fry, and air fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until crispy and golden.
4. Enjoy immediately, garnishing with fresh cilantro and squeezing lemon juice on top if desired.

What to serve this with:

This works great with so many things. It’s delicious with Arabic style grills, or kafta– try this air fryer version of kebabs too! Serve it along with a mezze spread, next to this delicious hummus.

Honestly, batata harra are great with any Middle Eastern dish, so check out this category for inspiration.

Storing leftovers and make ahead instructions:

Although there is nothing like fresh batata harra, leftovers will last for up to 3 days in a tightly covered container. I’d highly recommend reheating in an air fryer at 350F (180C) for a few minutes, or in an oven at the same temperature. If you microwave, they’ll turn soggy.

Make ahead instructions: I wouldn’t recommend air frying these until right before serving, however you can make the sauce ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for a day in advance. Just place it in a bowl that you’ll use to toss the potato cubes in, and tightly cover with plastic wrap.

I wouldn’t recommend freezing any leftovers.

Recipe tips and tricks:

1. Try and cut the potato pieces evenly: To make sure that they cook at even times, are equally crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
2. Toss well to coat: To make sure each potato cube is well flavored, toss thoroughly but gently when coating in the batata harra sauce.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the potato pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd so that the potato pieces cook evenly and crisp up.
5. Shake the Basket: Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to make sure all sides of the potatoes crisp up.

Recipe FAQs:

For more classic Lebanese recipes:

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