Air Fryer Batata Harra

Batata harra translates to spicy potaotes, and this dish is a Middle Eastern classic. Crispy golden brown potato cubes tossed in a flavorful olive oil, cilantro and red pepper flake sauce. SO good!

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Middle Eastern

Diet Halal, Vegan, Vegetarian

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Servings people

Calories 232kcal

Author Farah Abumaizar

Equipment

Air Fryer

Ingredients

4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into 1.5-2inch cubes 600-700g, 1.5lbs
2 tablespoon olive oil, divided
salt
4 garlic cloves, crushed
1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
1/2 teaspoon paprika powder
2 tablespoon red pepper paste (or tomato paste)
1/2 cup chopped cilantro (coriander) plus a little more for garnish
squeeze lemon juice, optional

Instructions

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

Video

Notes

Ingredient notes: Use any type of potato that would generally be good for frying, like Yukon Gold, Russet, or otherwise.

If you can't find red pepper paste, you can substitute for tomato paste

If you really don't like cilantro, you can substitute for parsley but that'll change the flavor profile.

Although this recipe is moderatley spicy, if you want less spicy batata harra, reduce red chili flakes to 1/4 tsp, if you want spicier batata harra increase red chili flakes or add 1/2 a fresh green chili finely diced.

Storing leftovers and reheating: 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. I wouldn't recommend freezing any leftovers.

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.

Recipe tips:

To make sure that the potato cubes, cook at even times, try to cut them equal sized pieces. are equally crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
To make sure each potato cube is well flavored toss thoroughly but gently. When air frying, shake the basket halfway through and avoid overcrowding.

Nutrition