Olivia Carter
If you’re craving tapas but want a healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version, look no further than this recipe for Patatas Bravas made in an air fryer. With the same crispy exterior and fluffy interior, these Spanish-style potatoes are the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Patatas Bravas is a classic Spanish dish typically served as a tapa or side. The dish consists of crispy fried potatoes topped with a spicy tomato sauce and a creamy aioli. While the traditional method involves deep-frying the potatoes, using an air fryer not only cuts down on the oil but also makes it easier to achieve that perfect crispy texture.
One of the key steps to achieving the perfect Patatas Bravas is to parboil the potatoes before air frying them. This helps to soften the potatoes and ensures that they cook evenly. Once parboiled, the potatoes are transferred to the air fryer, where they are cooked until golden and crispy. While the potatoes are cooking, you can prepare the spicy tomato sauce and creamy aioli to top them off.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Patatas Bravas in an Air Fryer
Patatas Bravas is a classic Spanish dish that consists of crispy potatoes topped with a spicy tomato sauce. This delicious tapa can easily be made in an air fryer, providing a healthier twist to the traditional fried version. Follow these simple steps to make your own patatas bravas in an air fryer:
Step 1: Begin by preparing the potatoes. Peel and dice them into small, bite-sized pieces. It’s important to keep the pieces relatively small to ensure even cooking in the air fryer.
Step 2: Place the diced potatoes in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Season with salt and any other desired spices, such as paprika or garlic powder. Toss the potatoes in the seasoning until they are evenly coated.
Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Once the air fryer is preheated, transfer the seasoned potatoes to the air fryer basket. Make sure to spread them out in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
Step 5: Cook the potatoes in the air fryer for about 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
Step 6: While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the spicy tomato sauce. In a small saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in tomato sauce, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 7: Once the potatoes are done cooking, transfer them to a serving dish. Drizzle the spicy tomato sauce over the potatoes, making sure to coat them evenly.
Step 8: Serve the patatas bravas hot, garnished with chopped parsley or a dollop of aioli for extra flavor. These crispy, flavorful potatoes make the perfect appetizer or side dish for any occasion!
With the help of an air fryer, you can enjoy the classic taste of patatas bravas without the guilt of deep-fried food. Give this recipe a try and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
Preparing the Potatoes
Patatas bravas is a traditional Spanish tapas dish that features crispy potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce. Making this dish in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to achieve the perfect crispy texture without the need for deep frying. Follow these steps to prepare the potatoes for the air fryer:
1. Choose the Right Potatoes
For patatas bravas, it’s best to choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold. These varieties have a high starch content, which helps to create a fluffy interior and a crispy exterior when cooked in the air fryer.
2. Wash and Peel the Potatoes
Start by washing the potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt. Then, use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin. Peeling the potatoes will result in a crispier texture, but you can also leave the skin on if you prefer a more rustic look.
3. Cut the Potatoes into Cubes
Once the potatoes are peeled, cut them into bite-sized cubes. Aim for cubes that are roughly 1 inch in size to ensure even cooking in the air fryer.
4. Soak the Potatoes
To remove excess starch and achieve a crispier texture, soak the potato cubes in cold water for 30 minutes. This step will also help prevent the potatoes from sticking together during cooking.
Now that you’ve prepared the potatoes, you’re ready to move on to the next step in making delicious air fryer patatas bravas!
Cooking the Potatoes in the Air Fryer
To make crispy and delicious Patatas Bravas in an air fryer, the first step is to cook the potatoes perfectly. Follow these simple steps to ensure that your potatoes turn out golden and crispy.
1. Selecting the Potatoes
Choose good quality potatoes that are suitable for frying, such as Russet or Yukon Gold. These varieties are starchy and have a fluffy texture, which is perfect for making crispy fries.
2. Preparing the Potatoes
Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into evenly sized chunks or wedges. It’s important to cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking in the air fryer.
3. Soaking the Potatoes
After cutting the potatoes, soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes. This step helps to remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries.
4. Drying the Potatoes
Once soaked, drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. Removing excess moisture will help the potatoes crisp up in the air fryer.
5. Seasoning the Potatoes
In a bowl, toss the dried potatoes with olive oil, salt, and any desired seasonings. You can use herbs like rosemary or thyme, or spices like paprika or garlic powder for added flavor.
6. Preheating the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. This step ensures that the air fryer is hot and ready for cooking the potatoes.
7. Cooking the Potatoes
Place the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking. Cook the potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
8. Checking for Doneness
Check the potatoes for doneness by piercing them with a fork or toothpick. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.
Once cooked, remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They are now ready to be topped with the delicious bravas sauce and enjoyed as a tasty appetizer or side dish!
Serving and Enjoying Patatas Bravas
Once your patatas bravas are cooked to perfection in the air fryer, it’s time to serve and enjoy this delicious Spanish dish. Here are a few tips to elevate your patatas bravas experience:
Serving:
Transfer the cooked patatas bravas to a serving dish. You can use a rustic-style plate or a wooden board for a traditional touch. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer, making sure they are evenly spread out.
Bravas Sauce:
Pour the bravas sauce generously over the crispy potatoes. The sauce should be drizzled, ensuring that all the potatoes are coated in the rich, tangy flavors of the sauce.
Garnish:
Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or cilantro on top of the patatas bravas. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Extra Spiciness:
If you like it spicy, you can add a sprinkle of red chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce on top of the bravas sauce. This will give your patatas bravas an extra kick.
Serving Suggestions:
Patatas bravas are often served as a tapas dish, alongside other small plates. Pair them with aioli, garlic mayonnaise, for a creamy and indulgent dipping sauce. You can also serve them with a side of crusty bread to mop up the delicious bravas sauce.
Enjoy your homemade patatas bravas with friends and family, and savor the crispy potatoes smothered in the flavorful bravas sauce!
FAQ
How do I make patatas bravas in an air fryer?
To make patatas bravas in an air fryer, start by cutting potatoes into cubes and tossing them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place the potato cubes in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for about 20 minutes or until they are crispy and golden. While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the bravas sauce by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil, then adding tomato sauce, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Simmer the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens. Once the potatoes are done, transfer them to a plate and drizzle the bravas sauce over them. Serve hot and enjoy!
What ingredients do I need to make patatas bravas in an air fryer?
To make patatas bravas in an air fryer, you will need potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, onions, garlic, tomato sauce, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. These are the main ingredients for both the crispy potatoes and the spicy bravas sauce. You can also add additional spices or herbs to taste, depending on your preferences. Make sure to have all the ingredients ready before you start cooking.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for patatas bravas in an air fryer?
Yes, you can definitely use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes for patatas bravas in an air fryer. The cooking process will be the same – just cut the sweet potatoes into cubes, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and cook them in the air fryer until crispy. The bravas sauce, which adds the spicy flavor to the dish, can be made with the same ingredients and added to the sweet potato cubes. The combination of sweet potatoes and spicy bravas sauce can create a delicious twist on the traditional patatas bravas recipe.
Can I make the patatas bravas sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make the patatas bravas sauce in advance. Simply follow the recipe for the bravas sauce, sautéing the onions and garlic, adding the tomato sauce and spices, and simmering until thickened. Once the sauce has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you are ready to serve the patatas bravas, reheat the sauce on the stove or in the microwave and drizzle it over the crispy potato cubes from the air fryer. This way, you can save some time on the day of serving and still enjoy the delicious flavors of the bravas sauce.
