Experts reveal the secret to extra crispy roast potatoes using this common kitchen appliance
Achieving a perfectly cripsy roast potato is no easy feat. In fact, Google searches for “crispy roast potato recipe” have increased by more than 5,000% across the UK in the last 30 days, showing just how eager Brits are to master this skill.
Not only that, but it appears that Brits are turning to new methods to prepare the perfect roast potato, as searches for “roast potato recipe air fryer” have increased by the same amount. With air fryers now a staple in kitchens across the UK, the experts at online butchers, Campbells Meat, have shared their top tips for reducing cooking time on one of the nation’s favourite side dishes: the humble roast potato.
Perfect Roast Potatoes – Prepping your potatoes
The key to perfect roasties is in the preparation and there’s a couple of simple tricks you can do to ensure your potatoes have the perfect crunch.
Once you’ve chopped and peeled your potatoes, add half a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda to your boiling water before par boiling. The alkaline water helps to soften the potatoes exterior and increases surface starch for the perfect crispy spud.
Perfect Roast Potatoes – Rough them up
Once parboiled, drain the potatoes and give them a gentle shake in the pan. This roughens the edges, providing more surface area for that irresistible crispiness. To add an extra crunch try adding a sprinkling of semolina or flour to achieve the perfect texture. If you fancy your potatoes with a flavour twist then swap the flour for a crushed up stock cube.
Perfect Roast Potatoes- Duck fat magic
Toss the potatoes in a generous coating of duck fat or an alternative of your choice, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. The fat adds rich flavour and helps them crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
According to the experts, the optimal temperature to roast your potatoes in the air fryer is 180°C. Spread the potatoes out in a single layer and make sure to avoid overcrowding them to allow for even cooking. Cook them for around 30 minutes and shake half way through to make sure your potatoes are browned all over.
For more recipe inspiration, visit the Campbells Meat website.
