Air fryer patatas bravas

Air fryer patatas bravas

Serves 4 474 kcal per serving Prep 15 min Cook 25 min

Ingredients

  • 900g Potatoes
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 chopped Onion
  • 1 clove peeled crushed Garlic
  • 1 tblsp Paprika
  • 1 tblsp Tomato Puree
  • 225g Tinned Tomatos
  • To serve Basil Leaves

Instructions

  1. Cut the potatoes into large chunks and place them in a bowl. Cover with just-boiled water and leave to soak for 30 minutes. Drain well and leave to air-dry for about 5 minutes.
  2. Preheat the air fryer to 200°C. Tip the potatoes into a bowl, drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss to coat evenly, then transfer to the air fryer basket and cook for 20–30 minutes, shaking occasionally, until crisp and golden.
  3. Meanwhile, heat the remaining olive oil in a small pan over medium-low heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 8–10 minutes until softened but not browned. Stir in the garlic and cook for about 1 minute, then add the paprika and cook for a further 30 seconds.
  4. Stir in the tomato purée and cook for 1 minute, then add the canned tomatoes. Increase the heat slightly and simmer for 5–10 minutes, until the sauce thickens a little.
  5. Transfer the cooked potatoes to a serving platter, spoon over the tomato sauce and scatter with basil leaves. Serve immediately.

Tips

  • Soak the potato cubes in cold water for 30 minutes and pat them completely dry to maximize crunch.
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
  • Toss with a teaspoon of cornstarch before air frying for an extra-crispy exterior.

Variations

  • Sweet Potato Bravas: Use sweet potatoes for a lower-glycemic alternative with a sweeter profile.
  • Loaded Bravas: Top with crumbled chorizo and melted Manchego cheese before serving.

Storage

Potatoes are best eaten immediately. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge for 2 days and reheat in the air fryer at 200°C for 5 minutes to restore crispness.

Serving Suggestions

  • Drizzle generously with spicy tomato brava sauce and a dollop of garlic alioli.
  • Serve as part of a tapas spread alongside gambas al ajillo and Spanish tortilla.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best potato for air frying?

Floury potatoes like Maris Piper or Russet work best for a fluffy interior and crispy shell.

Can I skip the oil?

A small amount of oil is necessary for the Maillard reaction that creates the crispy texture and golden color.

Is the sauce spicy?

The traditional sauce has a moderate heat from pimentón (Spanish paprika), but you can add cayenne for more fire.

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