Crispy Aloo Fry or Potato Fry is simple dish of spiced, stir fried potatoes. This simple yet flavorful recipe goes well with dal chawal, khichadi, wrapped in rolls, and more.
What is Crispy Aloo Fry
A well roasted potato recipe is a classic side dish. During warmer months I love dishes that I can put together without having to stand behind the stove for too long. This quick recipe of potato cubes air fried with a few spices is one such dish. Evenly cut potatoes, tossed in oil and spices, air fried until they are crunchy and flavorful on the outside while being creamy and fluffy inside. Serve it as a side dish with dal chawal or turn it into a quick chaat. Aloo fry is so popular in India that every region has its own variation.
Potatoes + Spices
The spices are important here because they add all the flavor. I’ve used cumin seeds, turmeric, coriander powder, roasted cumin powder, a pinch of turmeric powder and chili powder. I like to finish it with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a nice tang. If you like a spicer potato you can certainly add more chili powder. If you’re making this for a chaat then add some chaat masala as a finishing spice.
You can completely make this your own by playing with masala combinations. I like russet or Yukon gold potatoes for this recipe because they are high-starch potatoes. When they are cooked, the texture inside is fluffy while the outside becomes crisp.
Cooking Tips
- Great potato dishes are a result of great prep work. Cut your potato cubes uniformly so each cube gets cooked evenly.
- Soak the potatoes in a bowl of water to get rid of the excess starch, avoid bruising, while hydrating them. This also helps the potatoes from sticking to each other while air frying.
- I’ve used a basic mix of everyday spices for this aloo fry. You can also use pav bhaji masala, kitchen king masala or any custom blend you like.
- When air-frying or baking potatoes, be sure to flip the potatoes halfway through cooking so all sides are evenly cooked.
How to make Aloo Fry
Wash and peel your potatoes, cutting them into even cubes. Soak the potato cubes in room temperature water for 10 minutes. Drain the water from the potatoes and toss them with oil and spices. Air fry for 15-18 minutes, tossing halfway between. Garnish with squeezes of lemon juice and fresh herbs.
- 3 cup peeled + cubed potatoes; about 1 lb or 2 medium potatoes
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon whole cumin seeds
- ½ teaspoon roasted cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon coriander powder
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon red chili powder
- garnish: freshly squeezed lemon juice + chopped cilantro
- Wash, peel, and cut potatoes into one inch cubes.
- Soak potatoes in room temperature water for 10 minutes.
- Drain potatoes and toss with oil, salt, and spices.
- Lay an even layer in the air frier basket, and cook at 400F for 8 minutes.
- Take out the basket, toss the potatoes and cook again at 400F for 8-9 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- Garnish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and chopped cilantro. Serve hot.
Enjoy,
