Air-Fried Mojo Potatoes: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Mojo potatoes are thick-sliced potatoes that are cut like scalloped potatoes. They are battered and then fried to make the outsides crispy. There are a few ways to make mojo potatoes in an air fryer. One way is to preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, slice the potatoes into 1/4-inch rounds and dip them in flour, egg, and flour again before placing them in the air fryer basket. Spray the potatoes with olive oil and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Flip them over, spray with oil again, and cook for another 4 to 6 minutes. Another way is to preheat the air fryer to 180 degrees Celsius and follow a similar process of coating the potatoes with flour, egg, and flour before placing them in the air fryer basket. Spray oil on the potatoes and cook for 15 minutes or until crispy and brown.

Choosing the right potatoes

The type of potatoes you choose for your mojo potatoes is important. The best potatoes for mojo potatoes are those that are higher in starch, such as russet potatoes and, to a lesser extent, Yukon Gold potatoes. This is because starchy potatoes will give you that perfect tender interior. Conversely, it is not recommended to use red potatoes because they are too waxy.

When choosing your potatoes, look for those that are medium-sized and have a uniform shape. This will ensure that your potato slices are even and cook at the same rate. Avoid potatoes that have sprouted or have soft spots, as these are signs that the potatoes are past their prime. Also, check that the potatoes are firm and have smooth skin.

If you are using a recipe that calls for unpeeled potatoes, make sure the skins are intact and free of blemishes. You may also want to look for potatoes with a thicker skin, as this will help to create a crispy exterior when fried.

Once you have selected the perfect potatoes, be sure to store them in a cool, dark place until you are ready to use them. Do not wash the potatoes until just before you are ready to cook them, as moisture can cause them to spoil more quickly.

Preparing the potatoes

Ingredients

Depending on how many mojo potatoes you want to make, you'll need 1-4 medium to large potatoes. It's best to use starchy potatoes such as Russet potatoes, as these produce a tender interior. You can also use Yukon Gold potatoes, but they may not turn out quite as well. Red potatoes are too waxy and are not recommended.

Washing and cutting the potatoes

Scrub the potatoes well, then cut off and discard both ends. Cut the potatoes into 1/4-inch slices or 1/4-inch chips.

Coating the potatoes

There are several ways to coat the potatoes. One method is to coat them in plain flour, then dredge them in beaten egg, and finally coat them in a flour mixture. The flour mixture can include various spices such as sea salt, paprika, chilli, garlic, onion powder, and black pepper. Another option is to use a store-bought fried chicken breading mix, or make your own by combining all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, basil, oregano, thyme, and black pepper.

To coat the potatoes, dip them in the flour or breading mix, then in a mixture of egg and milk, and finally in the flour or breading mix again. You can also try double-dipping them in the flour or breading mix to achieve an extra crispy, crunchy coating.

Frying the potatoes

Preheat your air fryer to 180°C or 400°F, depending on your model. Place the coated potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Spray them with olive oil or another type of oil.

Cook the potatoes for 4-6 minutes, then carefully flip them over, spray with oil again, and cook for another 4-6 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.

Serving the potatoes

Mojo potatoes are typically served with a dipping sauce. You can combine mayonnaise, minced spring onions, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make a sauce, or serve them with ketchup, ranch dressing, or sour cream.

Making the batter

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make the batter for your mojo potatoes:

• 1 cup of flour
• Sea salt, to taste
• Paprika, to taste
• Chili, to taste
• Garlic powder, to taste
• Onion powder, to taste
• 1 egg, beaten
• Olive oil or peanut oil spray
• Milk (optional)
• Cornstarch (optional)

Method

First, combine the flour and spices in a bowl. You can also add cornstarch to the mixture if you want your potatoes to be extra crispy. In a separate bowl, beat an egg. You can also add a small amount of milk to the egg mixture if desired.

Next, wash your potatoes thoroughly and cut them into 1/4-inch thick slices or wedges. Dip each potato slice into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and finally back into the flour mixture again to coat. Make sure each potato is fully coated before placing them into the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Once all your potatoes are in the basket, spray them with olive oil or peanut oil. Now they are ready to be cooked!

Frying the potatoes

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
• 4 potatoes unpeeled but scrubbed
• Ranch dressing, dipping sauce, or sour cream

Method

Preheat the oil to 375°F in a deep pan. Combine the dry ingredients (flour, garlic salt, celery salt, and salt) in a shallow dish to create a seasoned flour. Cut the unpeeled potatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Thin slices are okay but will not be like the original Mojos.

Now, dip the potato slices into the beaten egg mixture and then carefully toss the potato slice in the seasoned flour mixture, being sure to coat both sides. Once the oil is hot enough, deep fry the breaded potatoes until golden brown. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.

Tips

• Drain the fried potatoes on a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet. This will keep them crispier than draining on paper towels.
• Do not let your grease get too hot, or the potatoes will burn.
• Be sure to shake off excess flour from the battered potatoes.
• Cook the potatoes right away. If you do not, the potatoes may brown and look unappealing.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer mojo potatoes are a tasty snack and can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

As a Snack or Appetiser

Mojo potatoes are a delicious snack and can be served as a tasty appetiser. They are crispy and crunchy on the outside, and tender and fluffy on the inside, making them perfect for enjoying on their own or with a dip.

Dips and Sauces

These potatoes are great for dipping! You can serve them with a variety of dips and sauces, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, mayonnaise, sour cream, or a special dip of your choice. For example, a combination of mayonnaise, minced spring onions, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Game Day or Movie Night

Mojo potatoes are a fantastic option for game day or movie night. They are easy to eat, and the crispy texture and tasty dips will keep everyone happy and satisfied.

Side Dish

These potatoes are a great side dish for a variety of meals. They can be served alongside steak or chicken dinners, or with a variety of sauces as mentioned above.

Breakfast

Air fryer mojo potatoes are a tasty breakfast option, especially when served in breakfast tacos or burritos. The crispy texture and fluffy interior will be a great way to start the day.

Reheating and Storage

Leftover mojo potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, use an air fryer to maintain their crispy texture; pop them in at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. They can also be reheated in the oven, but microwaving is not recommended as it may make them soggy.

Frequently asked questions