Air Fryer Patatas Bravas: The Perfect Tapas At Home

Patatas bravas is a popular Spanish tapas dish, typically consisting of cubed white potatoes that are deep-fried and served warm with a spicy sauce (salsa brava). This dish can also be topped with a creamy garlic aioli (allioli) to balance the spice. While traditionally deep-fried, patatas bravas can also be made healthier by baking or air-frying the potatoes, reducing the amount of oil used. This paragraph will discuss how to make patatas bravas in an air fryer, a popular small kitchen appliance that circulates hot air around food to cook it.

Choosing the right potatoes

When making patatas bravas in an air fryer, it is important to choose the right type of potatoes. The best potatoes for this dish are starchy potatoes, such as Russet or Yukon Gold. These types of potatoes will give you the desired crispy texture on the outside, while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside.

Russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes, are large, thick-skinned potatoes with a starchy texture. They are ideal for patatas bravas as they have a high starch content, which will help them crisp up nicely in the air fryer. They also have a light, fluffy texture when cooked, making them perfect for absorbing the flavours of the bravas sauce.

Yukon Gold potatoes are also a great choice for this dish. They have a thin, smooth skin and a buttery yellow flesh. Yukon Golds are known for their sweet, creamy flavour and moist texture. While they are less starchy than Russets, they still have enough starch to give you that crispy exterior, while their natural butteriness will enhance the overall taste of the dish.

When selecting your potatoes, look for those that are firm and free of bruises or sprouting eyes. Avoid potatoes that have a greenish tinge, as this indicates the presence of solanine, a toxin that can cause gastrointestinal issues.

Once you've chosen your potatoes, you'll want to cut them into uniform cubes. For air frying, aim for a size of around 1-inch or 2 cm pieces. This will ensure even cooking and a pleasant bite-sized portion.

In summary, choosing the right potatoes for your air fryer patatas bravas is key to the success of the dish. Opt for starchy varieties like Russet or Yukon Gold, cut into uniform cubes, and you'll be well on your way to creating a delicious, crispy Spanish tapas favourite.

Preparing the potatoes

The next step is to peel the potatoes and wash them in cold water to remove the starch. You can leave the potatoes in a bowl of water or rub them to get rid of the starch. Once they are peeled and washed, cut the potatoes into cubes. You can also keep the skin on the potatoes if you prefer, and if you do peel them, save the skins to make potato peel chips!

Now it's time to dry the potatoes. You can do this by patting them with a clean kitchen towel or letting them air dry. It's important to make sure they are thoroughly dried, as any remaining water will cause them to steam instead of crisp up during cooking.

Once the potatoes are dry, it's time to add some oil. You can brush the potatoes with olive oil, or put them in a Ziploc bag or food container with the oil and shake to coat. Make sure all the potatoes are covered with oil.

Now you are ready to start cooking! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and put a parchment liner in the air fryer basket. Place the potatoes in the basket, making sure they are in a single layer and not crowded. Cook for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Your potatoes are now ready to be turned into delicious patatas bravas!

Cooking methods

First, peel and wash the potatoes in cold water. You can leave the potatoes in a bowl of water or rub them to remove the starch. Next, cut the potatoes into cubes and dry them with a kitchen towel or leave them to steam dry.

Then, brush the potatoes with olive oil, or place them in a Ziploc bag or food container with olive oil and shake to coat. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F/200°C. Place a parchment liner in the air fryer basket and put the potatoes inside.

Air fry the potatoes for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to prevent them from sticking together and to ensure even cooking.

While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the bravas sauce. Finely chop the onion and garlic. Grate or finely chop the tomatoes. Heat a swirl of oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the onion. Cook until softened and translucent (3-4 minutes). Then, add the garlic, paprika, chili, and salt, and cook for another 2 minutes. Finally, add the tomatoes and bay leaf, and simmer for 15-20 minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce.

Once the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and place them in a heat-resistant bowl or plate. If desired, sprinkle with salt. Serve the potatoes immediately with the bravas sauce and aioli, if using.

Making the bravas sauce

For the traditional sauce, start by sautéing some finely chopped onion and garlic until they are translucent. Then, add some smoked paprika, chili powder, and salt, and cook for a further 2 minutes. Next, add grated or chopped tomatoes and a bay leaf, and simmer for 15-20 minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce. You can also add a dash of vinegar or sugar to taste to cut through the acidity of the tomatoes. Once the sauce has developed a thick consistency, remove it from the heat and blend it until smooth if you prefer a puréed sauce.

If you are short on time, you can make a quick and easy bravas sauce by simply stirring together some vegan mayonnaise, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and garlic powder.

Finally, if you want to make your patatas bravas extra special, you can top them with a creamy garlic aioli. To make a simple "cheat" aioli, just combine some mayonnaise (or vegan mayo) with lemon juice and garlic paste.

Serving suggestions

Patatas bravas are a delicious and versatile tapas dish. They can be served as a starter, side, or even a snack.

For a more substantial meal, serve your patatas bravas with a fried or poached egg on top. The runny yolk will complement the spicy sauce and crispy potatoes perfectly. You could also serve them with a Spanish tortilla, croquettes, or padron peppers for a tapas night.

If you're looking for a lighter option, serve the patatas bravas with a fresh, tangy side salad. The crispiness of the potatoes and the cool, crunchy vegetables will create a delightful contrast.

For a heartier meal, pair the patatas bravas with a protein source such as grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. The potatoes will soak up the flavours of the dish, adding a delicious texture.

Finally, don't forget the sauces! While the bravas sauce and aioli are essential, you can also offer other dips like a garlic sauce or Lebanese toum for a more robust flavour.

Frequently asked questions