Batata harra is a popular Middle Eastern dish made with crispy, spicy potatoes, flavored with garlic, chili, and cilantro. This Lebanese dish is perfect as a vegetarian appetizer, a side dish, or as part of a mezze platter. This recipe can be made in the oven or the air fryer.
Pat the potatoes dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel until they're completely dry. This is an important step.
Mix the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika in a medium bowl. Stir in the oil to make a paste.
Add the potatoes to the spice mix and coat evenly until every surface is covered.
Air Fryer Instructions
Place the air fryer basket in the air fryer and coat with oil. You can either use a paper towel soaked with oil or an oil sprayer. Don't use canned aerosol oil as that can harm the coating of the air fryer basket.
Transfer the potatoes to the basket and make sure they're evenly spread out.
Close the lid and air fry for 18 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
At the 9 minute mark, shake the basket so the potatoes are tossed well. Close the lid and continue cooking.
When the cooking time is up, check to make sure the potatoes are cooked to your liking. Toss the potatoes again and air fry for another 2 minutes, if desired.
Transfer potatoes to a serving dish.
Oven Instructions
Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat the foil with oil.
Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the potatoes are cooked through and golden in color. Potatoes are done when a toothpick can be easily inserted into a piece.
Transfer potatoes to a serving dish.
Cilantro Sauce
In a small saucepan, saute garlic in olive oil over medium heat. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
Turn the heat down to low. Add cayenne pepper and stir briefly. Stir in cilantro, paprika, and lemon juice. Stir to combine and remove from heat.
Add cilantro garlic sauce to the potatoes. Stir all ingredients together and serve immediately as a side dish or appetizer.
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Notes
Prep time does not include the time needed to peel and cut the potatoes.
Cooking time can vary based on the air fryer model and the size of the potato cubes. At the 15-minute mark, check the potatoes to see if they're done