Crispy baked potatoes are the ideal side dish for any meal, from meat to fish. Who can resist those golden, crispy bites on the outside and soft on the inside? Yet achieving the perfect texture isn’t always easy: too soft or dry potatoes are just around the corner if you don’t follow the right tips.
With this recipe, I’ll reveal all the secrets for preparing irresistible, flavorful, and perfectly cooked baked potatoes, without mistakes. I’ll explain which potatoes to choose, how to cut them, and the fundamental trick to make them crispy without drying them out. Follow the steps, and you can’t go wrong!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cost: Very cheap
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Cooking methods: Electric oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- Potatoes
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt
- Thyme
- Rosemary
- Garlic
Tools
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Slotted spoon
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Parchment paper optional
Preparation
Wash the potatoes well under running water. If you prefer, peel them, otherwise leave the skin on for a more rustic flavor.
Cut them into regular chunks of about 0.75-1 inch on each side: this will ensure even cooking.Bring a pot of water to a boil and immerse the potatoes for 5 minutes. This step removes some of the starch, allowing the potatoes to be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Drain them well with a slotted spoon and let them dry for a few minutes.Transfer the potatoes to a bowl and season them with extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, chopped thyme, and rosemary.
If you like, add a crushed garlic clove for an extra touch of flavor.
Mix well with your hands to evenly distribute the seasoning.Preheat the oven to 392°F static (or 356°F fan).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease the base.
Arrange the potatoes in a single layer, without overlapping: the more spaced they are, the crispier they will become!
Bake and cook for about 40-45 minutes, turning them every 15 minutes for even browning.When the potatoes are well browned and crispy, take them out and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Enjoy your meal!
If you want an even faster and lighter version, you can make crispy potatoes in an air fryer!
How to do it:
Blanch the potatoes for 5 minutes as in the classic recipe.
Dry them well and season with oil, salt, rosemary, and spices to taste.
Cook them in the air fryer at 392°F for 20-25 minutes, shaking them halfway through.
Result? Golden and crispy potatoes with less oil and in half the time!
Useful tips
Use yellow or new potatoes: they have less starch and become crispier.
Don’t skip the blanching: it reduces internal moisture, shortens cooking times, and enhances crispiness.
Don’t overcrowd them on the baking sheet: they need space to cook evenly.
Tasty variations
With crispy bacon: Add bacon cubes in the last 15 minutes of cooking for an extra flavor touch.
With cheese: Sprinkle the potatoes with grated Parmesan or Pecorino in the last 5 minutes of baking.
Spicy version: Add chili powder or smoked paprika for a bold taste.
FAQ – Baked Potatoes
Why do my baked potatoes turn out soft?
They might be too crowded on the baking sheet. Make sure they are well spaced and not overlapping.
Can I prepare them in advance?
Yes! Blanch and season them in advance, then cook them when needed.
Better fan or static oven?
If you want perfect crispiness, use a fan oven at 356°F, which dries moisture better.
Baked potatoes are a timeless side dish, perfect for any occasion. With these simple tricks and tips, you’ll always get crispy and golden potatoes, just like at a restaurant! Try the recipe and let me know in the comments your secret for perfect potatoes!
