Crispy Oven-Roasted Potatoes

French

Whether you’re hosting guests or just cooking for family, these roasted potatoes are a no-fuss, big-reward recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

The texture, the aroma, and the endless ways to serve them make this a staple side worth mastering.

Oven-Roasted Potatoes Recipe: Easy, Flavorful, and Family-Friendly Side Dish

At home, crispy oven-roasted potatoes are a regular favorite : golden, flavorful, and the kind of side dish that fits just about any meal.

They pair beautifully with roasted chicken drumsticks or a crisp green salad, but they’re just as satisfying on their own.

My kids like them with a drizzle of ketchup, while I prefer dipping them into something creamy and tangy.

What I love about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a little care and a handful of ingredients, you get something truly comforting.

The key steps? Cut the potatoes into even chunks, soak them in cold water if time allows (for extra crunch), dry them thoroughly, and toss with olive oil and herbs.

A hot oven does the rest, transforming them into golden, fragrant bites with a tender center. It’s easy, fuss-free cooking at its best.

In this post, you’ll find everything to master roasted potatoes: prep tips, oven and air fryer methods, serving ideas, and how to store leftovers.

Essential Ingredients for Crispy and Flavorful Roasted Potatoes

Every ingredient in this recipe is chosen to bring out the perfect texture and bold, aromatic flavor of oven-roasted potatoes. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• 1 kg (2.2 lbs) of firm potatoes : Go for red potatoes, Yukon Golds, or any waxy variety. These types hold their shape when roasted and develop beautifully crisp edges with a creamy interior.
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil : A light coating helps the potatoes roast evenly and crisps up the surface while infusing them with a rich, slightly fruity flavor.
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder : Adds depth and a warm, mellow savoriness that intensifies as it caramelizes in the oven.
• 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, parsley) or 2 teaspoons of dried herbs : Fresh herbs brighten the dish, while dried herbs offer convenience and concentrated flavor. Use what’s in season or on hand.
• ½ teaspoon of paprika : Adds subtle smokiness and enhances the golden color of the potatoes.
• Kosher salt : Coarser than table salt, it seasons more evenly and boosts all the savory notes without making the dish overly salty.
• Freshly ground black pepper : Offers a slight kick and aromatic complexity that balances the richness of the oil and herbs.

These simple ingredients come together to create roasted potatoes that are crispy, golden, and full of flavor in every bite.

How to Make Perfectly Crispy Roasted Potatoes: Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy, detailed steps to get crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside roasted potatoes every time. Whether you’re new to roasting or just perfecting your technique, this method delivers reliable, delicious results.

1. Prep the Potatoes : 

• Rinse the potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt.
• Cut them into evenly sized 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes, this ensures they cook at the same rate.
• Peeling is optional; the skins add extra texture and crispiness if left on.

2. Soak for Extra Crunch (Optional but Recommended) :

• If you have the time, soak the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water for 20 minutes to 1 hour. This step draws out excess starch, which helps the potatoes get crispier when roasted.
• After soaking, drain well and pat them completely dry with a clean towel, this is key to avoiding soggy potatoes.

3. Season Generously :

• Place the dried potato cubes in a large mixing bowl.
• Add the olive oil, garlic powder, your choice of herbs, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
• Toss everything thoroughly so each piece is evenly coated, this helps them roast, not steam.

4. Roast to Golden Perfection :

• Preheat your oven to 220°C (430°F). Spread the potatoes out in a single, even layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Avoid overcrowding; this ensures they crisp up rather than get soft.
• Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, flipping them halfway through so they brown on all sides. They’re done when golden, crisp on the edges, and tender when pierced with a fork.

These four simple steps are all you need to create roasted potatoes that are deeply flavorful, perfectly textured, and incredibly satisfying.

Pro Tips for Foolproof Roasted Potatoes

• Don’t overcrowd the tray : Overlapping pieces will steam, not roast. Use two trays if needed.
• Dry the potatoes well after soaking : Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
• Switch up the herbs : Use fresh basil in summer, or rosemary and thyme in cooler months. Dried herbs work great, too.
• Boost flavor before serving : Add a drizzle of lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, or even grated Parmesan for a final flavor punch.

What to Serve with Roasted Potatoes

These crispy roasted potatoes are incredibly versatile, try them with:

• Roast chicken, beef, or grilled meats : Classic and satisfying for Sunday dinners or weeknight meals.
• Sautéed seasonal veggies : For a healthy, plant-based meal.
• A crisp green salad : Balance out the richness with freshness for a light vegetarian plate.
• On their own as a snack or appetizer : Serve with garlic yogurt dip, homemade aioli, or spiced mayo.
• In brunch bowls or breakfast hash : Reheat and toss into eggs, avocado, and roasted veggies for a hearty start to the day.

Quick & Easy Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes (Perfect When You’re Short on Time)

Craving crispy roasted potatoes but don’t want to wait for the oven? The air fryer is your best friend. It cooks faster, uses less oil, and still delivers that golden crunch you love. Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Preheat Your Air Fryer : Set your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) and let it preheat for a few minutes. Starting with a hot basket helps the potatoes crisp up right from the start.

2. Season the Potatoes : Prep your potatoes just as you would for the oven method, cut them into even chunks, dry them thoroughly, then toss them in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, herbs, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is well coated.

3. Load the Basket Properly : Arrange the potatoes in a single, even layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid piling them up, air needs to circulate around each piece for that signature crisp.

4. Cook Until Golden and Crisp : Air fry for 20 to 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning on all sides. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of the potato chunks.

5. Serve Immediately : Enjoy your air-fried roasted potatoes while they’re hot and crispy! They’re perfect as a quick side dish, snack, or appetizer, no oven required.

This method is ideal for busy weeknights or when you want delicious results with minimal effort.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

These potatoes store well and reheat beautifully!

• Refrigerator: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat in a skillet with a splash of oil to restore crispiness.
• Use an oven or air fryer for 10-15 minutes at 200°C (400°F) to get that fresh-roasted feel.
• Repurpose creatively : Add to a frittata, mash lightly into breakfast hash, or turn into crispy potato cakes.
• Freezer-friendly too! Freeze flat in a bag, then reheat from frozen in the oven or air fryer until hot and crisp.

Other side-dishes to try

• Pomegranate molasses roasted brussels sprouts and pumpkin
• Roasted Butternut Squash
• Honey and Thyme Roasted Pumpkin