Roast potatoes are a beloved part of any Sunday dinner, but achieving that perfect crispy exterior can be tricky.
Ditch the oven for a simpler cooking method(Image: )
Roast spuds are a staple of the classic Sunday dinner, and there are countless methods to get them just right.
The holy grail? A crunchy golden shell with a soft, pillowy centre – though nailing this combo, especially in an air-fryer, can prove tricky.
As air-fryers continue in popularity across British homes, the professionals at Campbells Meat have dished out their top tricks for achieving restaurant-quality roasties with minimal fuss.
Their three-step guide covers everything from preparation work to the all-important fat choice for cooking spuds in.
Prepping potatoes
The experts said: “The key to perfect roasties is in the preparation, and there are a couple of simple tricks you can do to ensure your potatoes have the perfect crunch.”
“Once you’ve peeled and chopped your potatoes, add half a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda to your boiling water before par-boiling.
“The alkaline water helps to soften the potatoes’ exterior and increases surface starch for the perfect crispy spud.”
Roughing them up
After parboiling, the specialists recommend draining your spuds before giving them a vigorous shake in the saucepan.
By tossing the potatoes in the saucepan, this creates jagged edges, boosting the surface area for that “irresistible crispiness”.
The pros added: “To add an extra crunch, try adding a sprinkling of semolina or flour to achieve the perfect texture. If you fancy your potatoes with a flavour twist, then swap the flour for a crushed-up stock cube.”
Duck fat
Coat the spuds generously in duck fat or your preferred alternative, like vegetable oil. Next, season them with a touch of salt and pepper.
The specialists explained: “The fat adds rich flavour and helps them crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. According to the experts, the optimal temperature to roast your potatoes in the air fryer is 180°C.
“Spread the potatoes out in a single layer and make sure to avoid overcrowding them to allow for even cooking. Cook them for around 30 minutes and shake halfway through to make sure your potatoes are browned all over.”
