Crispy Roasted Potatoes: Guaranteed 10 min prep

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Crispy roasted potatoes have been my go-to comfort food for as long as I can remember. There’s something magical about that perfect crunch, followed by a fluffy, tender interior. I’ve tried countless methods over the years, and I’m thrilled to share my foolproof crispy roasted potatoes recipe with you. This simple guide on how to make crispy roasted potatoes will transform your weeknight dinners and impress your guests. Get ready for golden brown perfection that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Roasted Potatoes

You’re going to adore these potatoes for so many reasons. They’re incredibly satisfying, offering that perfect crunch you crave.

Unbeatable Taste: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, seasoned to perfection.
Quick Prep: These are truly easy crispy roasted potatoes, taking only 10 minutes to get ready for the oven.
Healthy Choice: A great way to enjoy potatoes without deep frying, often considered a healthier snack.
Budget-Friendly: Potatoes are one of the most affordable ingredients, making this a great meal booster.
Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore these simple yet delicious potatoes.
Versatile Side: They make a fantastic crispy potato side dish for almost any meal.
Guaranteed Success: My method for easy crispy roasted potatoes ensures delicious results every time.

Ingredients for Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Gathering your ingredients is the first step toward achieving that coveted crunch. You’ll need the stars of our show, the potatoes themselves, along with a few essentials to transform them into something truly special. These ingredients are the foundation for what I consider the best crispy roasted potatoes, especially when we add those aromatic elements for delicious garlic herb roasted potatoes.

2 pounds (900g) baby Yukon gold potatoes, halved – Yukon Golds are fantastic because they hold their shape and get wonderfully tender inside, with a great crisp exterior. If any are larger, quarter them so they’re all roughly the same size for even cooking.
3 tablespoons olive oil – This healthy fat is key for coating the potatoes, helping them to brown and crisp up beautifully in the oven.
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt – Salt doesn’t just add flavor; it also helps draw out moisture from the potato surface, which is crucial for crispiness.
½ teaspoon black pepper – For a little kick and depth of flavor.
½ teaspoon garlic powder – This gives us that wonderful savory garlic note that pairs so well with potatoes.
½ teaspoon smoked paprika – For color and a subtle smoky undertone that elevates the whole dish.
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish) – A sprinkle of fresh herbs at the end adds a pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Crispy Roasted Potatoes

This is where the magic happens! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll achieve perfectly golden brown roasted potatoes every single time. Getting that amazing crunch is all about technique, and I’m going to walk you through exactly how to get crispy potatoes in oven.

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare. First things first, get that oven screaming hot! Preheat to 425°F (220°C). While it’s heating up, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This little trick helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, plus it contributes to that beautiful browning.
Step 2: Potato Prep is Key. Wash your baby Yukon Golds really well, then dry them thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This is a crucial step for crispiness; you want to avoid any excess moisture that can lead to steaming instead of roasting. Halve all the potatoes, and if you have any that are significantly larger than the others, give them a quarter so they’re all roughly the same size. This ensures they cook evenly.
Step 3: Season Them Up! In a large mixing bowl, combine the potato halves with the olive oil. Make sure each piece gets a good coating. Then, sprinkle in the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Toss everything together gently with your hands until every potato piece is beautifully seasoned. This is where the flavor really starts to build.
Step 4: Arrange for Maximum Crisp. Now, carefully arrange the seasoned potatoes on your prepared baking sheet. The most important tip for how to get crispy potatoes in oven is to give them space! Don’t overcrowd the pan. Place them cut-side down whenever possible. This allows the cut surface to directly contact the hot pan, which is essential for developing that amazing crust.
Step 5: The Roasting Process. Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven. Roast for about 20–25 minutes. You’ll see them starting to get a lovely golden hue around the edges. Carefully flip each potato piece using a spatula. Continue roasting for another 10–15 minutes, or until they are deeply golden brown and wonderfully crispy to the touch. You’re looking for that irresistible crunch!
Step 6: Garnish and Enjoy. Once they’re perfectly roasted, remove the baking sheet from the oven. If you like, sprinkle them with some fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve your crispy oven baked potatoes immediately while they’re hot and at their crispiest. They are the ultimate crispy potato side dish!

Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Achieving that perfect crisp is all about a few key techniques. Trust me, these tips have been game-changers for my roasted potatoes!

Don’t overcrowd the pan! This is crucial for allowing hot air to circulate around each potato, ensuring they roast and crisp up rather than steam.
Dry your potatoes thoroughly. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so pat them completely dry after washing.
Use the right kind of potato. Starchy varieties like Yukon Golds or Russets are your best bet for that fluffy interior and crispy exterior.
Consider par-boiling. Briefly boiling the potatoes before roasting can give you an extra edge in achieving that restaurant-style crisp. For more on cooking techniques, check out Serious Eats’ guide to roasting potatoes.

What’s the secret to perfectly crispy roasted potatoes?

The absolute best method for crispy roast potatoes involves two main things: drying them completely and giving them ample space on the baking sheet. This allows the heat to caramelize the edges beautifully.

Can I make crispy roasted potatoes ahead of time?

You can prep the potatoes and toss them with oil and seasonings up to a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just make sure to give them a quick toss to re-coat them before roasting. For other make-ahead meal prep ideas, consider these meal prep recipes.

How do I avoid common mistakes with crispy roasted potatoes?

The biggest mistake is overcrowding the pan, which leads to steamed, soggy potatoes. Another common pitfall is not drying the potatoes thoroughly enough beforehand. Always ensure they’re bone dry and spread out on the baking sheet!

Best Ways to Serve Crispy Roasted Potatoes

These versatile potatoes are fantastic for so many meals! They make an absolutely stellar crispy potato side dish that can elevate any plate. I love serving them alongside grilled chicken or steak for a simple yet satisfying dinner. They’re also incredible paired with a hearty stew or a flavorful chili on a chilly evening. For a more casual meal, consider them the star of a loaded baked potato bar, or serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like aioli or a spicy ketchup for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack. You might also enjoy them as a side to our baked garlic chicken meatloaf.

Nutrition Facts for Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect in each serving of these delicious potatoes. They are a fantastic, flavorful option for your meals!

Calories: 220
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 650mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Even though these potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, I’ve found a few ways to keep that delicious crispiness for later. Proper storage is key to maintaining that restaurant style crispy potatoes texture. Once they’ve cooled down completely, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store them longer, freezing is an option; wrap them well and they should last in the freezer for up to 3 months. For more on food storage, consult the USDA’s food safety charts.

When you’re ready to reheat, the goal is to get them crispy again. Avoid the microwave, as it tends to make them soggy. Instead, I highly recommend popping them back into a hot oven or a toaster oven at around 400°F (200°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or until they’re heated through and have regained some of their crunch. This simple reheating method is the best way to revive your crispy oven baked potatoes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Roasted Potatoes

What’s the best way to get crispy roasted potatoes in the oven?

To achieve that perfect crisp, the absolute best method involves two key steps: ensuring your potatoes are completely dry before seasoning and giving them plenty of space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding is an enemy of crispiness, as it leads to steaming rather than roasting. So, make sure they’re patted dry and spread out in a single layer.

Can I use frozen potatoes for crispy roasted potatoes?

While you can roast frozen potatoes, they generally won’t achieve the same level of crispiness as fresh ones. Frozen potatoes have more internal moisture from the freezing process that can lead to a softer, steamier texture. If you must use frozen, thaw them completely and pat them very dry before seasoning and roasting.

How do I make potatoes crispy when roasting if they seem a bit soft?

If your potatoes aren’t as crispy as you’d like, don’t worry! You can often salvage them by increasing the oven temperature slightly for the last 5-10 minutes of cooking, or by broiling them for a minute or two, watching them very carefully to prevent burning. This extra blast of heat helps to draw out more moisture and encourage browning.

What kind of potatoes are best for roasting to get them crispy?

For the ultimate crispy roasted potatoes, starchy or all-purpose potatoes are your best bet. Varieties like Yukon Golds, Russets, or even red potatoes work wonderfully. They have the right balance of starch and moisture to create that desirable fluffy interior and a gorgeously crisp exterior. Avoid waxy potatoes if crispiness is your main goal. Learn more about potato varieties here.

Variations of Crispy Roasted Potatoes You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic crispy roasted potatoes recipe, you’ll find there are so many fun ways to mix things up! These variations are perfect for when you want to try something a little different or cater to specific tastes.

Spicy Roasted Potatoes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a delightful kick. These spicy crispy oven baked potatoes are amazing with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole.
Parmesan Herb Potato Wedges: Toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, dried herbs (like rosemary and thyme), and a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese before roasting. These crispy roast potato wedges are a flavor explosion! Try them with our creamy pesto sauce.
Garlic Butter Potatoes: After roasting, toss the potatoes with melted butter infused with minced garlic and fresh parsley. This adds an extra layer of richness that’s simply divine.
Sweet Potato Fries: While not traditional potatoes, sweet potatoes roast up beautifully with a similar method. Cut them into wedges and season with cinnamon and a touch of maple syrup for a sweet and savory treat.