Crispy oven-baked potatoes are a versatile and popular dish, perfect as a snack or side when prepared with a crispy exterior and tender interior. The key to achieving this texture without a deep fryer lies in a simple trick involving a surprising ingredient: baking powder. This enhances the cooking process by breaking down pectin and exposing starch, which results in a delightful crunch. Proper seasoning and baking techniques are essential for the best outcome, along with choosing the right potato variety.
The original version of this article first appeared on KUKKSI*
Crispy Baked Potatoes with One Ingredient
Potatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients in the kitchen, enjoyed in various forms such as fries, mashed potatoes, sautéed, or baked. Baked potatoes make for an excellent snack or a delicious side dish, especially when they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. But how can you achieve this crispy texture without a deep fryer? With a simple trick and a surprising ingredient, you can achieve perfect results in the oven.
Which Potato Variety Is Best?
Opinions differ on the best type of potato for baking: some prefer waxy potatoes, while others lean towards firm or even mealy varieties. However, the key to achieving that perfect crispy texture lies not just in the choice of potato but also in proper preparation and cooking methods.
Seasoning the potatoes with sea salt, fresh rosemary, and garlic imparts a delightful aroma. For maximum crispiness, bake the potatoes at around 220°C (200°C for fan ovens). It’s essential to place the potato pieces in a single layer on the baking sheet, not piled on top of one another. Pre-cooked potatoes will create a soft interior while keeping the edges crispy.
The Secret: Baking Powder for the Perfect Crust
The secret to achieving that crispy baked potato texture lies in an unexpected ingredient: a teaspoon of baking powder. According to merkur.de, baking powder helps break down the pectin in the potatoes, allowing the starch to rise to the surface. This phenomenon causes the potatoes to develop an extra crispiness while baking. Alternatively, you can use baking soda to achieve the same effect.
Here’s how to prepare the perfect crispy baked potatoes:
The Best Air Fryers
In the following table, we present the best air fryers available. You can find detailed reviews here.
Top Air Fryers from CHIP Test
Test Winner
Best Value
Top Alternative
For Large Portions
Highly Energy Efficient
4.15 cents
3.40 cents
3.54 cents
3.60 cents
2.67 cents
7.2 liters
5.0 liters
8.0 liters
9.5 liters
4.0 liters
200°C
230°C
200°C
240°C
200°C
40°C
40°C
60°C
40°C
80°C
1
1
1
2
1
16
10
10
6
8
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Very Good (1.5)
Satisfactory (3.0)
Satisfactory (3.0)
Satisfactory (3.5)
Acceptable (4.0)
Good (2.0)
Good (2.5)
Acceptable (4.0)
Satisfactory (3.0)
Acceptable (4.0)
Good (2.0)
Very Good (1.5)
Very Good (1.5)
Satisfactory (3.0)
Satisfactory (3.0)
From €157
(Amazon)
From €100
(Amazon Marketplace: medionshop-deutschland)
From €106
(Amazon)
From €194
(Amazon Marketplace)
From €60
(Amazon)