Former MasterChef champion Shelina Permalloo has unveiled her remarkably simple recipe for creating the 'perfect' roast potatoes using an air fryer, promising delicious results in just 30 minutes.
The Winning Chef's Simple Method
Permalloo, who won the BBC's prestigious cooking competition in 2012, took to social media to share her culinary tips, aiming to help home cooks deliver an impressive Christmas feast. Her method bypasses traditional steps like par-boiling, offering a streamlined alternative.
"The easiest crispy roast potatoes!" she declared online. "Honestly this recipe works each and every time, no par boiling, no pre-warming oil, this recipe needs to be saved!"
Ingredients and Five-Step Process
The recipe requires a bag of Maris Piper potatoes, a sprig of thyme, 6 garlic cloves, 2-3 tablespoons of oil, and salt. The preparation involves five straightforward steps.
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into irregular, odd shapes.
- Microwave them for 10 minutes on full power (800w).
- Give the microwaved potatoes a vigorous shake in their bowl.
- Transfer them to the air fryer basket and add the oil, thyme, salt, and garlic.
- Air fry at 180°C for 30 minutes until golden and crisp.
Social Media Reaction and Alternative Tips
The post garnered enthusiastic responses from followers. One user reported success with a slightly adjusted time and temperature, while another declared the results "probably the best roasties I've ever done." However, not everyone was convinced by the microwave step, with one commenter stating, "You lost me at microwave bowl."
For those seeking a more traditional oven-based method for crispy roast potatoes, food experts often recommend boiling the potatoes first. Food director Michelle Southan explained that the key is to dry them out thoroughly after boiling and then rough up their surfaces by shaking the pan.
A professional chef's trick involves adding a pinch of bicarbonate of soda to the boiling water. This increases the pH, which breaks down the potato's surface starches, creating a roughened texture full of tiny crevices. These crevices allow oil to penetrate deeply, resulting in an exceptionally crispy and puffy exterior during roasting, often in a shorter cooking time.
A Festive Kitchen Win
Whether opting for Shelina Permalloo's quick air fryer recipe or a classic oven-roasted method with a bicarb boost, home cooks now have expert-approved paths to achieving the ultimate crispy roast potato. This simple yet crucial side dish can elevate any Christmas dinner or Sunday roast with minimal fuss.
