Patatas bravas — crispy potato cubes with a smoky, spicy tomato sauce — are a tapas-bar staple, and the air fryer crisps the potatoes with far less oil than the traditional fry. Here's how.
Key takeaways
Q: How do you make patatas bravas in an air fryer?
A: Air fry potato cubes at 200°C (400°F) for 18–22 minutes, shaking, until crispy, then serve with a smoky brava sauce.
Q: How do you get them really crispy?
A: Cut even cubes, dry them well, and don't overcrowd the basket.
Times & temperatures
| Cut | Temp | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 2cm cubes | 200°C / 400°F | 18–22 min |
The recipe
Air Fryer Patatas Bravas
Ingredients
- 4 potatoes, in 2cm cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika
- 200g passata, garlic, chilli
- Salt & pepper
Method
- Toss the cubes with oil and paprika.
- Air fry at 200°C for 18–22 minutes, shaking.
- Simmer passata with garlic, chilli and paprika.
- Spoon sauce over the crispy potatoes.
Brava sauce
Soften garlic, stir in smoked paprika and a pinch of chilli, add passata and simmer until thick. Season and spoon over the hot, crispy potatoes — a drizzle of garlic aioli on top is traditional. Great on a tapas board with baked feta.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make patatas bravas in an air fryer?
Air fry seasoned potato cubes at 200°C for 18–22 minutes until crispy, then top with a smoky, spicy tomato brava sauce.
How do you get crispy patatas bravas?
Cut even 2cm cubes, dry them well, toss with a little oil, and cook in a single layer without overcrowding, shaking now and then.
What sauce goes on patatas bravas?
A smoky, slightly spicy tomato sauce made with smoked paprika and chilli, often with a drizzle of garlic aioli on top.