This festive season, a savvy kitchen hack is set to revolutionise the humble roast potato, using a surprisingly cheap and simple ingredient. Food writer Nicola Roy has discovered that a tin of potatoes, costing just 39p from Tesco, can be transformed into incredibly crispy roasties using an air fryer.
The Ultimate Festive Kitchen Hack
With many households across the UK looking to save time and energy this Christmas, the air fryer has become a go-to appliance for festive cooking. In a trial first conducted back in 2022, Nicola put the budget-friendly tinned spuds to the test. The result was a batch of roast potatoes that were not only quick and easy but delivered a phenomenal crunch, ready in under 30 minutes.
The process begins by draining the tin of new potatoes and cutting each one in half. Because they are pre-cooked in the tin, they are already soft, which significantly reduces preparation and cooking time. The halved potatoes are then boiled for around five minutes before being drained in a colander.
Mastering the Crispy Texture
The key to achieving the iconic roast potato texture is in the fluffing. After boiling, the potatoes are given a vigorous shake in the colander and left to steam for a few minutes. This step helps to rough up the edges, which is crucial for creating maximum crispiness. While traditional recipes often recommend Maris Piper potatoes for their fluffy interior, this method proves that tinned new potatoes can also deliver an outstanding result.
Once steamed, the potatoes are returned to the pot. A tablespoon of oil, along with a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning, is stirred through to coat them evenly. The next step is where the air fryer works its magic.
Air Frying to Perfection
Using her Russell Hobbs SatisFry model, which she notes is ideal for a single-person household, Nicola spread the potatoes in a single layer in the basket. The crucial tip is to avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking and crisping. The potatoes were then cooked at 190°C for 25 minutes, with the basket given a good shake halfway through the cooking time.
The outcome was a pleasant surprise. Despite initial doubts, the potatoes emerged from the air fryer with a gorgeous golden, crispy exterior. They were so delicious straight from the basket that they were devoured as a festive snack without any need for toppings, though they would pair perfectly with gravy, leftover turkey, or cranberry sauce.
This simple, cost-effective recipe has become a festive staple, proving that a perfect roast potato doesn't require expensive ingredients or hours of effort. With just a 39p tin and an air fryer, you can create a standout side dish or snack this Christmas.
