Spicy Potato and Cilantro (Batata Harra) in Arabic, is a spicy potato dish that is quick to prepare. It’s usually prepared as a warm appetizer or what is called “meza” in Arabic.
Of course, you can prepare it as a side dish with other fried/air fried or baked veggies like cauliflower and eggplant. Add a side of tabbouli and hummus to that, YUMMM, but I digress.
In this recipe, the potatoes are fried or roasted before being tossed in a sauce made of olive oil, garlic, paprika, red chili flakes, cilantro, and fresh lemon juice. The end result is a scrumptious potato dish that everyone should try!
Simple, Versatile, and Delicious!
This Batata Harra recipe turns traditional roasted potatoes into a flavorful and delectable side dish! The best part is that you only need a few simple ingredients to make these deliciously spicy potatoes.
If you enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, you must try this recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A new way to enjoy potatoes
- Gluten-free and vegan
- A healthy choice because the potatoes are baked or air friend and not deep fried
- Versatile and goes with so many dishes
A Wonderful Appetizer
Air Fried Spicy Potato and Cilantro (Batata Harra)
This is a cleaner version of this dish since traditionally the potatoes are deep fried. For this recipe, you can air fry for 30 min on 450, toss once or twice in between.
Once finished add in all the ingredients in the recipe card minus the olive oil (or use a drizzle of it) or use cooking oil spray instead.
Here are some advantages of using the air-fryer:
You can save on oil since it only requires a tablespoon or less of oil.
It cooks by hot-air circulation so no deep frying in fatty oils.
You can cut fat content almost up to 75%.
Studies show that air-fried foods have similar texture and moisture content as deep-fried foods.
It aids in weight loss prevention.
It decreases the formation of harmful compounds like acrylamide.
The cleanup is also much faster than deep frying.
Possible Benefits of Cilantro
Cilantro has many possible health benefits. It may reduce Inflammation and the risk factors for heart disease. It may also lower blood sugar levels and help fight infections.
Crisp, Spicy, and Fresh!
How to Adjust the Heat Level in this Recipe
In this recipe, I use paprika and cayenne pepper. Paprika cools the dish without sacrificing flavor.
You can adjust the spice level to your liking – if you are sensitive to spicy food, I recommend using Aleppo pepper and substituting chili powder for the red pepper flakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some people prefer to eat this recipe warm, while others prefer it cold, straight from the fridge. It will keep in the fridge for a few days and can be reheated or served cold. Cold potatoes do not appeal to me. I love this dish when it’s warm.
Golden or Yukon gold potatoes are best. They’re fairly waxy, so they keep their shape.. If you can’t find Yukon gold, Russet is a good choice too.
I don’t recommend making Batata Harra ahead of time. They’re delicious when fresh, just like French fries, but they get soggy and lose flavor if you prepare them ahead of time.
Still, if you want to make them in advance, you can boil the potatoes and then fry and season them right before serving.
Both cilantro and coriander come from the Coriandrum sativum plant. In the United States, cilantro refers to the plant’s leaves and stem, whereas coriander refers to the dried seeds. Internationally, the leaves and stems are called coriander, whereas its dried seeds are called coriander seeds.
It is best to use fresh cilantro leaves because the freshness adds a lot to the flavor. However, if you don’t have fresh cilantro, dried cilantro can be used in its place.
Crispy Outside, Tender Inside
Tips for Crispy Air-Fryer Potatoes
Use Yukon or Russet potatoes because they keep their shape better.
Soak the potato cubes for at least 15 minutes in cold water. After draining the potatoes, pat them dry with paper towels.
Toss the potatoes in a small amount of neutral oil (vegetable, avocado..etc).
Shake the air fryer every 5-6 minutes so that the potatoes remain crispy.
Ingredients for Spicy Potato and Cilantro (Batata Harra)
Potatoes: I use fairly large yellow potatoes, but you can also use Russet, Yukon Gold, Maris Piper, Red potatoes, and other varieties.
Cilantro: Whenever possible, use fresh cilantro. However, a few readers have tried it with dried, ground coriander and enjoyed it.
Garlic: Use finely chopped fresh garlic.
Lemon: Use fresh lemons
Crushed Red Pepper: Feel free to use a chili that has a level of heat that you are comfortable with.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: EVOO is the best choice for this recipe. If necessary, you can substitute another neutral high-heat cooking oil like avocado oil
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How To Make Spicy Potato and Cilantro (Batata Harra)
Preheat oven to 400°F. Peel the potatoes then cube them into ½ inch cubes. Prepare baking sheet with cooking oil spray then place the cubed potatoes and bake for about 45-50 minutes until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
10 min before the potatoes are finished, add in the chopped cilantro, garlic then place back into the oven for the remaining 10 minutes.
Remove from the oven then finish off by drizzling olive oil, salt, paprika, lemon (add more if needed). Combine until all ingredients are well incorporated. Enjoy alone or with pita bread
This dish is best warm but can be eaten cold, too. Add some extra lemon juice on your plate for a more zesty kick!
Recipes you may want to try:
- MEAT POTATO ONION EGG SKILLET
- KIBBEH BIL SANIEH (BAKED KIBBEH)
- CRISPY CRUNCHY AIR FRYER CAULIFLOWER
- BRAISED GREEN BEANS- LOUBIEH BZEIT
- PERFECT WHITE VERMICELLI RICE
- CHICKEN FETTUCINE ALFREDO
- DURUM WHEAT CHICKEN SOUP- FRIKEH
- QUICK SPICY BEEF (SUJUK) PIZZA
- LEBANESE MAAMOUL COOKIES
- BEEF SHAWARMA EGG ROLLS – AIR FRIED
- MEAT PIES – LAHME BI AJEEN
- LOADED LABNE TOAST
- CRISPY CRUNCHY AIR FRYER CAULIFLOWER
- QUICK SKIN-PEEL ROASTED EGGPLANT HACK
Spicy Potato and Cilantro (Batata Harra)
Ingredients
- 5 large potatoes
- ¼ cup olive oil extra virgin
- 5-7 cloves garlic minced
- ½ bunch cilantro coarsely chopped
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- crushed red pepper desired amount, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Peel the potatoes then cube them into ½ inch cubes.
- Prepare baking sheet with cooking oil spray or 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place the cubed potatoes and drizzle the rest of the olive oil and mix them in until coated.
- Bake for about 45-50 minutes until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Remove the potatoes from the oven 10 min before they are finished. Mix in the chopped cilantro and garlic then place back into the oven for the remaining 10 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and add salt, paprika, lemon (add more if needed). Combine until all ingredients are well incorporated. Enjoy alone or with pita bread.
Video
Notes
Tips for Crispy Air-Fryer Potatoes
Use Yukon or Russet potatoes because they keep their shape better. Soak the potato cubes for at least 15 minutes in cold water. After draining the potatoes, pat them dry with paper towels. Toss the potatoes in a small amount of neutral oil (vegetable, avocado..etc). Shake the air fryer every 5-6 minutes so that the potatoes remain crispy.
Leah says
Yum! Everything about this recipe sounds wonderful. I love to use my air fryer, not only for the healthier aspect, but it’s so fast!! I’m pinning this recipe so I remember to try it out soon. Thanks for sharing!
Lama says
Thank you so much for you wonderful feedback!! 🙂
Rola says
Such a flavorful lebanese dish! I’m used to frying them but I tried baking them and they came out so crispy!
Zeina says
This AIR FRIED SPICY POTATO AND CILANTRO is sooo flavorful. I’ve done it before but always fried the potatoes. I used the air fryer today and they were sooo crispy. Thanks a bunch.
Lilly says
Great recipe and very nice shots. I Feel like grabbing a few of those potato cubes now.
Christina says
Excellent! I followed the recipe as is! The potatoes were spicy, garlicky, and crispy. Will add this recipe to our dinner rotation! Thank u
Diana says
Can these be airfried? What temperature and how long?
Lama says
Hi Diana, yes you can air fry the potatoes. I have included details in the blog for the air frying option 🙂 30 min on 450, toss once or twice in between. Once finished add in all the ingredients in the recipe card minus the olive oil (or use a drizzle of it) or use cooking oil spray instead.
Lora De says
One of my favorite potato recipes! I love it extra spicy
Lama says
Me too!! Yum!
Claudia says
Made this recipe exactly as you mentioned but added some extra chili flakes. It came out perfect
NOUR G says
This is one of my favorite Lebanese dishes. Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe