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Home » Vegan Lebanese Recipes

Batata Harra (Lebanese Spicy Potatoes)

Published: Sep 28, 2021 · Modified: Jun 27, 2022 by Janelle Hama

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Batata harra or Lebanese spicy potatoes have been air-fried and tossed through coriander (cilantro), lemon, garlic, and chili. A highly popular dish in Lebanon and the Middle East.

batata harra in a grey plate
The most delicious way to enjoy potatoes is batata harra

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Jump to:
  • What is Batata Harra?
  • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients You’ll Need
  • How to Make Batata Harra
  • Pro Tips
  • Variations
  • ❓FAQ
  • Serving Suggestions
  • More Potato Recipes
  • Batata Harra (Lebanese Spicy Potatoes)

What is Batata Harra?

Batata harra or Lebanese spicy potatoes is a naturally vegan dish consisting of fried potato pieces that have been tossed through cilantro (coriander), garlic, and chili.

The spiciness of this dish comes from the added chili which can be adjusted to suit.

Traditionally batata harra is deep-fried in oil, however, an air fryer has been used in this recipe, which yields amazing results as the deep-fried alternative.

If you do not have an air fryer, you can oven roast instead if you prefer to avoid deep frying.

Batata Harra in English

The Arabic word “batata harra” translates to “potato spicy” in English.

However, this meal is commonly referred to as Lebanese spicy potatoes and has been called by a few other names including Lebanese potatoes, Arabic potatoes, Middle Eastern potatoes, coriander potatoes or cilantro potatoes, or additionally batata bi kizbara “potatoes in coriander” for those who tend to omit the chili.

lebanese spicy potatoes and air fried cauliflower in two grey plates

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Vegan and gluten-free
  • A new way to enjoy potatoes which hold a good amount of nutrition
  • Air fried and not deep fried
  • Gorgeous flavoring with a slightly crispy yet soft texture
  • A versatile Lebanese side dish that can be paired with so many other foods

Ingredients You’ll Need

Batata harra ingredients laid out

Notes on some of the ingredients, the full list of ingredients and their measurements can be found in the recipe card below.

Potatoes should be fresh, peeled, and then cubed into 2½ cm (1") cubes. A good starchy potato such as Russet or Yukon Gold works well.

After peeling the potatoes place them into a bowl of water for at least 15 minutes, this will help expel excess starch and in turn create some crispiness when fried.

Cilantro, (coriander leaves AU) (cilantro in Arabic is “kiz-ba-rra”), should be fresh.

Use the leaves and soft stalks and finely chop up after washing and thoroughly drying. You will need 1 cup divided into 2 portions; 1 for air frying and the other for tossing the air-fried potatoes through at the end.

The coriander in batata harra is the hero in this dish (in my opinion). 

Chilli can be used fresh or dried. The type of chili selected can be left up to you and your threshold for spiciness.

In this recipe, I have used dried bird’s eye chili, mainly because I have quite a bit in my pantry.

I will generally chop up a whole chili, seeds and all, to toss through these Lebanese spicy potatoes whilst air frying.

Fresh lemon juice is used to dress the batata once they have been air-fried. I do not recommend store-bought lemon juice.

Oil should be selected based on its high smoking point. I have used avocado oil (affiliate link), however, any neutral oil is okay.

Fresh garlic cloves are best to use in this recipe. You can either finely chop or crush the garlic.

How to Make Batata Harra

Step 1 - Soak potatoes in cold water (after dicing) for 15 minutes. Thoroughly dry with a paper towel or tea towel.

Step 2 - In a bowl mix potato, oil, half the coriander (cilantro), chili, garlic, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly mixed together.

Step 3 - Transfer to an air fryer and fry on high for 15 minutes, then toss and fry for another 13-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked.

Step 4 - Place air-fried potatoes in the same mixing bowl as used in step 2 and add the remaining coriander (cilantro) and lemon juice. Toss all ingredients and adjust salt if required. Serve immediately.

cubed potatoes in a bowl of water
raw batata harra in an air fryer pan

Pro Tips

Changing the size of the potato cubes will change the cooking time i.e., if larger cubes are used, you may need to air fry for longer.

Ensuring that all ingredients are dry before cooking is vital, otherwise, the potatoes will not crisp up in the air fryer.

Air Fryer’s differ in makes & models and have different settings.

I recommend keeping an eye out on the batata when you first make this recipe. This is a similar air fryer (affiliate link) to what I am using.

I like to toss my Lebanese spicy potatoes in the lemon juice (step 4) just before serving, this will help keep them crisp for longer.

Variations

Air fryer batata harra can be turned into batata b kizbara which translates to potatoes in coriander (cilantro). You can do this by simply removing the chili altogether from the recipe.

The amount of garlic, chili, lemon, and coriander (cilantro) can be adjusted to suit your taste. 

Adding all the coriander (cilantro) to the Arabic potatoes before air-frying is also a good option, I just love having the contrast of both the fried and fresh herb, I find it more aromatic.

Other Methods of Cooking Lebanese Spicy Potatoes

Double frying is the original method used in Lebanon, this includes deep-frying plain potatoes first, then shallow frying with the other ingredients.

Roasting the potatoes is also a good option, simply preheat your oven to 200C (390F) and roast (tossed in a little amount of oil and half the amount of cilantro) until crispy golden brown, then toss through the remaining ingredients.

Parboiling is the method that includes boiling the potatoes (about 10 minutes) until they have just started to soften (not cooked) and then either roasting, air frying, or shallow pan-frying with half of the other ingredients and then tossing the remaining ingredients.

close up of Lebanese spicy potatoes

❓FAQ

Can I store batata harra?

Whilst it is advisable to enjoy batata harra immediately, they can be stored in an air-tight container in the fridge for a few days. To heat up, add them back into the air fryer, oven or pan until crispy again, though they will not be like when freshly made.

Can I make Lebanese spicy potatoes ahead of time?

It is advisable to prepare the sauce ahead of time rather than pre-cooking the potatoes. As the potatoes are tossed in a sauce, they will soften very quickly and will lose their crispiness.

What is coriander in Arabic?

The Arabic word for coriander (cilantro) is “kizbarra” pronounced as kiz-ba-rra.

What is a mezze?

Mezze is a selection of small differing dishes that are enjoyed in one sitting. These dishes can be a combination of hot and cold dishes. 

batata harra in a grey bowl with chillis on the side

Serving Suggestions

Batata harra is usually featured as part of a mezze, side or part of a wrap. Try them with;

Arnabeet mekle, Lebanese fried cauliflower

Vegan Shawarma - this is the best vegan shawarma recipe

Quinoa Taboula, based off the the famous Lebanese parsley salad.

Easy made from scratch falafel 

Baba Ghanouj the famous Middle Eastern eggplant dip

It is also perfect with your next vegan roast check out these vegan roast recipes.

More Potato Recipes

For a Lebanese cold potato recipe try my Lebanese potato salad.

One of my favorites is this potato stew.

Or check out this curated list of vegan potato recipes.

  • Lebanese potato salad salata batata in a bowl up close
    Lebanese Potato Salad With Spring Onion (Salata Batata)
  • air fried french fries in a bowl
    Air Fried French Fries
  • Lebanese Kibbeh with Sultanas
    Lebanese Kibbeh (Vegetarian Kibbeh)
  • Vegan hash browns in a hand
    Baked Vegan Hash Browns

Or try this Patatas Bravas recipe from Europe dishes.

Did you enjoy making air fryer batata harra (Lebanese spicy potatoes)? I would love to hear from you, leave me a comment below and give me a rating. This will help me sustain Plant Based Folk. 

Alternatively, did you happen to take a photo of your food? Tag me @plantbasedfolk on Instagram to be featured via stories. If you love sharing your vegan food pics, join the PBF community group. If you’re into fast cooking vids, join me on Tiktok.

batata harra in a grey plate

Batata Harra (Lebanese Spicy Potatoes)

Batata harra or Lebanese spicy potatoes that have been air fried and tossed through coriander (cilantro), lemon and chilli. The ultimate way to enjoy potatoes.
Print Pin Rate Save Recipe Saved Recipe
Course: sides
Cuisine: Lebanese
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Janelle Hama

Ingredients

  • 5 medium - large Potatoes 2½ cm (1") cubes
  • 1 medium Lemon Juiced
  • 1½ tablespoons Oil
  • 1 cup Coriander (cilantro) finely chopped
  • 3 large Garlic cloves crushed
  • ¼ tablespoon Salt or to taste
  • 2-3 Birds eye chilli or any chilli you prefer, finely chopped
Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

  • Soak potatoes in cold water once diced for 15 minutes. The thoroughly dry with a paper towel or tea towel.
    5 medium - large Potatoes
  • In a bowl mix potato, oil, half the coriander (cilantro), chilli, garlic and salt. Make sure potatoes are evenly coated.
    1½ tablespoons Oil, 1 cup Coriander, 3 large Garlic cloves, ¼ tablespoon Salt, 2-3 Birds eye chilli
  • Transfer potatoes to air fryer and fry on high for 15 minutes, then tossing and frying for another 13-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked.
  • Place air fried potatoes in the same mixing bowl and add the remaining coriander (cilantro) and lemon juice. Mix through all ingredients and adjust salt if required. Serve immediately.
    1 medium Lemon

Video


Notes

Cooking times may vary if the size of the potato cubes are different
All ingredients should be thoroughly dry prior to cooking - this will ensure potatoes crisp up
Air Fryer’s differ in makes & models and have different settings, I recommend keeping a watch whilst cooking the potatoes
Toss the Lebanese spicy potatoes in the lemon juice (step 4) right before serving, as this will soften the potatoes.
Try this recipe with;
Arnabeet mekle, Lebanese fried cauliflower
Vegan Shawarma - this is the best vegan shawarma recipe
Tabouli, the famous Lebanese parsley salad.
Easy made from scratch falafel 
Baba Ghanouj the famous Middle Eastern eggplant dip

Equipment

air fryer

Nutrition

Calories: 223kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 13g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 562mg | Potassium: 2693mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 3532IU | Vitamin C: 350mg | Calcium: 748mg | Iron: 25mg

N.B., nutrition info is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. This will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.


Tried this recipe?Mention @Plantbasedfolk or tag #plantbasedfolk

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Reader Interactions

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Lily

    March 10, 2023 at 2:27 am

    5 stars
    Batata harra is one of my favorite potato recipes, and now using the air fryer, it's going to be on repeat at my home. I try not to fry food in oil often, so this is a great solution for crispy potatoes with cilantro, garlic, and spice!

    Reply
  2. Brad

    November 10, 2022 at 3:52 pm

    5 stars
    Ahhh hello batata harra. My family and I had this at a Lebanese restaurant and we wanted to try and make it at home but with minimal oil. Found your air fryer version and we couldn’t be more happier. We are excited to try more of your Lebanese recipes, it’s hard to find good ones, and especially as we (family) are trying to eat more vegetables.

    Thumbs up!

    Reply
    • Janelle Hama

      November 10, 2022 at 4:02 pm

      I am glad that you found PBF and you enjoyed the air fried batata harra. Hope you enjoy the next recipe you make too 🙂

      Reply
  3. Addie

    May 01, 2022 at 1:25 pm

    5 stars
    These potatoes are so flavorful! This is a great side dish. Yum!

    Reply
  4. Arwa

    April 28, 2022 at 4:16 am

    5 stars
    These spicy potatoes are delicious! Thanks for the great idea with the cilantro seasoning!

    Reply
  5. Lindsay

    March 27, 2022 at 10:25 pm

    5 stars
    These are SO good! Even though they were a little spicy my kids still really liked them. Thanks for the nice recipe!

    Reply
  6. Fay

    February 18, 2022 at 1:33 am

    5 stars
    You had me at potatoes, then I saw air fryer and I got really excited! These were so delicious, simple but full of flavour!

    Reply
  7. Kerry

    December 04, 2021 at 1:45 am

    5 stars
    We just had a get together where I served a mezze. I served these along with tabbouleh, hummus and falafel. Everyone absolutely love the potatoes. They were the star of the show.

    Reply
  8. Ellen

    September 30, 2021 at 10:15 am

    5 stars
    Hi Janelle,

    Made these yesterday without the chilli, someone in my family suffers from reflux. Everyone loved them. I’d like to know however, how did you cut your potatoes like that?

    Reply
    • Janelle

      September 30, 2021 at 4:42 pm

      Hi Ellen,

      Thank you for making my batata harra, which are just as good without the chilli 🙂

      I used a crinkle knife to cut them, similar to this one https://amzn.to/3AX6HJp *

      J

      Reply

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Hello, I'm Janelle, a culinary enthusiast with over two decades of cooking experience and a keen interest in creating delicious vegan Lebanese recipes.

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