Air fryer batata harra is an incredible Lebanese side dish made with crispy air-fried potato chunks tossed in a cilantro, garlic, and lemon dressing.
When I think of Lebanese spicy potatoes, the word "unbeatable" comes to mind.
The flavors achieved through this preparation are truly unmatched.
This air fryer batata harra recipe is inspired by the traditional deep-fried version but significantly reduces the amount of oil needed to create this popular side dish.
As a potato enthusiast - it's my favorite root vegetable, I also want to share my recipe for oven-roasted zaatar potatoes. I’m confident you will love them!
What to Serve with Air Fryer Batata Harra
You can usually find these delicious potatoes served as part of a mezze (small share plates).
Pair them with foods like air fryer Lebanese cauliflower with tahini, authentic falafel from Lebanon, creamy Middle Eastern eggplant dip, and fresh fattoush salad.
Key Ingredients
The complete list of ingredients with measurements, can be found in the full recipe card below.
When making air fryer batata harra, I always start with fresh potatoes by peeling and cutting them into roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. I prefer starchy varieties such as Desiree, King Edward, Maris Piper, Dutch Cream, Coliban, Idaho, Russet, Yukon Gold, or Sebago, as they provide the perfect crispy texture.
For the herbs, fresh cilantro (or coriander leaves, if you’re in Australia) is essential. I use both the leaves and soft stalks, ensuring they are well-washed and dried before finely chopping. You’ll need about 1 cup, divided into two portions: one for air frying and the other to toss with the potatoes at the end. The combination of cilantro and crushed garlic gives batata harra its signature herby and garlicky flavor.
For the spiciness, you can use either fresh or dried chili, depending on your spice preference. I typically use dried bird’s eye chili, as I had some on hand. I chop up a whole chili, seeds included, and mix it into the potatoes while they air fry for an added kick.
Once the potatoes are done, dress them with freshly squeezed lemon juice, as it provides the distinct sour finish that batata harra is known for. I don’t recommend using store-bought lemon juice, as it lacks the same brightness.
For cooking, I prefer avocado oil because of its high smoke point, but feel free to use any neutral oil you like. The full recipe can be found in the recipe card below.
Variations
Air fryer batata harra can be transformed into batata b kizbara, which translates to "potatoes in coriander (cilantro)." To make this adjustment, simply remove the chili from the recipe.
You can also modify the amounts of garlic, chili, lemon, and coriander (cilantro) to match your preferences.
Janelle's Tips
Changing the size of the potato cubes will affect the cooking time. If you use larger cubes, you may need to air fry them for a longer period. It's crucial to ensure that all ingredients are dry before cooking; otherwise, the potatoes won't crisp up in the air fryer.
To achieve a fancier look, I used a crinkle cut knife to cube my potatoes.
Different air fryer models have varying settings, so I recommend keeping an eye on the potatoes the first time you make this recipe. The air fryer I am using is similar to the one you may have to adjust your settings to suit.
After cubing the potatoes, I soak them in water for at least 15 minutes. This helps remove some of the starch, making them even crispier in the air fryer.
If you are using an air fryer with a pan, like I am, give the potatoes a toss mid-way through air frying.
FAQ
It's best to enjoy batata harra right away, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. When you're ready to reheat them, use an air fryer, oven, or pan until they're crispy again, although they won't have the same freshness as when they were first made.
It's better to prepare the dressing in advance instead of pre-cooking the potatoes. When potatoes are mixed with the dressing, they soften quickly and lose their crispiness.
Did you make this? I'd love to know! Leave me a comment below with a ★★★★★ star rating or tag @plantbasedfolk on social media.
Recipe
Air Fryer Batata Harra
Ingredients
- 5 medium - large Potatoes 2½ cm (1") cubes
- 1 medium Lemon Juiced
- 1½ tablespoons Oil or as needed
- 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
Instructions
- Soak the diced potatoes in cold water for 15 minutes. Drain them in a colander and pat dry thoroughly with a paper or tea towel.Cut the potatoes into 1" (2½ cm) cubes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the potato cubes with oil, half the chopped coriander, chili, crushed garlic, and salt. Toss until potatoes are well-coated.
- Place potatoes in an air fryer and cook on high for 15 minutes. Toss them and continue frying for another 13-15 minutes, or until golden and tender.
- Transfer the air-fried potatoes back to the bowl, add the remaining coriander, and drizzle with lemon juice. Gently toss to combine. Adjust salt if needed and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
Equipment
Nutrition
N.B., nutrition info is an estimate based on an online nutrition calculator. This will vary based on the specific ingredients you use.
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Nayla
Hi Janelle! This looks so damn good 😀 I'd like to make this recipe for a big Lebanese lunching I'm throwing for friends next weekend, however I don't own an air fryer. Do you have any preferred instructions (deep frying vs. roasting in the oven) on how to otherwise cook the potatoes?
Janelle Hama
Hi Nayla,
Oh I love batata harra so much, your friends are going to love it!
Either version works well.
If you don't mind oil, try the deep fried version. Deep-fry plain potatoes first, then shallow fry with the half of the other ingredients until crispy. Then toss through the other half of the ingredients. This method requires a lot of oil.
Or go for the par boiling version, boil the potatoes (about 10 minutes) until they have just started to soften (not cooked) and then either roast them, or shallow pan-frying with half of the other ingredients and then tossing the remaining ingredients. If using the oven method, preheat your oven to 200C (390F) and roast (tossed in some oil and half the amount of cilantro) until crispy golden brown, then toss through the remaining ingredients.
No matter which method you use, to keep your potatoes crispy, add the lemon juice just before serving.
Enjoy!! If you have any other questions, let me know, happy to help 🙂
Janelle
Nayla
This is perfect!! Thanks SO much Janelle, I really appreciate the additional instructions <3 I'm sure my friends are going to go crazy for this dish 😀
BTW growing up, my mother would also add the lemon juice. I find that it's not all that common in other Lebanese households and in Lebanese restaurants, so I'm glad you incorporate it as well!
Janelle Hama
My pleasure, any time 🙂
That's why I love sharing recipes as there so many variations between families and regions, not everyone makes foods the same.
Sahtein.
Lily
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!
Brad
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!
Janelle Hama
I am glad that you found PBF and you enjoyed the air fried batata harra. Hope you enjoy the next recipe you make too 🙂
Addie
These potatoes are so flavorful! This is a great side dish. Yum!
Arwa
These spicy potatoes are delicious! Thanks for the great idea with the cilantro seasoning!
Lindsay
These are SO good! Even though they were a little spicy my kids still really liked them. Thanks for the nice recipe!
Fay
You had me at potatoes, then I saw air fryer and I got really excited! These were so delicious, simple but full of flavour!
Kerry
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.
Ellen
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?
Janelle
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