Patatas Bravas with Spicy Paprika Garlic Sauce (Air Fryer)
This classic Spanish tapa gets a modern twist by making the fries in the air fryer. The spicy paprika garlic sauce adds a great flavor dimension. Here's the recipe:
Ingredients:
For the patatas bravas (fries):
- 500 g waxy potatoes (for example the Charlotte potato)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salty
- Pepper
- Paprika powder (smoked, for extra flavour)
For the Spicy Paprika Garlic Sauce:
- 3 cloves of garlic (finely chopped)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato puree
- 1 tablespoon paprika powder (smoked or mild, as desired)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (more or less depending on your desired spiciness)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 50 ml water (or more for desired thickness)
- Salt to taste
- Optional: a little cayenne pepper for extra spice
Instructions:
1. Patatas Bravas (Airfryer):
- Preparation : Peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes of about 2-3 cm.
- Blanching (optional but recommended for extra crispiness): Cook the potato cubes in a pan of boiling water with a pinch of salt for 5-7 minutes, until slightly softened (but not yet cooked through).
- Drying : Pat the potatoes dry with a clean cloth or kitchen paper.
- Oil and herbs : Mix the potato cubes in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper and paprika powder.
- Airfrying : Place the potatoes in a single layer in the basket of your airfryer. Bake at 200°C for about 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through to ensure even cooking. They should be golden brown and crispy.
2. Spicy Paprika Garlic Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped garlic and fry for 1-2 minutes until golden brown (be careful not to burn the garlic!).
- Add the tomato puree, paprika powder, chili flakes and sugar. Stir well.
- Add the vinegar and water and let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and add salt or extra chili flakes to taste.
- Turn off the heat and set the sauce aside.
3. Serving:
- Serve the crispy potatoes in a bowl and spoon the spicy paprika-garlic sauce over them.
- You can also finish the dish nicely with some fresh parsley or chives for some extra color.
Tips:
- For an extra dimension of flavor, you can add some smoked salt or smoked paprika to the sauce or the fries.
- Variation : For a creamier sauce, add a spoonful of mayonnaise or a little crème fraîche to the sauce for a mild version.
- Crispiness : Shake the fries in the air fryer halfway through the baking time to ensure they become evenly crispy.
Enjoy your homemade Patatas Bravas with a delicious, spicy sauce!