Potato Thyme
Submitted by cpthansolo
Crispy air fryer thyme potatoes or oven-roasted version with golden edges and creamy centers. Easy 4-ingredient side dish using new potatoes, olive oil, and fresh thyme. Quick weeknight or holiday side ready in under 30 minutes in the air fryer.
YIELD
4 servingsPREP
5 minCOOK
40 minREADY
45 hrsSometimes the simplest side is the one you reach for again and again. Four ingredients, one pan, and you get roasted potatoes with golden, crackly edges and soft, creamy centers.
Red new potatoes are the right choice here. They are waxy rather than starchy, so they hold their shape when quartered and turn buttery-soft inside while crisping nicely on the outside.
A good coat of olive oil is what does the crisping. It conducts heat against the cut sides of the potatoes, browning them into that crunchy, caramelized crust everyone fights over.
Fresh thyme brings an earthy, almost lemony, woodsy note that clings to the oil and perfumes every bite without overpowering the potato.
The one rule that matters: give them room. Spread the potatoes in a single layer with space between them, or they will steam instead of roast and never crisp up.
Kitchen Tips
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer, cut-side down, so they brown instead of steaming.
- Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces so they cook and crisp at the same rate.
- Resist stirring too often; leaving them undisturbed builds the best golden crust.
- Salt at the start and again after roasting to season every layer.
- Taste one potato at the 30-minute mark. New potatoes vary in size and moisture.
Variations
- Toss in whole garlic cloves to roast alongside for sweet, mellow flavor.
- Add rosemary or oregano in place of, or alongside, the thyme.
- Finish with a squeeze of lemon and grated parmesan for a brighter, richer side.
Ingredients
Directions
Scrub the potatoes well under cold water. Cut each into quarters for even cooking. Pat them completely dry with a clean towel.
In a large bowl, toss the quartered potatoes with the olive oil, thyme leaves, and salt until every piece shines.
Oven method
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread potatoes in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast 30-40 minutes, shaking the pan halfway, until edges turn deep golden and crisp while centers soften.
Air fryer method
For best crispiness in a standard basket-style air fryer, use 1 pound of potatoes (or cook in two batches).
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange potatoes in a single layer. Cook 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5-7 minutes, until deeply golden and fork-tender.
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