Crispy roast potatoes are a key staple of a perfect Christmas dinner, but there’s a common mistake that could spoil your spuds, according to a chef.
As we gear up for the festive season, preparing for the centrepiece can be stressful, and avoiding this particular error is essential for achieving the ideal crunchy coating on your roast potatoes, says the chef.
Marc Williams, the cookery school director at the five-star hotel The Grand in York, shared a crucial tip for achieving perfect roast potatoes.
He advised allowing the parboiled potatoes to cool completely before roasting, emphasising that draining them and placing them directly into the oven is a common mistake, as it hinders the crisping process.
The expert told Mirror.co.uk: “To get the perfect potatoes, peel them, add them to cold water and bring them to a boil.
Read more: ‘Simple and delicious’ sausage rolls contain one unique ingredient – recipe
“Boil for around six minutes until the edges soften. Then, strain them and wait until the steam stops. You’ll never get a crisp result if they are full of water.”
After allowing the parboiled potatoes to drain and cool, Marc recommended additional steps for achieving the ultimate crisp on roast potatoes.
Preheating the chosen fat in a hot oven (with duck fat being his preference), seasoning the potatoes, and carefully adding and basting them in the fat are crucial.
Roasting for approximately twenty minutes in a hot oven before turning them over helps create a crust underneath, preventing the potatoes from sticking to the tray.
For a unique twist this year, consider skipping the oven and using an air fryer for your roast potatoes and parsnips.
According to Marc, air fryers are fantastic for roast potatoes and significantly reduce cooking times.
Opt for air fryers with two sections, allowing you to cook at different temperatures simultaneously, such as honey-glazed parsnips at 180C and roast potatoes at 200C.
This alternative not only offers convenience but also frees up oven space during the Christmas meal preparations.
Marc said: “They are fantastic for roast potatoes and cut down cooking times drastically. The air fryers with two sections are great for cooking at different temperatures.
“Try honey-glazed parsnips on one side at 180C and roast potatoes on the other at 200C.”
