Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs of medium-sized potatoes, sliced into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- For the Mojo marinade:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 lime
Substitutions:
- Olive oil can be swapped for avocado oil for a higher smoke point.
- If you’re out of fresh oranges or limes, bottled juice can work in a pinch, though fresh is preferred for the best flavor.
Instructions
- Wash and Prep Potatoes: Start by thoroughly washing 2 lbs of medium-sized potatoes. Dry them well; moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Slice them into wedges, not too thin to ensure they don’t get too crispy and not too thick so they cook through nicely.
- Make the Mojo Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir in the juice of 1 orange and 1 lime. This marinade is the secret sauce; it’s what gives these potatoes their kick!
- Marinate Potatoes: Toss the potato wedges in the marinade until they’re well coated. Let them sit for about 15-20 minutes. This waiting time lets the potatoes soak up all those fantastic flavors.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: While the potatoes are marinating, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Getting the air fryer hot before you add the potatoes is crucial for that immediate sear and crispness.
- Seasoning Variations: Feel free to play around with the marinade. Adding a bit of chili powder can give it a spicy twist, or some dried herbs for an Italian vibe. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility.
- Arrange Potatoes in the Basket: After marinating, arrange the potato wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; they need space around them for the air to circulate and crisp them up evenly.
- Cooking Time and Temp: Cook at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes. Give them a shake or a turn halfway through to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.
- Serving: Once they’re golden and crispy, take them out and serve immediately. They’re perfect as is or with a dip. A cilantro yogurt dip or a simple ketchup works wonders.
Notes
- Choosing the Right Potatoes: For the best results, use medium-sized potatoes. They hold up well to slicing and have the perfect amount of starch for crisping.
- Seasoning: Don’t be shy with the seasonings. The air fryer’s high heat can mute flavors slightly, so a little extra can go a long way.
- Arranging the Potatoes: Proper arrangement in the air fryer basket is key. If you stack them or overcrowd, they’ll steam instead of crisp.
- Temperature and Time: These are critical for achieving the perfect texture. The high temp gets the outside crispy, while the inside stays tender.
- Serving Ideas: These Mojo Potatoes are versatile. Try them with grilled meats, as a side for brunch, or just as a snack during your next movie night.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (including marination)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Cuban-Inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/2 pound per person
- Calories: Approximately 200 kcal per serving (varies by size and condiments)
- Sugar: 2g (naturally occurring in potatoes and citrus juice)
- Sodium: 300mg (mainly from added salt, adjust to taste)
- Fat: 7g (primarily from olive oil)
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Mojo Potatoes Recipe Air Fryer