Ingredients Overview
This recipe uses everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, yet the result tastes restaurant-quality.
🥔 Potato Base Ingredients
- 1.2 kg (about 2½ lb) potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
🧀 Optional Flavor Boosters (Highly Recommended)
- ½ cup grated mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or chives
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
🧄 Optional Toppings for Serving
- Sour cream or garlic yogurt sauce
- Ketchup or spicy mayo
- Melted cheese
- Crispy bacon bits
- Fresh herbs
🍽️ Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot
- Potato masher or ricer
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish or tray
- Parchment paper
- Sharp knife
- Spatula
🥔 Step 1: Preparing the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized chunks. This ensures they cook evenly.
Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Add a generous pinch of salt.
Bring to a boil and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender when pierced with a fork.
Drain the potatoes completely. Excess moisture will prevent crispiness.
🥣 Step 2: Mashing the Potatoes
While the potatoes are still hot, mash them thoroughly until smooth. Avoid leaving lumps, as they can affect texture.
Do not add milk or cream—this recipe relies on a dry mash to achieve crisp edges later.
Allow the mashed potatoes to cool slightly before adding the remaining ingredients.
🧂 Step 3: Seasoning and Binding
Add cornstarch, olive oil (or melted butter), salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to the mashed potatoes.
Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
If using cheese or herbs, gently fold them in at this stage.
The mixture should be thick, smooth, and easy to spread.
📐 Step 4: Shaping the Potato Slab
Line a rectangular baking dish or tray with parchment paper.
Spread the potato mixture evenly into the dish, pressing it down firmly with a spatula.
Aim for a thickness of about 2–2.5 cm (¾–1 inch) for the best texture.
Smooth the top evenly and lightly brush with olive oil.
❄️ Step 5: Chilling for Perfect Squares
Place the tray in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until the potato slab is firm.
This step is essential. Chilling helps the potatoes hold their shape and makes cutting clean squares much easier.
For faster results, you can chill in the freezer for 30 minutes.
🔪 Step 6: Cutting into Squares
Once chilled, lift the potato slab out using the parchment paper.
Place it on a cutting board and cut into equal squares using a sharp knife.
Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat edges.
🔥 Step 7: Cooking the Potato Squares
You have several cooking options depending on your preference:
🔥 Oven-Baked Method (Healthier)
Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
Arrange the potato squares on a lined baking sheet, leaving space between them.
Brush or spray lightly with oil.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, flip, then bake another 15–20 minutes until golden and crispy.
🍳 Pan-Fried Method (Extra Crispy)
Heat a generous layer of oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat.
Fry the potato squares in batches, turning gently, until all sides are golden and crispy.
Drain on paper towels.
🌬️ Air Fryer Method (Fast & Crispy)
Preheat air fryer to 200°C (390°F).
Lightly oil the potato squares and place in a single layer.
Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
🧀 Optional Cheese Finish
In the final 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle extra cheese on top of the squares and return to heat until melted and bubbly.
This adds incredible flavor and visual appeal.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve Crispy Potato Squares hot and fresh with:
- Garlic aioli or yogurt dip
- Spicy harissa or chili sauce
- Fried eggs for brunch
- Grilled chicken or steak
- Fresh salad for balance
They’re perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Parties and appetizers
- Lunchboxes
- Ramadan or holiday tables
🔁 Delicious Variations
- Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper
- Herb & Garlic: Mix in roasted garlic and fresh herbs
- Cheesy Deluxe: Stuff the center with cheese before chilling
- Vegan: Use olive oil and skip cheese
- Keto-Friendly: Replace potatoes with mashed cauliflower and almond flour
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat in oven or air fryer to restore crispiness
- Avoid microwaving—it softens the crust
- Freeze uncooked squares for up to 1 month
💡 Pro Tips for Extra Crispiness
- Always drain potatoes very well
- Cornstarch is key—don’t skip it
- Chill before cutting and cooking
- Use high heat for the final crisp
❤️ Final Thoughts
Crispy Potato Squares are simple, satisfying, and endlessly customizable. With their crunchy exterior and creamy interior, they’re guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether baked, fried, or air-fried, this recipe delivers perfect results every time.