Crispy Pickle Potatoes With Herbed Yoghurt
Looking for the perfect side dish that ticks all the boxes: crispy, crunchy, tangy, and creamy? This is that recipe.
The Benefits of Air Frying Potatoes
But Air frying has revolutionised how we prepare and enjoy classic dishes, offering a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods without sacrificing taste or texture.
When it comes to potatoes, air frying offers several notable benefits:
- Healthier Cooking Option: Air frying requires minimal to no oil, reducing the overall fat content of the dish compared to deep frying. This makes air-fried potatoes a lighter and more nutritious option for those seeking to cut back on unhealthy fats.
- Crispy Exterior, Tender Interior: Air frying produces potatoes with a crispy, golden-brown exterior and a soft, fluffy interior, reminiscent of traditional deep-fried potatoes. The circulating hot air ensures even cooking and consistent results, yielding perfectly cooked potatoes every time.
- Time and Energy Efficiency: Air frying is a faster cooking method compared to conventional oven baking, saving both time and energy. Preheating is typically not required, and the rapid air circulation speeds up the cooking process, making air-fried potatoes a convenient choice for busy home cooks.
- Versatility: Air fryers offer versatility in cooking a variety of potato dishes, from fries and wedges to hash browns and, of course, smashed potatoes. With adjustable temperature settings and cooking times, you can customise your air-fried potato creations to suit your preferences.
- But don’t worry, as always, there are oven instructions in the recipe too.
Pick a Pickle
Pickles, with their tangy flavour and crunchy texture, add a unique twist to this smashed potato recipe. Here’s how pickles elevate the dish:
- Flavour Enhancement: Pickles contribute a burst of tanginess and acidity to the smashed potatoes, balancing the richness of the dish and adding depth of flavour. The briny notes of pickles complement the earthy sweetness of the potatoes.
- Textural Contrast: The crunchiness of pickles provides a textural contrast to the soft, creamy potatoes. Each bite offers a satisfying combination of textures, enhancing the overall eating experience and adding intrigue to the dish.
- Visual Appeal: The vibrant green of pickles add visual interest and contrast to the dish.
Herbed Yoghurt: A Refreshing Accompaniment
Herbed yoghurt serves as a refreshing and flavorful accompaniment to air-fryer pickle smashed potatoes, offering a creamy contrast to the savoury potatoes and tangy pickles.
Fresh herbs such as dill, parsley, or chives infused into the yoghurt impart a burst of aromatic flavour and vibrant colour, enhancing the overall presentation and adding a touch of sophistication to the dish.
If you following a vegan lifestyle, there are several plant-based alternatives to traditional yoghurt that can be used in this recipe:
- Coconut Yoghurt: Coconut yoghurt, made from coconut milk or coconut cream, offers a creamy texture and subtle sweetness that pairs well with the savoury flavours of the potatoes and tangy pickles.
- Almond Yoghurt: Almond yoghurt, derived from almonds and enriched with probiotics, provides a nutty flavour and smooth consistency, making it a suitable vegan alternative for herbed yoghurt.
- Soy Yoghurt: Soy yoghurt, made from fermented soy milk, offers a neutral flavour profile and creamy texture, making it a versatile option for incorporating herbs and seasonings in vegan yoghurt dips.
Incorporating these vegan yoghurt alternatives ensures everyone can enjoy these air-fryer pickle smashed potatoes, regardless of dietary restrictions or preferences.
Loved These Crispy Pickle Smashed Potatoes?
If you try this recipe, let us know how it goes! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag your photo #theculinarycartel on Instagram so we can see what you come up with. I also recommend these potato recipes if you’re looking for something unusually yummy:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is!
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes! You can oven-roast the potatoes on convection (fan) at 180°C (375°F) for about 40 – 50 minutes until golden and very crispy.
What kind of yoghurt can I use?
Plain whole milk yoghurt or Greek yoghurt will both work well. Alternatively use a vegan soy or coconut-based yoghurt alternative.
Is this recipe vegan?
No, the recipe uses yoghurt. You can substitute a vegan yoghurt alternative or omit the yoghurt layer entirely.
Can I use a different type of pickle?
Absolutely! Dill pickles are classic but try sweet pickles, bread and butter pickles, or another variety you enjoy.
What can I serve this dish with?
These crispy pickle smashed potatoes pair well with grilled meats, roasted chicken, fish, or even as a vegetarian main course with a side salad.
Can I substitute fresh herbs for dried herbs?
Yes, but you’ll need to use a smaller amount. A general rule is 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs equals 1 teaspoon of dried herbs.
I don’t have fresh dill. Can I use another herb?
Sure! Fresh chives, parsley, or a combination would work well.
What if I don’t have whole-grain mustard?
Dijon mustard is a good substitute.
How can I tell if the potatoes are done?
The potatoes are done when they are easily pierced with a fork and can be easily smashed.
My potatoes aren’t crisping up, what can I do?
Make sure the potatoes are completely dry before adding them to the air fryer or oven. You can also try increasing the cooking temperature slightly for the last few minutes.
Crispy Pickle Potatoes With Herbed Yoghurt
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 portions
Description
Looking for the perfect side dish that ticks all the boxes: crispy, crunchy, tangy, and creamy? This is that recipe. Crispy pickle smashed potatoes with herbed yoghurt is a tantalising fusion of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
- 500g baby potatoes
- 1 small clove garlic
- Small handful of herbs, roughly 10g of chives and/or parsley, chopped
For the relish:
- 1/4 red onion, finely diced
- 45g pickles (about 8 pickles), diced
- 7g dill (small handful)
- 1 tbsp whole-grain mustard
- 1 tsp honey
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon
For the yoghurt
- Generous 1/3 cup – 160g thick greek yoghurt or skyr
- 7g dill (small handful)
- 1/2 clove garlic
Instructions
- Boil your potatoes in salted water until easily pierced with a knife and squishable.
- Drain them and allow them to dry in a colander.
- Tip the potatoes into a roasting tray, suitably sized for your air fryer or oven. Crush the potatoes lightly, using the heel of your hand or a glass.
- Drizzle them with olive oil and season them with flaky salt.
- Cooking time:
In the air fryer: Roast at 170°C (340°F) for 40 – 50 minutes, flipping them halfway, until very golden and crispy.
In the oven: Roast on convection (fan) at 180°C (375°F) for 40 – 50 minutes, flipping them halfway, until very golden and crispy. - While the potatoes are crisping in the air fryer/oven, prepare your relish. Cut the pickles and a chunky dice, and finely dice the red onion. Finely chop the dill
- Zest the lemon, then add the zest to a bowl along with the juice from half the lemon (save the rest for the yoghurt), chopped dill, whole grain mustard, honey, olive oil, and a large pinch of flaky salt. Once mixed, add diced onion and gherkins. Set aside for the onion to pickle slightly and for the flavours to infuse.
- Next, add your yoghurt to a bowl with the dill, a pinch of flaky salt, and the juice of half a lemon. Grate in one clove of garlic, and stir. Taste for seasoning and adjust as desired.
- Once your potatoes are cooked, carefully remove them from your air fryer/oven.
- Toss your potatoes with the a little relish and a pinch of flaky salt.
- Spoon the herby lemony yoghurt onto a plate. Top with the crispy smashed potatoes, and finish with more of the picky relish dressing. Scatter some dill over if you like and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 50 - 60 min
- Category: Sides
- Method: Air fryer, oven
