American potatoes bring exceptional flavor to your table
American Potatoes - A Favorite Side Dish That Deserves a Place Even in a Healthy Kitchen
Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and with a distinct spice flavor – American potatoes have become a popular dish not only in restaurants but also in home kitchens. And no wonder. They are easy to prepare, flavorful, and versatile. Moreover, they can be adapted to fit a diet focused on a healthy lifestyle. So how to make the best homemade American potatoes in the oven or even in an air fryer? And what makes this preparation method so special?
What are American Potatoes and Where Do They Come From?
Despite the name, this dish doesn’t necessarily originate from America. The name "American potatoes" was adopted mainly by European restaurants to distinguish this specific preparation – that is, baked wedges or slices of potatoes in their skin with seasoning – from classic fries or boiled potatoes. In the USA, a similar dish is more commonly referred to as "potato wedges". In Czech kitchens, they became popular particularly due to their simplicity and strong flavor appreciated by both children and adults.
So what is their charm? Unlike regular frying, these potatoes are usually baked – whether in the oven or in more modern appliances like an air fryer. This means less fat, more flavor, and the opportunity to play with aromatic herbs and spices.
Ideal American Potatoes? It Starts with Ingredient Selection
Anyone who has ever embarked on making homemade American potatoes knows that it all starts with quality ingredients. Potatoes for the American style should be firm, with a higher starch content – known as type C cooking potatoes. These potatoes bake better to a golden brown and achieve the typical crispy crust.
It’s also important not to peel the skin. The skin gives the potatoes their characteristic rustic texture and, when prepared correctly, crispiness. Of course, it’s necessary to wash the potatoes well, ideally with a brush, to remove all impurities.
The seasoning mix is then the other half of success. A combination of sweet paprika, garlic, thyme, pepper, or rosemary transforms ordinary potatoes into a full-fledged taste experience. Many households have created their own recipe, passed down through generations.
Homemade American Potatoes in the Oven
The most common preparation method is American potatoes in the oven. This method is popular not only for the resulting taste but also for the simplicity of the whole process. Just a few minutes of preparation, and then you just watch as the smell of baked garlic and herbs fills the kitchen.
Basic Recipe for American Potatoes in the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200–220°C.
- Wash the potatoes well and cut them into wedges.
- In a bowl, mix with a bit of olive oil, ground paprika, salt, pepper, dried garlic, or fresh herbs to taste.
- Spread them on a baking sheet with parchment paper so the potatoes don’t overlap.
- Bake for approximately 35–45 minutes, turning them halfway through.
The result is golden American potatoes that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are great as a side dish to meat, grilled tofu, or can be served alone with a yogurt dip.
American Potatoes in an Air Fryer
With the growing popularity of air fryers, the way we prepare well-known classics has changed. The advantage of this appliance is that it can create the effect of frying without using a large amount of oil. American potatoes in an air fryer can thus be just as tasty but also more nutritious.
Additionally, the preparation time is shortened. While potatoes can take up to 40 minutes in the oven, the air fryer achieves the same result in half the time. The preparation is similar to the oven – just instead of placing them on a baking sheet, the potatoes are placed in the fryer basket and shaken several times during cooking to ensure even browning.
For example, a mother of two from Brno, who decided to cut back on fried foods, fell in love with the air fryer because of this version. "We used to have American potatoes at most once a month because I didn’t want to fry them. Now we make them even twice a week – without guilt," she says with a smile.
Healthy Lifestyle and American Potatoes? It’s Possible
Some might argue that American potatoes aren’t exactly an ideal choice for healthy eating. But as is often the case, it depends on the ingredients and preparation method. If baking is chosen over frying, quality olive oil is used, and fresh herbs are added, this dish becomes a tasty and balanced side dish.
Potatoes themselves are not the problem – they contain complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. The risk arises when combined with burnt fat or excess salt. However, if prepared at home, everything is under control.
Try our natural products
A tip for an even healthier variant is to use organic potatoes that haven’t been chemically treated, which is ideal for recipes where they are baked with the skin. And for lovers of more intense flavors, a bit of lemon juice, smoked paprika, or coarse sea salt can be added just before serving.
American Potatoes as Part of a Sustainable Household
Have you ever thought about how such a common dish as American potatoes can fit into the concept of a sustainable household? The answer is simpler than it seems. Growing potatoes – especially under local conditions – has a relatively low ecological footprint. If we also choose organically grown varieties and avoid unnecessary waste (e.g., peeling quality skin), we take a small but important step towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
Another plus is that many of us regularly buy potatoes in bulk. Therefore, American potatoes are not a dish that requires a special purchase – just add a bit of seasoning, and you can prepare them with what you already have at home. This approach, where we cook with available ingredients, is not only ecological but also economical.
And what’s more: the drippings and leftovers from the baking sheet can be used in homemade vegetable stock or as a base for the next day. This also supports a more sustainable approach to cooking.
In conclusion, it’s worth recalling the words of the famous American chef Anthony Bourdain: "The best food is that which is made from little but with care." And this can certainly be said about well-prepared American potatoes. You don’t need exotic ingredients or complex procedures – just take care, choose quality potatoes, and give them some time in the oven or fryer. The resulting taste will convince you that even simple food can be extraordinarily good.
