Crispy Potato Nuggets

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Crispy Potato Nuggets

Ingredients

  • 3 medium potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold work best)

  • 1 large egg

  • 1/4 cup cornstarch (or all-purpose flour)

  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes and cut them into chunks. Boil them in salted water until fork-tender (about 15–20 minutes). Drain well and mash them in a large bowl until completely smooth.

  2. Mix the Base: Add the egg, cornstarch, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the mashed potatoes. Mix thoroughly until a soft dough forms. If the mixture feels too sticky, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch.

  3. Shape the Nuggets: Take a small spoonful of the mixture and roll it into a ball, then flatten it slightly into a nugget or “tater tot” shape.

  4. Coat (Optional but Recommended): For extra crunch, roll each nugget in a shallow bowl of extra breadcrumbs until evenly coated.

  5. Fry: Heat about an inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the nuggets in batches. Fry for 3–4 minutes per side until they reach a deep golden brown.

  6. Drain and Serve: Transfer the nuggets to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.

    Q: Can I make these ahead of time? A: Yes! You can shape the nuggets and even coat them in breadcrumbs, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. You can also freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet; once frozen, transfer them to a bag for up to 3 months. Fry them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

    Q: Why did my nuggets fall apart in the oil? A: This usually happens if the mashed potatoes are too watery or if there isn’t enough binder (egg and cornstarch). Make sure to drain your potatoes very well after boiling. If the dough feels too loose, chilled mashed potatoes often hold their shape better than warm ones.

    Q: Can I bake these instead of frying? A: Absolutely. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly spray them with oil. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crisp.

    Q: How do I make them extra flavorful? A: Feel free to mix in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan or sharp cheddar cheese into the dough. You can also swap the parsley for cilantro or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper, earthier flavor.

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