Crispy Potato Tacos

Ingredients

For the Crispy Potatoes:

  • 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Tacos:

  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • ½ cup diced red onion
  • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese or feta cheese
  • Lime wedges, for serving

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Preparing the Crispy Potatoes

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Season the Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  3. Bake the Potatoes: Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.

Making the Creamy Sauce

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, hot sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Assembling the Tacos

  1. Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or until warm and pliable.
  2. Assemble the Tacos: Divide the crispy potatoes among the tortillas. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and crumbled cotija cheese.
  3. Drizzle with Sauce: Drizzle the creamy sauce over the top of each taco. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Large bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Skillet

Tips and Shortcuts

  • Potato Prep: To save time, you can peel and dice the potatoes ahead of time and store them in water in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  • Air Fryer Option: For a quicker and less oily option, cook the seasoned potatoes in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  • Tortilla Warmer: If you have a tortilla warmer, use it to keep the tortillas warm while you assemble the tacos.

Variations

  • Spicy Potato Tacos: Add a chopped jalapeño to the potato mixture before baking for an extra kick.
  • Cheesy Potato Tacos: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese over the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy twist.
  • Sweet Potato Tacos: Substitute sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile. Follow the same seasoning and baking instructions.

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover crispy potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness. Leftover tortillas can be stored in a plastic bag at room temperature.

Food and Drink Pairings

Crispy potato tacos pair wonderfully with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh corn salad. For drinks, consider serving with a cold beer, a refreshing margarita, or a chilled glass of agua fresca.