Crispy Mexican Potatoes

Section: Perfect Side Dishes to Complete Any Meal

These crispy Mexican potatoes are roasted to golden perfection with a bold mix of spices including smoked paprika, cumin, and chili powder. Served with a creamy avocado crema, this dish offers a perfect balance of spicy and cool flavors. Whether baked in the oven or air-fried, the potatoes are easy to prepare and make a delicious addition to any meal. Ideal as a side for tacos, or served on their own with fresh pico de gallo, these potatoes are versatile, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor.

Published By Ioana
Updated on Mon, 09 Jun 2025 22:18:30 GMT
A plate of crispy Mexican potatoes. Bookmark
A plate of crispy Mexican potatoes. | ioanacooks.com

These gorgeous spicy, crispy Mexican potatoes combine the hearty goodness of roasted potatoes with the zesty flavors of Mexican spices. Served with a mouth-watering good avocado crema dip, you’ll be thinking about this small plate for weeks.

This is the perfect Mexican-themed small plate recipe, ideal for serving alongside other dishes such as Mexican beans or even with black bean tacos on the side! Plus a big pico de gallo to finish.

How to Make This Mexican Potatoes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Paprika Roast Potatoes
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Chop the baking potatoes into cubes and place them in a saucepan with enough cold water to cover them. Parboil the potatoes for 10 to 15 minutes until they are just fork-tender. Drain the potatoes and then place a lid on the pan. Shake the potatoes gently to rough up the edges.
Step 2: Roast your potatoes
While the potatoes are boiling, pour the olive oil into your baking tray and place it in the preheated oven for 5 minutes to warm. Transfer the roughed-up potatoes into the warm baking tray with the heated oil. Sprinkle the smoked paprika, cumin powder, garlic salt, onion powder, chili powder or cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper over the potatoes. Gently stir to combine, ensuring the potatoes are evenly coated with the spices. Roast the potatoes in the oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until they are crispy and golden.
Crispy Mexican Potatoes. Bookmark
Crispy Mexican Potatoes. | ioanacooks.com

Expert Tips for Getting Super Crispy Mexican Potatoes

I get a lot of questions on how I get my roast potatoes so crispy – and I’m not going to leave you stranded here! Here are my top tips for beautifully crispy Mexican roast potatoes, every time:

Air Frying Your Potatoes

If you have an air fryer, you can also cook your potatoes in this to cut down on time and get super crispy potatoes!

Avocado Crema to Pair with Your Spicy Potatoes

These Mexican roast potatoes pair perfectly with the creamy, smooth avocado crema dip. It’s so easy to make and lasts will in the fridge for 24 hours or so. Adjust the jalapenos to your own taste as this dish can get quite spicy!

Crispy Mexican potatoes with green herbs. Bookmark
Crispy Mexican potatoes with green herbs. | ioanacooks.com

Serving Ideas for This Mexican Potatoes Recipe

These Spicy Mexican Potatoes make a fantastic side dish for tacos, or as a tasty snack on their own. Serve them with a side of fresh salsa or pico de gallo for an extra burst of flavor. You could even adapt my potato tacos recipe to put these potatoes and the dip inside instead!

FAQs

How can I stop my potatoes sticking to the tray? To prevent sticking, ensure the baking tray is well-oiled before adding the potatoes. You can also use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for added non-stick properties.

Can I adjust the spice level of the potatoes? Yes, feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder or cayenne pepper to suit your spice preference. Start with a smaller amount and add more if you like it hotter.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any additional ingredients you use, such as cream cheese or sour cream, are also gluten-free if needed.

I still par-boil my potatoes, then coat them in the oil and spices, spread them evenly across my air fryer, and cook for 20 to 25 minutes at 200°C (395°F).

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ How do I get crispy potatoes in the oven?

Parboil the potatoes, rough up their edges by shaking in the pan, then roast in preheated oil until golden and crisp.

→ Can I air-fry these potatoes?

Yes! After parboiling and seasoning, cook them in the air fryer at 200°C (395°F) for 20–25 minutes until crispy.

→ Is avocado crema easy to make?

Very! Blend avocado, lime juice, and jalapeños for a creamy dip that pairs perfectly with the spicy potatoes.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, the dish is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check additional ingredients like dips for gluten content.

→ How spicy are these potatoes?

The spice level is adjustable. Use less chili powder or jalapeño for a milder taste, or more if you enjoy heat.

→ What can I serve with these potatoes?

They go great with tacos, black bean dishes, or as a standalone snack with pico de gallo or fresh salsa.

Crispy Mexican Potatoes

Spicy Mexican potatoes with avocado crema—bold flavor in every crispy bite.

Time Needed to Prep
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
50 minutes
Overall Time
65 minutes
Published By: Ioana

Category of Recipe: Side Dishes

Preparation Difficulty: Easy to Make

Type of Cuisine: Mexican

Number of Portions: 4 How Many It Serves (1 tray of potatoes with dip)

Dietary Preferences: Vegan Safe, Made for Vegetarians, No Gluten, Dairy-Free Suitable

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Potatoes

Ingredient 01 4 medium baking potatoes, cubed
Ingredient 02 Cold water, enough to cover
Ingredient 03 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Spices

Ingredient 04 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Ingredient 05 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Ingredient 06 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
Ingredient 07 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Ingredient 08 1/4 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne pepper
Ingredient 09 Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Avocado Crema (optional)

Ingredient 10 1 ripe avocado
Ingredient 11 Juice of 1 lime
Ingredient 12 1 small jalapeño, chopped

Steps to Follow

Step 01

Place cubed potatoes in a saucepan, cover with cold water, and parboil for 10–15 minutes until just fork-tender. Drain and shake to rough up the edges.

Step 02

Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F). Add olive oil to a baking tray and heat it in the oven for 5 minutes.

Step 03

Transfer potatoes to the hot tray. Sprinkle smoked paprika, cumin, garlic salt, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 04

Roast in the oven for 45–50 minutes, turning once or twice, until golden and crisp.

Step 05

Blend avocado, lime juice, and jalapeño until smooth. Adjust seasoning and spice to taste.

Extra Tips

  1. Shake parboiled potatoes to roughen edges for maximum crispiness.
  2. Warming oil in the tray before adding potatoes improves texture and prevents sticking.
  3. Adjust chili and jalapeño quantities for personalized spice level.

Tools You'll Need

  • Saucepan
  • Oven-safe baking tray
  • Blender or food processor
  • Colander

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, these values are for guidance only and shouldn't replace advice from a professional.
  • Calories Per Serving: 265
  • Total Fat: 14 grams
  • Carbohydrate Amount: 32 grams
  • Protein Amount: 3.5 grams