Golden, crispy potatoes hold a special allure for many. They offer a delightful contrast of textures—crisp exteriors with soft, tender interiors—that can elevate any meal. Achieving that perfect balance, however, often feels elusive.

Fear not; with these steps, you’ll master the art of crispy potatoes without the need for complicated equipment or techniques.

1. Selecting the Right Potatoes

Different potato varieties bring unique qualities to the table.

- Yukon Golds: These versatile potatoes are an excellent choice for roasting. While they won’t develop an ultra-crisp exterior, their dense, creamy interiors remain a highlight.

- Russets: With higher starch content, these potatoes excel at achieving a crusty texture while maintaining a light, fluffy interior. Handle them gently to prevent breakage.

- Small Potatoes: Fingerlings and new potatoes are ideal for smashing and crisping. Although less starchy than russets, their dense texture makes them easy to prepare.

2. The Double-Cooking Method

Potatoes need sufficient time to cook through. To avoid drying them out or leaving the insides undercooked, employ a two-step process:

- First Step: Boil, steam, or steam-roast the potatoes until they’re tender but not overly soft.

- Second Step: Brown the exteriors in a hot skillet or oven, ensuring a crispy finish.

3. Cooling for Better Texture

Allowing potatoes to cool after the initial cook enhances their crispiness. Cooling helps starches recrystallize, creating a layer that crisps beautifully during the second cooking phase. For meal prep, boiled potatoes can be stored in the fridge and transformed into crispy delights later.

4. Creating Rough Edges

The key to ultimate crispiness lies in surface texture. Rough edges provide more contact points for browning and crisping.

- Toss larger potato pieces vigorously after boiling to roughen the surfaces.

- For small potatoes, lightly smash them to expose their interiors while keeping the pieces intact.

5. Generous Coating of Cooking Oil

Using ample cooking oil is essential for achieving a golden, crispy exterior. Oil not only helps the potatoes cook evenly but also enhances flavor through browning reactions. High smoke-point oils like avocado or refined coconut oil are ideal for high-heat cooking.

6. Preheat Your Pan

Whether using a skillet or baking sheet, ensure it is preheated before adding the potatoes. A hot surface jump-starts the browning process, reducing cooking time and ensuring even crisping.

7. Hands Off for the Best Results

Once the potatoes are in the pan, resist the urge to move them too soon. Allow them to form a crust by maintaining uninterrupted contact with the hot surface. When ready, they’ll naturally release, ensuring no crispy bits are left behind.

Master the Art of Crispy Potatoes

Cooking potatoes twice—boiling first, followed by a second round in hot oil or an oven—ensures perfectly crispy results every time. By selecting the right potatoes, embracing the double-cooking method, and using these tips, you’ll elevate your potato game to new heights.