Preparing the Crispy Potatoes
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or until warm and pliable.
- 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.
- 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.
Read more on next page