Patatas bravas dish is a Spanish style potato dish usually served as tapas (or small bites). However, it also makes a great side dish for a variety of meals! I love making air fryer patatas bravas for nice crispy, browned potatoes with none of the mess of deep frying.
I love patatas bravas because they are just bursting with savory flavors. Crispy, seasoned potatoes are topped with a spicy tomato-based sauce in the classic preparation.
However, like many recipes, there are lots of ways to make it your own! Adjust your seasonings, swap your sauce, add fresh herbs, and use a creamy element so that it’s just the way you like it. Don’t worry, I’ll lay out all the options for you!
The air fryer does a great job of getting browned, crispy potatoes without deep frying (plus it uses less oil and makes less mess too). You’ll still need to make the sauce on the stove, but you can do that while the potatoes are doing their thing (or use store bought in a pinch).
This dish is great for your tapas meal as a light bite, but it also makes a great side dish or appetizer as a less-typical but still delicious option! It’s naturally gluten free, vegetarian, and even vegan if you skip the aioli or mayo, so it works for a variety of diets as well.
While Russet is the most common, you can use Yukon Gold, red, or other potatoes as well, but note that cooking times can vary between varieties
All seasonings are adjustable to taste
You can also use a drained can of diced tomatoes instead of tomato paste, but this will require blending the mixture later to get a creamy sauce. Feel free to substitute roasted red peppers (or split half and half with the tomatoes) for a different option
The cornstarch may be swapped for all purpose flour if preferred (but then this recipe is no longer naturally gluten free)
Other types of stock can be used, but then the recipe will no longer be naturally vegetarian
Feel free to use store bought bravas sauce instead of making your own, which will cut down preparation time even more
Step By Step Instructions
Peel potatoes if desired, cut into about ¾” – 1” cubes, and then toss the potatoes in a bowl with the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika
Place the seasoned potatoes into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer
Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for about 20-30 minutes, pausing to stir every 10, until browned and they pierce easily with a fork
While potatoes are cooking, heat olive oil for the bravas sauce in a skillet, Dutch oven, or saucepan over medium heat
Add the garlic and paprika, and stir until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds (don’t let it burn)
Stir in the cornstarch until a paste forms, and then slowly pour in the vegetable stock, stirring constantly
Add the tomato paste, vinegar, salt and pepper to taste, and red pepper flakes (optional). Simmer until thickened and then place a lid over it to keep warm
Once potatoes are finished, add them to a bowl or plate. Top with the prepared bravas sauce, then finish with garlic aioli and fresh parsley if desired
What to Serve With Patatas Bravas
Grilled tuna steaks
Cod
Roasted chicken
Garlic shrimp
Chorizo
Calamari
Fried egg or omelet
Paella
Spanish rice
Croquettes
Green salad
Roasted vegetables
Marinated olives
Spanish meats and cheeses
Stuffed red peppers
Albarino wine (white)
Rioja wine (red)
Sangria
Patatas bravas are delicious served as an appetizer, or as part of a tapas spread (so feel free to add your other favorites). As a side, they compliment light proteins, seafood, eggs, and Spanish and Mediterranean flavors.
Try my air fryer patatas bravas with Air Fryer Chorizo and Eggs, Frozen Calamari in the Air Fryer, Air Fryer Ham Croquettes, or a Pomegranate Sangria.
Recipe FAQs
What Are Patatas Bravas?
Patatas bravas are a classic Spanish tapas dish consisting of crispy fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato-based sauce, often topped with aioli or mayonnaise.
The chunks of potato are usually deep fried, but can be prepared in an air fryer as well for a lower-oil alternative.
How Do I Make Patatas Bravas in the Air Fryer?
To make patatas bravas in the air fryer, start by cutting potatoes into cubes and tossing them with olive oil and seasonings.
Then, air fry the potatoes until they are crispy and golden brown. Top with a homemade or store-bought bravas sauce, and garlic aioli or mayo if desired.
What Ingredients Are Needed for Air Fryer Patatas Bravas?
The ingredients for air fryer patatas bravas typically include potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika for seasoning.
Additionally, you’ll need ingredients to make the bravas sauce, such as tomatoes, garlic, onions, vinegar, and spices.
Can I Make Patatas Bravas Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the potatoes for patatas bravas ahead of time by air frying them and then storing them in the refrigerator. Reheat for a few minutes in the air fryer to re-crisp them.
The bravas sauce can also be made in advance and refrigerated until needed. Reheat in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stove before drizzling the potatoes.
How Spicy Is the Bravas Sauce for Patatas Bravas?
The spiciness of the bravas sauce can vary depending on the recipe and personal preference. Traditionally, bravas sauce has a moderate level of spiciness from ingredients such as paprika and chili flakes, but you can adjust the heat level to suit your taste.
Use a sweet paprika instead of smoked or Spanish for less heat, and omit the red pepper flakes to really reduce it.
Can I Use Store-Bought Bravas Sauce for Air Fryer Patatas Bravas?
Yes, you can use store-bought bravas sauce as a convenient option for serving with air fryer patatas bravas. Look for bravas sauce in the international or condiment section of your grocery store.
Make sure to heat it up slightly before topping your potatoes with it, whether on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What Can I Serve with Air Fryer Patatas Bravas?
Air fryer patatas bravas pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, seafood, or as part of a tapas spread.
You can also serve them with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
How Do I Store Leftover Air Fryer Patatas Bravas?
Store leftover air fryer patatas bravas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Reheat them in the air fryer or oven until warmed through before serving.
Recipe Pro Tips
The exact time needed to cook your potatoes will vary based on the variety of potato, exact size of your chunks, and your specific air fryer. I made my air fryer patatas bravas in a Ninja air fryer, with Russet and Yukon Gold potato varieties, and the approximately 1” pieces were cooked after 20 minutes total, without preheating as a reference point
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover patatas bravas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For best results, store the potatoes separately from the bravas sauce (only sauce what you’ll consume)
To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, until potatoes are warmed through and re-crisped. The bravas sauce can be reheated separately in a pan on the stove for a few minutes, or in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. If the sauce is already on the potatoes, it will reheat in the air fryer (but the potatoes will not get as crisp)
These air fryer patatas bravas are perfectly crispy Spanish inspired tapas without deep frying! The seasoned potatoes are complemented by the tomato-based bravas sauce, and finished with some garlic mayo and parsley for the perfect bite.
You can always use a store bought sauce if you don’t want to make your own, which cuts down the prep time even more. Serve with other tapas dishes, or pair with a protein or sides to make these roasted potatoes a complete meal!
Patatas bravas are naturally gluten free, vegetarian, and even vegan if you skip the mayonnaise or use a substitute, so they’ll fit with a variety of different dietary restrictions – all without sacrificing the flavor!
Easy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer Recipe (With Bravas Sauce)
These air fryer patatas bravas are a Spanish inspired tapas that have all the crisp without deep frying. This savory appetizer or side is naturally gluten free and vegetarian friendly too!
Peel potatoes if desired, cut into about ¾” – 1” cubes, and then toss the potatoes in a bowl with the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika
1 ½ pounds potatoes, 1 Tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp paprika
Place the seasoned potatoes into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer
Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for about 20-30 minutes, pausing to stir every 10, until browned and they pierce easily with a fork
While potatoes are cooking, heat olive oil for the bravas sauce in a skillet, Dutch oven, or saucepan over medium heat
2 Tbsp olive oil
Add the garlic and paprika, and stir until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds (don’t let it burn)
1 tsp minced garlic, 1 tsp paprika
Stir in the cornstarch until a paste forms, and then slowly pour in the vegetable stock, stirring constantly
½ Tbsp cornstarch, 1 cup vegetable stock
Add the tomato paste, vinegar, salt and pepper to taste, and red pepper flakes (optional). Simmer until thickened and then place a lid over it to keep warm
1 Tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp red wine vinegar, Salt and pepper to taste, ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
Once potatoes are finished, add them to a bowl or plate. Top with the prepared bravas sauce, then finish with garlic aioli and fresh parsley if desired
1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1 Tbsp garlic aioli or spicy mayo
Notes
While Russet is the most common, you can use Yukon Gold, red, or other potatoes as well, but note that cooking times can vary between varieties
You can also use a drained can of diced tomatoes instead of tomato paste, but this will require blending the mixture later to get a creamy sauce. Feel free to substitute roasted red peppers (or split half and half with the tomatoes) for a different option
The cornstarch may be swapped for all purpose flour if preferred (but then this recipe is no longer naturally gluten free)
Other types of stock can be used, but then the recipe will no longer be naturally vegetarian
Feel free to use store bought bravas sauce instead of making your own, which will cut down preparation time even more
The exact time needed to cook your potatoes will vary based on the variety of potato, exact size of your chunks, and your specific air fryer. I made my air fryer patatas bravas in a Ninja air fryer, with a mix of Russet and Yukon Gold potato varieties, and the approximately 1” pieces were cooked after 20 minutes total, without preheating as a reference point
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, sauces, toppings, or sides added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
