I’m not entirely sure where the name comes from, but I can only imagine these gunpowder potatoes were aptly named for the flavor explosion they provide! This Indian side dish is inspired by Dishoom’s restaurant version, though I’m giving it a twist by making it in my air fryer!
What Are Gunpowder Potatoes?
Gunpowder potatoes are a spicy, flavorful potato dish inspired by Indian flavors. They typically consist of crispy roasted or fried potatoes (air fried in my case) that are tossed in a bold spice blend, often called “gunpowder spice” or “podi masala”.
This spice mix includes ingredients like dried chilies, cumin, mustard seeds, coriander, turmeric, and garlic, giving the dish a smoky, spicy, and slightly nutty taste. Of course, the beauty is that you can customize it at home to suit your tastes and spice preferences!
Gunpowder potatoes are commonly served as a side dish or appetizer, paired with cooling dips like yogurt raita or mint chutney.
They are known for their crispy texture and intense, fiery flavor, making them a favorite in modern Indian and fusion cuisine! One of my favorites is the version at Dishoom in London, and this version is inspired by that dish!
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Ingredients Needed
- 1 pound small new yellow potatoes
- 3 Tbsp salted butter, melted
- 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 3 green onions (spring onions), sliced
- 1 green chile, minced (or ⅛ cup chopped green chiles)
- ⅛ cup chopped cilantro (coriander leaves)
- ¾ tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 ½ tsp gunpowder seasoning, or more to taste (see below)
Gunpowder Seasoning
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp coriander
- ½ tsp fennel
- ½ tsp Garam Masala
- ½ tsp fenugreek
Spiced Yogurt Raita (Optional)
- 5 ounces Greek yogurt (plain)
- 1 small Persian cucumber, minced or shredded
- 1 Tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 1 Tbsp green chiles
- ½ tsp cumin (or to taste)
- ½ tsp chili powder (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- This recipe also works well with canned new potatoes (drain well), or you can substitute other varieties of baby potatoes (but cooking times can vary)
- Feel free to omit the green chiles for a less spicy dish
- All seasonings are adjustable to taste including omission. Experiment with other spice blends (like kebab masala or chaat masala) to create different flavor profiles
How to Make Gunpowder Potatoes in the Air Fryer
- Wash, dry, and halve the potatoes (or quarter if they’re very large). Toss the potatoes in a large bowl with the melted butter, lime juice, green chiles, salt, and gunpowder seasoning, mixing until well coated
- Place the seasoned potatoes in your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer
- Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 20 minutes, pausing halfway through to shake the basket. Potatoes are done when they are fork tender and golden brown on the edges. Add extra time if needed for your specific potato size and air fryer
- Top with cilantro and green onions, a sprinkle of sea salt if desired, and drizzle with yogurt raita (optional) if desired. Enjoy!
Alternative Preparation Methods
You can also boil the potatoes in a large pan of salted water on the stove until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Add the seasonings as noted in step 1 above. Then, finish the potatoes on the grill, in the oven, or in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes to get browned edges. Top as normal.
What to Serve With Gunpowder Potatoes
Dips & Sauces
- Mint Chutney – A cooling, herby dip that balances the spice
- Yogurt Raita – A creamy yogurt-based dip with cucumber or mint to soothe the heat
- Tamarind Chutney – A sweet and tangy sauce that complements the bold flavors
- Garlic Mayo or Aioli – A fusion twist for added creaminess!
Main Dishes
- Grilled or Roasted Meats – Serve alongside tandoori chicken, lamb kebabs, or grilled fish. My Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken is a great choice!
- Indian Curries – Pair with rich curries like butter chicken, rogan josh, or chana masala
- Paneer or Tofu Dishes – Goes well with paneer tikka, saag paneer, or spicy stir-fried tofu
- Dal (Lentil Dishes) – Serve with dal tadka or dal makhani for a complete meal
Breads & Rice
- Naan or Roti – Great for scooping up the potatoes and dips! Make Trader Joe’s Naan in the Air Fryer for a quick and easy option!
- Steamed Basmati Rice – A neutral side to balance the spice
- Jeera Rice (Cumin Rice) – Adds another layer of flavor without overpowering the dish
Vegetable Sides
- Grilled Asparagus or Green Beans – Adds a fresh, slightly charred contrast
- Pickled Onions or Achaar (Indian Pickles) – For extra tang and crunch!
- Sautéed Spinach or Kale – A simple green side to complement the spice
Recipe FAQs
Are Gunpowder Potatoes Hot?
Gunpowder potatoes can be moderately to very spicy, depending on the spice blend used. The heat comes primarily from chiles, chili powder, or black pepper, which are key ingredients in the “gunpowder” spice mix.
However, the level of spiciness can be adjusted by reducing the chili content or pairing the dish with cooling dips like yogurt raita or mint chutney. If you prefer a milder version, you can cut back on the chilies while still enjoying the bold, smoky flavors.
What Are the Spices in Gunpowder Potatoes?
The spice blend for gunpowder potatoes, often referred to as “gunpowder masala” or “podi masala,” typically includes a mix of aromatic and fiery spices, which can vary between recipes and based on personal tastes.
Common ingredients include: red or green chillies, mustard seeds, cumin seed, coriander, turmeric, garlic powder, black pepper, masala blends, or asafoetida. Toast and crush whole seeds using a mortar and pestle.
Tips For the Best Gunpowder Potatoes
- This recipe was made in my Ninja Dual Zone air fryer and 20 minutes cooking time (without preheating) was perfect. Other air fryers and potato sizes can vary slightly, so adjust as needed for your specific circumstances
- For the best crisping on your potatoes, don’t overcrowd your basket. Cook in batches if needed!
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I do not recommend freezing the potatoes, as they get a little mushy
- To reheat potatoes, air fry at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes (stir once halfway through in either case). You can also microwave them, but your potatoes will lose their crunch that way
- Air Fryer Chicken Tikka Masala
Final Thoughts
These gunpowder potatoes live up to their name – they’re packed with flavor and perfect as a side dish or even a snack! While they’re inspired by the Dishoom version, the great thing about making your own is that you can customize them just to your liking!
Finish with a yogurt sauce that’s both creamy and cooling, but also loaded with extra flavor to really take it to the next level.
This dish is perfect served with a variety of other Indian dishes, or even with other types of roasted proteins, like chicken or lamb for any night. The air fryer makes it easy, and delivers perfectly roasted potatoes that are tender inside too!
Gunpowder Potatoes (Dishoom Inspired Air Fryer Recipe)
Equipment
- Spatula (or spoon)
Ingredients
- 1 pound small new potatoes (gold or yellow)
- 3 Tbsp salted butter (melted)
- 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 3 green onions (sliced)
- 1 green chile, minced (or ⅛ cup chopped green chiles)
- ⅛ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ¾ tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 ½ tsp gunpowder seasoning (or more to taste)
Gunpowder Seasoning
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp ground fennel
- ½ tsp Garam Masala
- ½ tsp ground fenugreek seed
Spiced Yogurt Raita
- 5 ounces plain Greek yogurt
- 1 small Persian cucumber (shredded or minced)
- 1 Tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1 Tbsp chopped green onion
- 1 Tbsp diced green chiles
- ½ tsp cumin (or to taste)
- ½ tsp chili powder (or to taste)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Make the gunpowder seasoning by mixing spices together in a bowl½ tsp ground cumin, ½ tsp ground coriander, ½ tsp ground fennel, ½ tsp Garam Masala, ½ tsp ground fenugreek seed
- Wash, dry, and halve the potatoes (or quarter if they’re very large). Toss the potatoes in a large bowl with the melted butter, lime juice, green chiles, salt, and gunpowder seasoning, mixing until well coated1 pound small new potatoes, 3 Tbsp salted butter, 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 green chile, minced, ¾ tsp salt, 1 ½ tsp gunpowder seasoning
- Place the seasoned potatoes in your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer
- Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 20 minutes, pausing halfway through to shake the basket. Potatoes are done when they are fork tender and golden brown on the edges. Add extra time if needed for your specific potato size and air fryer. While the potatoes are cooking, you can mix all ingredients for the raita together in a bowl5 ounces plain Greek yogurt, 1 small Persian cucumber, 1 Tbsp chopped cilantro, 1 Tbsp chopped green onion, 1 Tbsp diced green chiles, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp chili powder, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper
- Top with cilantro and green onions, and drizzle with yogurt raita as desired. Enjoy!3 green onions, ⅛ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Notes
- This recipe also works well with canned new potatoes (drain well), or you can substitute other varieties of baby potatoes (but cooking times can vary)
- Feel free to omit the green chiles for a less spicy dish
- All seasonings are adjustable to taste including omission. Experiment with other spice blends to create different flavor profiles
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, amounts used, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
