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Chefs’ Guide To Perfect Roast Potatoes: Parboil, Steam-Dry, Then Choose Your Twist

Experts credit parboiling followed by steam-drying for reliably crisp, fluffy roast potatoes.

Overview

  • Michelin-starred chef Steve Smith advises starting in cold salted water, dusting with potato flour, and waiting for a crust before the first turn.
  • Eight chefs quoted via The Times agree on parboiling then steam-drying for about 10–15 minutes, with hot preheated fat and Maris Piper potatoes widely recommended.
  • Dean Banks suggests removing the tray every 10 minutes to toss—up to five times—for superior crunch after a standard parboil-and-dry prep.
  • Nathaniel Smith finishes roasting with garlic butter in the last five minutes to add a strong flavour boost.
  • A Mirror test reports an air-fryer shortcut using tinned new potatoes at roughly 190C for about 25 minutes delivers notably crunchy results.