Golden Garlic Pepper Fries Recipe
Perfectly crispy golden fries meet aromatic garlic and colourful peppers in this show-stopping side dish that's bursting with flavour. The sweet honey glaze combines beautifully with warming Chinese five spice, whilst fresh chillies add just the right amount of heat. Learn how to make this quick and easy recipe that transforms simple potatoes into.
Ingredients
- For the fries:
- 400g Maris Piper potatoes, peeled and cut into 1cm thick chips (or Yukon Gold if unavailable)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- For the garlic pepper coating:
- 3 large cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 medium white onion, finely diced (about 150g)
- 1 medium red bell pepper, deseeded and cut into 1cm squares
- 1 medium green bell pepper, deseeded and cut into 1cm squares
- 2 fresh red chillies, finely sliced (deseeded if you prefer less heat)
- 3 spring onions, sliced into thin rounds, white and green parts separated
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five spice powder
- ½ teaspoon flaky sea salt
- ½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons runny honey (preferably raw honey for best flavour)
Directions
Step 1
Prepare your potatoes by peeling them and cutting into evenly sized chips about 1cm thick and 7-8cm long. This uniformity is crucial for even cooking, so take your time here. Once cut, place the chips in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for 10 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps achieve that coveted crispy exterior. After soaking, drain thoroughly and pat completely dry with a clean tea towel or kitchen paper, as any moisture will prevent crisping. Toss the dried chips with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ensuring every piece is lightly coated.
Step 2
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C for 3-4 minutes. Whilst it's heating, arrange your chips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they're not overcrowded as this prevents proper air circulation. If needed, cook in two batches rather than cramming them all in. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Air fry for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket vigorously every 7-8 minutes to ensure even browning on all sides. You're looking for chips that are deep golden brown with crispy edges and fluffy centres. Don't be tempted to open the basket too frequently as this releases heat and extends cooking time.
Step 3
Whilst the chips are crisping up, prepare your garlic pepper mixture. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until the onion turns translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter quickly. The kitchen should smell absolutely incredible at this point, with that sweet, savoury aroma filling the air.
Step 4
Add both bell peppers and the sliced chillies to the pan, tossing everything together vigorously. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the peppers soften slightly but still retain a pleasant crunch. They should develop some lightly caramelised edges whilst maintaining their vibrant colour. This is where the magic happens, as the peppers release their natural sweetness and mingle with the garlic and onions. If the mixture starts to stick, add a splash of water to deglaze the pan.
Step 5
Add the white parts of the spring onions to the pan along with the Chinese five spice, flaky sea salt, and coarsely ground black pepper. Stir everything together for 1 minute, allowing the spices to bloom and release their aromatic oils. The five spice will add that wonderful warming complexity with hints of star anise, cinnamon, and cloves. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside whilst you finish the chips.
Step 6
Once your chips are perfectly golden and crispy, immediately transfer them to a large mixing bowl whilst they're still piping hot. This is crucial as the heat helps the coating stick better. Working quickly, drizzle over the honey and the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, then toss the chips gently but thoroughly to create that gorgeous glossy coating. The honey should be evenly distributed, creating a sticky, sweet base that will help everything else adhere beautifully.
Step 7
Pour the garlic pepper mixture over the honey-coated chips and toss everything together with confidence, making sure every chip gets coated with the fragrant vegetables and spices. Use a large spoon or your hands (if they've cooled slightly) to really mix everything thoroughly. You want each chip to have bits of pepper, onion, and garlic clinging to it. The combination of sticky honey, savoury garlic, and warming spices creates an absolutely addictive flavour profile that's both sweet and savoury.
Step 8
Transfer your golden garlic pepper fries to a serving platter and scatter over the green parts of the spring onions for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately whilst they're still hot and crispy, as they're at their absolute best straight away. These are perfect alongside grilled chicken or lamb, or simply enjoyed on their own as a satisfying snack. Don't be surprised if they disappear within minutes – they're that good!
Nutrition per serving
Sunnah
Learn simple practices and etiquettes found in the tradition that transform every meal into an act of worship, increase you in beneficial knowledge and add barakah into every bite.
Sacred Guidance
Garlic
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was staying with Abu Ayyub. When he ate some food, he would send what was left to him. So one day he sent him some food but the Prophet ﷺ did not eat from it. So Abu Ayyub went to the Prophet ﷺ and mentioned that to him. The Prophet ﷺ said: 'It contained garlic.' So he said: 'O Messenger of Allah! Is it unlawful?' He said: 'No, I dislike it because of its odour.'
Onions
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 'Whoever eats from these - the first time, he said garlic, then he said - garlic, onion, and leek, then let him not approach our Masjid.'
Olives
Eat of its oil and use it (the olives), for indeed it is from a blessed tree.
Olive Oil
Eat olive oil and use it on your hair and skin, for it comes from a blessed tree.
Honey
And your Lord inspired the bees: 'Make ˹your˺ homes in the mountains, the trees, and in what people construct, and feed from ˹the flower of˺ any fruit ˹you please˺ and follow the ways your Lord has made easy for you.' From their bellies comes forth liquid of varying colours, in which there is healing for people. Surely in this is a sign for those who reflect.
Prophetic Etiquette
Sit down to eat, rather than eating while standing or walking.
Eat from what is nearest to you on the plate, and do not reach across for food that is distant.
Take small morsels of food, and chew your food well.
Do not blow on hot food or drinks; allow them to cool naturally.
Do not eat or drink from gold or silver utensils.
Lick your fingers clean before wiping them, as there may be barakah in what remains on them. Then wash your hands.
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