Whether you’re looking for a delicious side for your burgers or falafels, or just a delicious snack to enjoy with a cold beer, this recipe is just the thing!
Zaatar is delicious and is generally a combo of oregano, thyme, sumac, salt, and sesame seeds. It can vary depending on where you are in the Middle East, but is very fragrant, with tangy notes of sumac. You can easily find it in many stores, both locally and online. If you are gluten-free, be especially careful as I’ve noticed some brands add wheat to theirs. I found this one on Amazon that is labeled gluten-free.
To make the fries, you’ll need an air fryer. If you don’t have one, I highly recommend these two, both from Ninja. The first one is the Ninja Food 8 quart 6-in-1 Dual Zone with 2 baskets. It has an extra large capacity, as well as 2 baskets, so you can air fry several things at once. The second air fryer is the Foodi Dual Heat Air Fry Countertop 13-in-1 oven. It also has an extra large capacity, but flips upright so it doesn’t take up too much counter space. I love the extra large capacity of both of these air fryers, as you can make enough to feed everyone at once without the need to make subsequent batches. They also air fry very quickly and leave your food nice and crispy.
Other than the Zaatar, the only other ingredients you may be curious about is the Bamba (also known as Calabrian chili paste), and the tahini. The Bomba that I usually get comes in a jar from Trader Joes. If you don’t live near one or they are out of stock, look online for Calabrian chili paste. I believe they are basically the same thing, and as an added bonus, you will want to put it one everything! For tahini, I personally love the flavor of the darker roasted tahinis (specifically the Mid East brand), which I find on Amazon or at local Halal or Middle Eastern markets. Although it doesn’t say roasted on the jar, the color is a bit of a deeper tan color. I also love Soom tahini, which also has a wonderful flavor.
Now that I’ve shared the essentials, I’ll get to the recipe. I’d love to hear if you make these fries!
xoxo
Julie
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Air Fryer Zaatar Fries with Tahini Bamba Dipping Sauce
Description
These fries are addictive!
Ingredients
Fries:
3 large russet potatoes, peeled
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons zaatar
1 tablespoon potato starch
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
Sprinkle of dried thyme, optional
Salt, to taste
Dipping Sauce:
1/2 cup tahini
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
¼ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
Bamba sauce (sometimes called Calabrian chili paste), to taste, optional
Minced fresh parsley
Instructions
Fries: Cut the peeled potatoes into strips and place in a colander. Give the fries a light rinse to wash off excess starch, and lightly dry them with a paper towel. Place the cut potatoes into a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with the zaatar, tossing well. Sprinkle the potato starch, granulated garlic, dried thyme, and a generous pinch of salt.
Lightly spray the basket of your air fryer, or line the metal mesh basket with a piece of parchment paper. Place the fries in the basket and set the fryer at 425°F for about 20 to 30 minutes, until the fries are crispy and lightly browned, flipping them a couple of times so they don’t burn. Depending on which type of air fryer you are using, it may take less or more time to cook your fries.
Dipping Sauce: While the fries are cooking, make the dipping sauce. In the jar of a blender, or using a beaker and stick blender, combine the tahini, water, lemon juice, cumin, and salt, blending until smooth. Stir in a dollop of Bamba to taste, stirring well. Sprinkle with a little minced parsley.
Taste the fries and sprinkle with salt if needed and a sprinkle of minced parsley.
Serve the fries while they are hot and crispy, with the tahini Bamba sauce on the side.
Notes
Gluten-Free + Vegan
