These Harissa Potatoes are crispy, bold, and bursting with flavor. Coated in a smoky-spicy harissa paste and roasted to perfection, they’re an easy yet impressive side dish or snack that pairs beautifully with anything from grilled meats to grain bowls.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold and spicy with a hint of citrusy brightness
- Simple, quick, and made with pantry staples
- Naturally vegan and gluten-free
- Versatile enough for dinner sides, brunch, or party snacks
- Easily scalable for meal prep or entertaining
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Baby or Yukon gold potatoes, halved or chunked
- Olive oil
- Harissa paste (choose mild or hot based on preference)
- Kosher salt
- Fresh lemon juice
- Optional: garlic powder, smoked paprika, chopped parsley or cilantro
directions

- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Toss potatoes with olive oil and salt. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- In a small bowl, mix harissa paste with lemon juice (and garlic powder or paprika, if using).
- Toss the hot roasted potatoes with the harissa mixture. Return to the oven for 5–10 minutes more.
- Garnish with chopped herbs if desired and serve hot.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 35–40 minutes
- Total time: 45–50 minutes
Variations
- Use sweet potatoes or red potatoes for a different twist
- Add cauliflower or chickpeas for a heartier mix
- Air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes, shake, then cook another 5–10 minutes
- Mix in a spoonful of yogurt or tahini before serving for a creamy element
- Top with feta or serve alongside tzatziki for a Mediterranean flair
storage/reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Reheat in a 400°F oven, toaster oven, or air fryer until crisp
- Not recommended for freezing as texture may become mushy
FAQs
Can I use harissa powder instead of paste?
Yes, mix it with oil and lemon juice to make a paste-like consistency before tossing with potatoes.
How spicy is this dish?
That depends on your harissa. Start mild and add more to taste if using a spicier version.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, the skins add texture and flavor, but you can peel them if you prefer.
Can I roast other vegetables with the potatoes?
Absolutely—try carrots, cauliflower, or bell peppers for a colorful mix.
Is this dish vegan?
Yes, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free as written.
What’s the best dipping sauce?
Try a garlic yogurt sauce, tahini lemon sauce, or a simple herbed mayo.
Can I make this in advance?
You can roast the potatoes ahead and reheat them with the harissa mixture before serving.
How do I make them crispier?
Make sure not to overcrowd the pan and roast at high heat.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes—cook at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
What herbs go best with harissa potatoes?
Parsley, cilantro, mint, or dill all pair beautifully.
Conclusion
Harissa Potatoes are an easy way to bring bold flavor to your table. Whether served as a side dish or enjoyed straight off the tray, their crispy texture and smoky spice will have everyone reaching for seconds.
PrintHarissa Potatoes
Spicy roasted potatoes tossed in a fragrant North African harissa spice blend—crispy on the outside, tender inside, perfect as a side dish or snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish / Snack
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: North African
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb (700 g) baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp harissa paste (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, harissa paste, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add potatoes to the bowl and toss thoroughly so each piece is coated evenly with the spice mixture.
- Arrange potatoes in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, cut‑side down if halved.
- Roast for 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until potatoes are golden and crisp on the outside and tender inside.
- Remove from oven, drizzle with fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro or parsley.
- Serve warm as a side dish or snack.
Notes
- Adjust the heat: increase harissa paste for more spice, or reduce if you prefer milder flavor.
- For a dairy accompaniment, serve with a dollop of yogurt or tzatziki.
- You can use fingerling or Yukon gold potatoes instead of baby potatoes.
- Make it vegan-friendly by using plant-based yogurt as a dipping sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg