Crispy potato sticks: the easy idea for a tasty appetizer

Potato sticks, potato croquettes, or potato balls—we love potatoes in all their fried forms! These potato sticks are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack that's perfect for any occasion. Made with mashed potatoes, flour, and a few other simple ingredients, these crispy, golden-brown sticks look a lot classier than tater tots and taste absolutely amazing. Whether you're serving them as a side dish, a party appetizer, or just a tasty snack, potato sticks are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them. So why not give this recipe a try and see for yourself how delicious they can be?

Tips

This recipe will work with any leftover mashed potato. We also like using the Russet potato variety for its starchy content.

Feel free to add your favorite seasoning to the mashed potato mixture.

Make sure to use an oil suitable for frying at higher temperatures. These include canola, peanut, sunflower, or corn oil.

Don’t make your oil too hot—use a thermometer to heat the oil to about 350°F.

If the dough is too soft to cut into sticks, you can firm it up by placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.

How to Store Potato Sticks

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the Airfryer or oven if you want them slightly crispy, otherwise, you can reheat them in the microwave.

Can You Freeze Potato Sticks

The Fried Potato Sticks can’t be frozen, but you can freeze the mashed potato dough. Wrap the rolled-out dough with plastic wrap, then place it in a freezable Ziploc bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before cutting into sticks and frying.

Can I Make Potato Sticks in the Airfryer?

If you want, you can also cook the potato sticks in the oven and Airfryer, just note that they won’t be as crispy.

To cook in the oven: place the potato sticks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray with olive oil. Bake at 425°F/220°C for 40 minutes flipping halfway.

To cook in the Airfryer: place the potato sticks in the Airfryer basket and spray with olive oil. Bake at 400°F/200°C for 20 minutes flipping halfway.

What To Serve With Potato Sticks

Serve the Potato Sticks as a side, or serve them as an appetizer with your favorite sauce (we like Ranch dressing, ketchup, or sweet chili sauce).

More Recipes You’ll Like

• Smoked Salmon Sticks: the quick and easy appetizer recipe
• Coconut Bread Sticks: the easy and flavorful recipe
• Mozzarella Sticks: the tasty, vegetarian appetizer recipe for fried mozzarella sticks

Instructions

Peel and cut the potatoes into small chunks. Transfer the potato chunks to a pot of water and boil them for about 15 minutes until tender.

Transfer the cooked potatoes to a sieve set over a bowl. Use a spoon to press the potato through the sieve.

Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika powder, parsley, grated cheese, and potato starch to the mashed potato, and mix everything well.

Transfer the mixture to the working surface and cut it in half.

Roll out each half to a rectangle shape and cut it into strips.

Transfer the potato sticks to the pan with hot oil.

Fry until they are golden brown.

Serve and enjoy!