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Homemade Potato Smileys in Minutes

Homemade Potato Smileys in Minutes

Homemade Potato Smileys are fun, crispy, and addictive golden, smile-shaped potato bites made with simple pantry ingredients. Ready in under 30 minutes, they deliver a perfect crunchy texture with a soft inside, ideal for snacks, parties, or cozy movie nights. This recipe is kid-friendly, versatile, and easily customizable for baking, spicy, cheesy, or gluten-free variations.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 large starchy potatoes (Russets or Yukon Golds)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch or all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for variation)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Oil for frying (neutral oil with high smoke point)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and boil the potatoes until soft and tender. Drain completely and mash thoroughly, ensuring no lumps for a smooth texture suitable for shaping.
  2. Make the Potato Dough: Add salt, black pepper, and cornstarch or flour to the mashed potatoes. Mix until a soft but manageable dough forms, helping the smileys keep their shape while cooking.
  3. Shape the Smileys: Roll small portions of the dough into balls, flatten gently, and carve smiley faces using a toothpick or small knife. Keep thickness balanced for crispiness and structural integrity.
  4. Fry the Smileys: Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Fry smileys in batches for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with your favorite dips, optionally sprinkled with chaat masala or fresh herbs for added flavor.

Notes

  • Use starchy potatoes for the best crispy texture.
  • Ensure mashed potatoes are well-drained and free of excess moisture for better dough consistency.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan during frying to maintain even cooking and crispiness.
  • Keep smileys uniform in size and shape for consistent cooking.
  • Drain smileys properly on paper towels after frying to avoid sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: potato smileys, homemade snack, crispy potato bites, kid-friendly snack, quick appetizer, gluten-free snack, party snack, potato appetizer