When all you want is something simple, comforting, and unfussy—something you can pull together without rummaging through cupboards or consulting a recipe book. For me, Paprika Potato Slices are exactly that sort of dish. They’re the kind of thing you make on a lazy weekend afternoon, or when you need a quick bite to go with whatever else is bubbling away on the hob. Paprika potato Slices are a dish built on simplicity: just sliced potatoes pan-fried until golden and sprinkled generously with paprika for a warm, gentle kick. But simplicity never means dull, and this dish proves it every time.
There’s something nostalgic about the sizzle of potatoes hitting the pan. It’s a smell that always takes me back to childhood kitchens—warm, cosy, with a window fogged by steam from whatever Mum was cooking. Potatoes are a staple in most British homes; they’re cheap, versatile, and always ready to lend themselves to a bit of flavour. When you slice them thinly and fry them up with a touch of paprika, they transform into something crisp-edged, tender in the middle, and loaded with subtle warmth.
Paprika is such a friendly spice. It doesn’t shout or overwhelm; instead, it whispers its smoky, earthy notes and paints everything a lovely brick-red colour. You can use sweet paprika for mild warmth, smoked paprika for a deeper, wood-fired flavour, or hot paprika if you like a sharper, tingling kick. Sometimes I even mix the three for a more layered experience—it feels almost daring for such a humble potato side.
One of the joys of Paprika Potato Slices is how adaptable they are. You can serve them at breakfast alongside eggs and toast, or at lunch with a crisp salad and something light on the grill. Come evening, they easily make themselves at home next to roasted meats, saucy stews, or grilled fish. They’re also brilliant as a snack—you can pile them into a bowl and enjoy them while watching telly, dipping them into your favourite sauce.
What I love most is the rhythm of the cooking itself. Laying each slice gently into the pan, listening to the light crackle of oil, watching the edges slowly turn golden—it’s almost therapeutic. And when you finally sprinkle that paprika across the top, the colour blooms instantly, giving the dish a rustic, inviting look. A final pinch of salt, maybe a dusting of pepper, and you’re done. In under half an hour you have a dish that looks and tastes far more impressive than the effort required.
Because the core is so simple, the sides or dips you pair with it can completely change the mood of the meal. Some days I want something cool and creamy; other days I reach for something tangy or even spicy to match the paprika’s warmth. It’s a dish that invites experimentation without asking for any fuss.
Side Dishes and Dips to Serve with Paprika Potato Slices:
- Garlic mayonnaise – creamy, rich, and fabulous for dipping.
- Sour cream and chive dip – refreshing against the paprika warmth.
- Tomato salsa – adds tanginess and freshness.
- Sweet chilli sauce – perfect for those who like a little extra heat.
- Coleslaw – offers crunch and a cooling balance.
- Crisp green salad – simple and light, letting the potatoes shine.
- Grilled chicken strips – a heartier pairing for lunch or dinner.
- Fried eggs or poached eggs – ideal for a breakfast or brunch twist.
- Roasted vegetables – adds depth and colour to the plate.
- Lemon yoghurt dip – bright and zesty.
- Smoky barbecue dip – complements the paprika beautifully.
- Pickled onions – sharp, tangy contrast to the soft potatoes.
- Cucumber mint dip – wonderfully cooling.
- Grilled halloumi – salty, squeaky, and delicious with paprika.
- Pan-seared sausages – a classic comfort combination.
Paprika Potato Slices prove that even the simplest ingredients can turn into something truly comforting and delicious. They’re the kind of dish that reminds you good food doesn’t need to be complicated—it just needs care, heat, and a sprinkle of something flavourful. Whatever you serve them with, they’ll warm your kitchen and your plate every single time.
Paprika Potato Slices
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes peeled or unpeeled thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil sunflower oil
- 1½ tsp paprika sweet, smoked or hot
- salt to taste
- Black pepper optional
Instructions
Instructions – Pan-Fried Method:
- Wash and slice the potatoes into thin rounds, about 3–4 mm thick. Pat them dry with kitchen paper to remove excess moisture.4 medium potatoes
- Set a large frying pan over medium heat and add the oil. Allow it to heat until it begins to shimmer.3 tbsp vegetable oil
- Lay the potato slices in a single layer in the pan. Fry for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden, lightly crisp on the edges, and tender in the centre. Work in batches so the pan isn’t overcrowded.
- Sprinkle paprika, salt, and optional pepper over the hot potatoes. Toss gently to coat them evenly in the spices.1½ tsp paprika, salt, Black pepper
- Plate the paprika potato slices immediately and enjoy with your favourite dip or side dish.
Instructions – Air Fryer Method:
- Slice the potatoes to 3–4 mm thickness and pat them dry thoroughly.4 medium potatoes
- Add the potato slices to a bowl and toss with a tablespoon of oil, paprika, salt, and optional pepper until well coated.1½ tsp paprika, salt, Black pepper
- Place the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overlapping will soften them, so cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket or turning the slices halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Once crisp and golden, serve the paprika potato slices hot with your chosen dip.
16 comments
Great with breakfast, especially alongside fried eggs
Really comforting and easy to make, ideal for a quick midweek side
Good flavour but I think they need a touch more seasoning to stand out
Nice flavour overall but the slices could have been a little crispier
Loved the soft centres and slightly crunchy edges
Found them a bit bland on their own but much better with smoked paprika
Really enjoyed the warm paprika kick and how quickly the potatoes cooked
Perfect little snack for the evening, light and moreish
They browned evenly in the air fryer and came out less oily than pan-fried
Decent side dish though nothing particularly special
A simple dish but surprisingly satisfying when paired with a good dip
Crispy, golden, and full of flavour – the paprika really lifts this simple potato dish
Quick, comforting, and perfect with a garlic mayo dip – I’ll be making these again
I made these whilst I cooked dinner and everyone loved them.
Tasty and easy to make, though I found the slices a bit too soft in the middle
Not bad, but I prefer roasted potatoes; might try oven baked next time.