Simple Crispy Greek Lemon Potatoes

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Golden, crispy on the outside, and perfectly tender on the inside—these Simple Crispy Greek Lemon Potatoes are one of my favorite comfort side dishes to make. I’ve always loved potatoes in just about every form, but there’s something about the combination of lemon, garlic, oregano, and crispy edges that makes this version truly stand out. When I serve these, there’s rarely any left on the plate.

The beauty of this recipe lies in how simple it is to throw together with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. It brings a Mediterranean flair to your dinner table with very little effort. Whether you’re serving roasted chicken, grilled fish, or even a veggie platter, these potatoes are always the star of the show.

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Why You’ll Love This Simple Crispy Greek Lemon Potatoes Recipe

• The outside gets irresistibly golden and crisp, while the inside remains fluffy.
• Bursting with tangy lemon flavor and aromatic herbs.
• Naturally gluten-free and made with real, simple ingredients.
• An easy side that works for both weeknights and special occasions.
• Pairs beautifully with a wide variety of main dishes.

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What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use?

For the crispiest texture and creamiest center, Yukon Gold potatoes are my top choice. They hold their shape well during roasting and absorb flavors beautifully. Russets can also work, but they tend to be starchier and may fall apart more easily. If you only have red potatoes, they can be used, but expect a slightly waxier texture.

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Options for Substitutions

• Oil: Olive oil is traditional and adds great flavor, but avocado oil can work if you’re roasting at a higher temperature.
• Herbs: No oregano? Use thyme or rosemary instead, or a blend of dried Mediterranean herbs.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon juice is key here, but in a pinch, bottled lemon juice will still do the trick.
• Garlic: I love using fresh minced garlic, but garlic powder can step in if that’s all you have.
• Potatoes: As mentioned, Yukon Golds are ideal, but feel free to use what you have—just adjust baking times slightly.

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Ingredients for This Simple Crispy Greek Lemon Potatoes Recipe

• Yukon Gold Potatoes – Their creamy interior and ability to crisp up beautifully make them perfect for this dish.
• Olive Oil – Provides richness and helps the potatoes get that golden crust.
• Fresh Lemon Juice – Adds brightness and a bold, tangy punch.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic infuses the potatoes with savory depth and fragrance.
• Dried Oregano – The key herb in Greek cuisine, bringing earthy and floral notes.
• Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all the flavors.
• Vegetable Broth or Water – Helps steam and soften the potatoes before they crisp.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or sheet pan. Peel the potatoes if you prefer, though I often leave the skins on for extra texture. Slice them into thick wedges—about 6 to 8 wedges per potato.

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Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and broth or water. This zesty mixture will coat the potatoes and infuse them with that signature Greek flavor.

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Step 3: Toss and Arrange

Toss the potato wedges in the marinade until every piece is well coated. Then, arrange them in a single layer in your prepared baking dish or sheet pan, cut side down for maximum crisping.

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Step 4: Roast and Baste

Roast the potatoes uncovered for about 40 minutes. Halfway through, baste the potatoes with the pan juices and flip them to ensure even browning. This helps the flavor soak in and keeps them moist on the inside.

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Step 5: Crisp to Finish

Turn up the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C) for the last 15–20 minutes. Let the edges crisp up and caramelize. If the pan looks dry, you can add a splash more broth or oil. Watch closely so the garlic doesn’t burn.

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Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once golden and crispy, remove from the oven. Sprinkle with a final touch of sea salt, fresh lemon zest, or extra oregano if desired. Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing.

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How Long to Prepare the Simple Crispy Greek Lemon Potatoes

The total time investment for this recipe is just over an hour, but most of that is hands-off baking time. The results are more than worth the wait.

Prep Time: Prepping the potatoes and marinade takes around 10–15 minutes. If you’re peeling the potatoes, add an extra 5 minutes. Mixing the marinade and arranging everything in the pan is quick and straightforward.

Cook Time: Roasting takes approximately 60 minutes. The first 40 minutes allow the potatoes to soften and absorb the lemony broth, and the final 15–20 minutes are crucial for getting those golden, crispy edges.

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Tips for Perfect Simple Crispy Greek Lemon Potatoes

• Use a heavy-duty sheet pan or baking dish that allows the potatoes to spread out in a single layer.
• Always cut the wedges evenly so they cook at the same rate.
• Don’t skip the flipping and basting step—it ensures flavor penetration and perfect browning.
• Let the potatoes finish at a higher temperature for a final crisp boost.
• Use fresh lemon juice and real garlic for the best flavor payoff.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Crowding the pan: This traps steam and prevents crisping. Use two pans if necessary.
• Skipping the broth: It’s vital for the soft, melt-in-your-mouth center.
• Not flipping the potatoes: They’ll brown unevenly and lose flavor.
• Using too little oil: Oil helps with both flavor and the crispy texture.
• Cooking at too low a temp: The final high-temp blast is essential for golden edges.

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What to Serve With Simple Crispy Greek Lemon Potatoes?

1. Grilled Chicken Souvlaki

A perfect Greek pairing—light, protein-rich, and full of complementary flavors.

2. Baked Feta and Tomatoes

This creamy, tangy dish balances the crispy texture and lemon tang of the potatoes.

3. Greek Salad

Fresh cucumber, tomato, olives, and feta bring cool crunch alongside the warm, roasted potatoes.

4. Lamb Chops or Lamb Kebabs

The richness of lamb is a natural partner to the zesty brightness of the potatoes.

5. Tzatziki Sauce

A refreshing yogurt-based dip to serve on the side for a cooling contrast.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Let the potatoes cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through and crispy again—about 10–15 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the potatoes soggy.

Freezer: Not recommended, as the texture tends to get mealy when thawed.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Approx. 1 cup)

• Calories: 230
• Total Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 1.2g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Cholesterol: 0mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use lime instead of lemon?

Lime will work in a pinch, but the flavor will be slightly different. Lemon provides that classic Greek tang.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes! Cook in batches at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Do I have to peel the potatoes?

Not at all. Leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients. Just scrub them well.

Can I prep these in advance?

You can slice and marinate the potatoes a few hours ahead. Bake them just before serving for best texture.

What if I don’t have vegetable broth?

You can use chicken broth or even water in a pinch. Broth just adds more flavor.

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Conclusion

Simple Crispy Greek Lemon Potatoes are a celebration of minimal ingredients done right. The contrast between the crispy outside and tender center, all wrapped in lemony, garlicky goodness, makes this dish a standout. Whether you’re planning a Mediterranean feast or just want something special to pair with a weeknight dinner, this side dish never disappoints. Try it once, and it’ll quickly become a favorite in your rotation.

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