Canned potatoes are a handy pantry staple that can be prepared quickly and easily for a side dish or as an ingredient in soups, stews, and other recipes. With a few simple preparation methods, canned potatoes can be elevated into a tasty and satisfying meal component. From baking them in the oven, simmering them on the stovetop, microwaving, or crisping them in an air fryer.
1. How To Cook Canned Potatoes in Oven
Baking canned potatoes in the oven allows them to get crispy on the outside while becoming soft and creamy inside. Follow these simple steps:
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Drain and thoroughly rinse the canned potatoes to remove excess sodium and starch. Make sure to shake off any excess liquid.
Dry the drained potatoes thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
Toss the potatoes lightly with oil—olive, vegetable, coconut, avocado, or any high smoke point neutral oil works well. You want just enough to lightly coat the potatoes.
Season the oiled potatoes with preferred dried herbs and spices. Options include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, rosemary, thyme, oregano, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet without overcrowding.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until browned and slightly crispy on the outside.
Remove from oven and serve hot, at room temperature, or chilled.
2. How To Cook Canned Potatoes on Stove
Simmering canned potatoes on the stovetop allows them to soak up flavors from aromatics and seasonings for a simple side dish. Follow these easy steps
Drain and thoroughly rinse canned potatoes well. Shake off excess moisture.
Dice one small onion and mince 2-3 garlic cloves. Sauté in olive oil over medium heat until translucent and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Add rinsed canned potatoes and enough chicken or vegetable broth to just cover the potatoes.
Stir in preferred seasonings at this stage such as thyme, rosemary, paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Allow the potatoes to simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes until heated through and broth is slightly reduced. Stir occasionally.
Once flavors have melded and potatoes reach desired tenderness, remove pan from heat.
Before serving, stir in 2 Tbsp butter or olive oil along with chopped parsley or scallions for extra richness and color.
Adjust seasonings as needed and serve potatoes warm.
3. How To Cook Canned Potatoes in Microwave
The microwave provides a quick way to conveniently heat canned potatoes in just minutes. Follow these simple microwaving instructions:
Drain canned potatoes in a colander and rinse well to remove excess sodium. Shake out as much liquid as possible.
Transfer drained potatoes to a microwavable dish. Add 2 Tbsp water, broth, or milk to prevent them from drying out.
Cover dish tightly with plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid. Ensure the seal is tight so steam remains trapped inside.
Microwave potatoes on high power for 2-3 minutes until heated through. Larger portions may take 4-5 minutes.
Carefully remove the hot dish from microwave using oven mitts. Remove covering slowly allowing steam to escape safely away from your hand and face.
Stir potatoes gently allowing any remaining moisture to evaporate.
To boost flavor, toss cooked potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped herbs like parsley or chives.
You can keep potatoes warm in the microwave until ready to serve if needed.
4. How To Cook Canned Potatoes in Air Fryer
The air fryer allows you to give canned potatoes a quick crispy, golden exterior by circulating hot air around them. Here is a simple air fryer method:
Drain canned potatoes thoroughly and pat very dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Getting rid of excess moisture helps them get ultra crispy.
Toss dried potatoes with about 1 Tbsp oil to lightly coat the surface.
Optional seasonings can be added at this point too such as onion/garlic powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Place potatoes carefully in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Work in batches if needed.
Air fry at 400°F for 8-12 minutes until browned and crispy, gently tossing halfway. Roast time varies on quantity and size of air fryer.
Monitor closely towards the end as they can go from crispy to burnt quickly if overcooked.
Serve seasoned air fried canned potatoes immediately while still crispy. Ranch dressing or ketchup make great dipping sauces.
The next time you need a quick and hassle-free potato dish, grab a can from your pantry. With these simple preparation methods, you can transform basic canned potatoes into a tasty side. Whether baked, sautéed, microwaved or air-fried, canned potatoes cooked right can soak up delicious flavors.
