Potatoes are more than just a side dish—they’re a foundation for culinary creativity! Whether you love them crispy, cheesy, or seasoned to perfection, there’s no better time to indulge in your favorite potato dishes than National Potato Lover’s Day on February 8th.
From trending TikTok recipes to air-fried alternatives that bring all the crunch with less oil, we’ve got you covered with the crispiest, tastiest, and most creative potato dishes to make in your Toastmaster toaster oven and air fryer. Let’s turn up the heat and celebrate potatoes like never before!
History and Origins
National Potato Lover's Day is celebrated annually on February 8th. While the exact origins of this specific day are not well-documented, Potato Lovers Month is celebrated in February, a designation that began in 1987 when Governor Booth Gardner of Washington signed a declaration to promote the appreciation of potatoes.
The potato itself has a rich history, originating in the Andes region of South America, where it was first cultivated by the Incas of Peru thousands of years ago.
Spanish explorers introduced the potato to Europe in the late 16th century, and it eventually spread worldwide, becoming a staple in many diets.
Geographical Popularity
Potatoes are a global staple, but their popularity varies across regions. In the United States, Idaho and Washington are renowned for their potato production. Idaho, in particular, is famous for its high-quality russet potatoes and contributes significantly to the nation's potato supply.
Globally, countries such as China, India, Russia, and Ukraine are among the top producers and consumers of potatoes. The versatility and adaptability of potatoes to various climates make them a beloved food in many cultures.
Fun Facts About Potatoes
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Space-Age Spuds: In 1995, potatoes became the first vegetable to be grown in space. NASA and the University of Wisconsin partnered to cultivate potatoes aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia, aiming to understand how they might grow in microgravity environments.
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A Colorful Palette: While most people are familiar with white or yellow potatoes, there are also purple and blue varieties. These colorful potatoes are rich in antioxidants and add a vibrant touch to dishes.
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A Record-Breaking Tuber: The heaviest potato ever recorded weighed 10 pounds, 14 ounces and was grown by Peter Glazebrook in the United Kingdom in 2011.
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A Culinary Prank: The invention of potato chips is attributed to George Crum, a chef in New York. In 1853, after a customer complained that his fried potatoes were too thick, Crum sliced them paper-thin, fried them until crispy, and inadvertently created a snack sensation.
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A Nutritional Powerhouse: Potatoes are naturally fat-free, sodium-free, and cholesterol-free. They are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, making them a healthy addition to various meals.
National Potato Lover's Day offers an opportunity to celebrate this versatile and nutritious vegetable. Whether you prefer them mashed, baked, fried, or roasted, potatoes have a way of bringing variety to the table.
Trending Potato Recipes to Try
1. Viral Air-Fried Smashed Potatoes
Why it’s trending: Crispy on the outside, buttery on the inside, and packed with flavor! Smashed potatoes have taken over social media as the ultimate bite-sized potato treat.
How to Make It:
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Boil baby potatoes until fork-tender.
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Smash them with the bottom of a glass on a parchment-lined tray.
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Drizzle with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Air fry at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until golden and crispy.
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Top with Parmesan, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of garlic butter.
Pro Tip: Make a loaded version with sour cream, bacon crumbles, and chives!
2. The Ultimate Air-Fried Loaded Fries
Why it’s trending: People are elevating fries with global flavors, inspired by street food from Korea, Mexico, and the Middle East.
How to Make It:
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Slice russet potatoes into thin fries and soak in cold water for 30 minutes (removes starch for extra crispiness!).
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Pat dry, toss in olive oil, salt, and paprika, then air fry at 375°F for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway through.
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Top with your favorite global flavors:
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Korean Gochujang Fries: Drizzle with gochujang mayo, green onions, and sesame seeds.
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Mexican Street Corn Fries: Add cotija cheese, tajín, lime, and crema.
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Greek Gyro Fries: Load with tzatziki, feta, and gyro meat.
Pro Tip: Cook frozen fries straight from the bag in your Toastmaster Air Fryer for an effortless crispy texture!
3. Cheesy Hasselback Potatoes (Toaster Oven Friendly!)
Why it’s trending: A crispy twist on baked potatoes that maximize surface area for extra crunch!
How to Make It:
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Slice a russet or Yukon gold potato into thin slits, stopping before you cut all the way through.
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Brush with melted butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.
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Bake in your Toastmaster toaster oven at 425°F for 30-35 minutes.
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Top with cheese and broil for 3-5 minutes until bubbly.
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Garnish with sour cream, bacon, and chives for the ultimate flavor.
Pro Tip: Use chopsticks on either side of the potato to prevent cutting all the way through!
4. Air-Fried Garlic Parmesan Tater Tots
Why it’s trending: Homemade tater tots are popping up on foodie accounts everywhere, thanks to their crispier, healthier twist over deep-frying.
How to Make It:
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Grate 2 large potatoes and squeeze out moisture.
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Mix with Parmesan, garlic powder, flour, and an egg to bind.
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Shape into small tots and freeze for 20 minutes.
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Air fry at 380°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Toss in Parmesan and fresh parsley before serving.
Pro Tip: Serve with truffle aioli or spicy sriracha ketchup for an elevated dip!
5. Air-Fried Sweet Potato Chips
Why it’s trending: Health-conscious foodies are ditching store-bought chips for crunchy, air-fried alternatives!
How to Make It:
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Slice sweet potatoes super thin using a mandoline.
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Toss with a little olive oil and sea salt.
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Air fry at 325°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
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Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a sweet twist or chili lime seasoning for a spicy kick!
Pro Tip: Let chips cool completely for max crispiness!
Why Toastmaster Toaster Ovens & Air Fryers Make These Recipes Even Better
Cooking crispy potatoes has never been easier! Here’s why you’ll love using your Toastmaster toaster oven and air fryer:
✅ Faster Cooking Times – Air fryers crisp up potatoes in half the time of an oven!
✅ Less Oil, More Crunch – Get deep-fried texture with up to 85% less oil.
✅ Versatile Cooking – From baked potatoes to fries and tots, you can do it all.
✅ Small Kitchen Friendly – Save space without sacrificing performance.
Celebrate National Potato Lover's Day with Toastmaster!
Whether you love your potatoes crispy, cheesy, or creatively topped, there’s no wrong way to enjoy this beloved food. This National Potato Lover’s Day, fire up your Toastmaster toaster oven or air fryer, and treat yourself to potato perfection!
Which recipe are you trying first? Share your creations on Instagram and TikTok using #ToastmasterPotatoPerfection and tag @SelectBrands for a chance to be featured!
Crispy. Golden. Delicious. That’s potato perfection.
