Step 1: Preheat and Prep – Setting the Stage for Success

• Preheat the Oven to 425°F (220°C): Preheating the oven to the correct temperature is crucial for achieving crispy roasted potatoes. A hot oven ensures that the potatoes cook quickly and develop a golden-brown crust without becoming soggy. Allow the oven to fully preheat before placing the potatoes inside.
• Wash and Cut the Fingerling Potatoes: Thoroughly wash the fingerling potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. Cutting them in half increases the surface area exposed to the heat, promoting faster cooking and more crispiness. Cutting them lengthwise also creates a flat surface that will sit nicely on the baking sheet.
• Evenly Sized Pieces: Try to cut the potatoes into roughly even sizes to ensure they cook uniformly. If you have some significantly larger potatoes, you may need to quarter them to match the size of the smaller halves.

Step 2: The Flavor Bomb – Coating the Potatoes with Parmesan Magic

• Combine Potatoes and Oil: Place the halved fingerling potatoes in a large bowl or a large zip-lock bag. Drizzle them with 3 tablespoons of avocado oil (or olive oil). Toss the potatoes with your hands or shake the zip-lock bag to ensure they are evenly coated with oil. The oil helps the seasonings adhere to the potatoes and promotes browning and crispiness.
• Add Spices and Parmesan Cheese: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper to the bowl or zip-lock bag.
• Toss to Coat Evenly: Toss the potatoes again, or shake the bag, until they are completely and evenly coated with the spice and Parmesan mixture. Make sure every potato piece is generously covered. The Parmesan cheese will melt and create the delicious crispy crust, so don’t be shy with it!
• Zip-lock Bag vs. Bowl: Using a zip-lock bag can be slightly more efficient for coating the potatoes, as you can simply seal the bag and shake it to distribute the seasonings. However, a large bowl works just as well. Choose whichever method you prefer.

Step 3: Baking to Golden Perfection – Achieving Crispy Edges and Tender Centers

• Grease the Baking Sheet: Pour 3 tablespoons of avocado oil (or olive oil) onto a large baking sheet. Use your hands or a pastry brush to spread the oil evenly across the entire surface of the baking sheet.
• Arrange Potatoes in a Single Layer: Remove the potatoes from the bowl or zip-lock bag and place them on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Try to squeeze out as much of the seasoning mixture from the bowl or bag as possible and sprinkle it over the potatoes on the baking sheet. Ensure the potatoes are not overcrowded on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will trap steam and prevent them from crisping up properly. Use two baking sheets if necessary to ensure a single layer.
• Bake for 20 Minutes: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, the edges of the potatoes should begin to brown and crisp up.
• Flip and Bake for Another 15-20 Minutes: Using a spatula, carefully flip each potato piece to ensure even browning on all sides. Return the baking sheet to the oven and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on both sides and tender when pierced with a fork. The total cooking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your potatoes.
• Monitor for Browning: Keep an eye on the potatoes during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent them from burning. If they are browning too quickly, you can reduce the oven temperature slightly or tent the baking sheet loosely with foil.

Step 4: The Finishing Touch – Seasoning and Serving

• Season with Additional Salt and Pepper (Optional): Once the potatoes are removed from the oven, taste them and season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if desired. The Parmesan cheese is already quite salty, so you may not need much additional salt.
• Serve Immediately: For the best texture and crispiness, serve the Parmesan Roasted Fingerling Potatoes immediately while they are hot. The longer they sit, the softer the crust will become.
• Enjoy! Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives (optional) and serve as a side dish, appetizer, or snack.