How to Use a Potato Peeler the Right Way
Updated: May 06, 2022
Learn how to use a potato peeler the right way to take advantage of the most underrated tool in your kitchen.
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Some our favorite recipes—scalloped potatoes, clam chowder and potato salad—are loaded with spuds. We might even make them more frequently if peeling potatoes weren’t so tedious.
Gone are the days when you have to peel your slippery potatoes with a paring knife. Enter the potato peeler, perhaps the niftiest gadget in your kitchen. Here’s how to use a peeler, plus some tricks from TikTok that’ll help you make the most of the tool.
How to Use a Potato Peeler
Scrub up the potatoes you’ll need for your recipe, grab a peeler and let’s get started.
Directions
Step 1: Hold the potato in your non-dominant hand
If you’re right-handed, start with the potato in your left hand. Be sure to position your fingers so they’re grasping the edges of the potato without sticking up to avoid getting nicked by the blade as you peel. Hold the potato over a cutting board and grab the peeler with your right hand. If you’re left-handed, do the opposite.
Step 2: Peel the potato away from you
Making sure that your fingers are out of the way, run the peeler’s blade along the surface of the potato. We like to hold the potato at a slight angle downward and run the blade down toward the cutting board (away from us) for maximum safety.
Step 3: Remove the eyes
After you peel the potato, you may notice small divots (also called “eyes”) that still have peels on them. TikTok user @The_EugeFood pointed out that peelers often come equipped with a convenient scoop for banishing the eyes on potatoes. All you have to do is dig in, pry out the eyes and voila! Your favorite potato soup recipe now comes totally eye-free.
@the_eugefood Did you know about this? #potato #tiktokchef #cookingtips #kitchentips #kitchenhacks #cookinghacks #peeler #potatopeeler #foodprep #randomthings ♬ original sound – The Euge food
If your peeler doesn’t have a scoop, you can use the tip of a paring knife. Alternatively, you can continue to shave off the surface with the peeler’s blade until the eye is removed.
The Best Potato Peelers
You need just one tool for this job. Here are the potato peelers we recommend.
- If you’re looking for an inexpensive, low-profile peeler, you can’t go wrong with Kuhn Rikon’s Original Swiss Peeler. It’s lightweight and easy to store, and it has a scoop on the side for removing potato eyes. (More on that later.)
- For a peeler that can also julienne, we recommend the Precision Kitchenware Peeler. One side features the regular wide-strip peeler for removing potato peels or creating zucchini ribbons. The other side has tiny teeth that split the peel into tiny strips to make quick work of prepping recipes like glazed julienned carrots.
- If you prefer the flexibility of a swivel peeler, try the OXO Good Grips Swivel Peeler. Most of these peelers only have a blade on one side, so you can peel in just one direction, but many cooks find them safer and easier to use.
Tips for Using a Potato Peeler
Can you peel a potato in both directions?
While we generally suggest peeling a potato away from your body for safety, it is possible to peel a potato in both directions if you have a peeler with a double-sided blade. We can thank @Liv.Dalton on TikTok for showing us that the dual blade on your peeler can actually handle both directions for easy peeling. This trick makes quick work of taking down a pile of potato, but you’ll want to be careful to avoid nicking your fingers.
@liv.dalton #foodhacks #fyp #foryou #lifehacks ♬ original sound – Liv Dalton
How do you clean a vegetable peeler?
It’s easy for chunks of potatoes or other vegetables to get lodged in the sharp blades of the peeler, and they’re almost impossible to clean if allowed to dry! Instead, fill a small bowl with warm, soapy water. When you’re finished peeling vegetables, immediately swish the peeler in the water to remove any large bits. Then, use a kitchen sponge and carefully scrub around the blade to remove any remaining food pieces.
What’s the fastest way to peel a potato?
If you have a ton of potatoes to peel, speed will be your friend! Use this potato-peeling hack using a fork to get the job done as quickly (and safely) as possible.
Can you use a peeler on other foods?
Yes! A peeler can be useful for all kinds of foods with skin, including carrots, cucumbers, eggplant and butternut squash. The limitations don’t end at produce, either. Peel thin ribbons of zucchini for a salad, slice off strips of cheese instead of grating it, remove orange peels for use in cocktails or use the peeler to shave chocolate onto your favorite dessert.
Now that you know how to use a potato peeler, put your skills to use with these potato recipes for those who love spuds.
Loaded Mashed PotatoesThis contest-winning casserole combines the flavors of loaded baked potatoes with the creamy richness of mashed potatoes to delicious effect. As a bonus, the dish can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge until ready to bake and eat.
Rosemary Potatoes with Caramelized OnionsSweet, meltingly tender caramelized onions make these classic roast potatoes unforgettable. Rosemary leans into the sweetness, but you can use any woody, hardy herb like oregano, thyme or marjoram.
Pepper Jack Hash Brown CasserolePrepare yourself for a decadent treat! These cheesy hash brown potatoes bake up to an ooey-gooey bite, while a potato chip crumb topping adds crispy crunch. Feel free to swap out the cheeses in the recipe for whichever ones you have on hand.
Buffalo Wing PotatoesThis recipe is the perfect easy party food. Cubed potatoes slow cook in a simple buffalo sauce, resulting in a zesty dish that's great alongside burgers, chicken or potluck fare.
Slow-Cooker Baked PotatoesCrave the comfort of a baked potato but don't want to turn on the oven? Make them in the slow cooker instead. This method is perfect in warm weather or on a busy day.
Cheesy Bacon Ranch Potato StuffingOne of our favorite Thanksgiving side dishes, stuffing is cozy but fairly plain, requiring gravy to add moisture and flavor. This version is tasty enough to eat on its own though. Pair with a roasted chicken, or serve at a holiday table for a totally new taste.
Loaded Baked Potato RoundsCan loaded baked potatoes be elegant? These open-face potato rounds definitely make the cut. Serve at a party to please guests of all ages.
Chiles Rellenos Breakfast BakeChiles rellenos are traditionally a labor of love. This breakfast bake simplifies the process, while still delivering the same spicy, cheesy, delicious chile flavor.
Mediterranean Slow-Cooker Mashed PotatoesPacked with flavor from the herbs and feta cheese, these mashed potatoes taste super fancy; you wouldn't even know they're made in a slow cooker! Pair these potatoes with a turkey-based meat loaf and your favorite veggies.
Turkey Sliders with Sweet Potato “Buns”Looking for a creative gluten-free appetizer? These "sliders" are sandwiches between slices of sweet potato. Be sure to swap out gluten-free breadcrumbs if you do need them GF.
Bacon-Gruyere Smashed PotatoesThese skillet potatoes have a perfectly balanced flavor. Low-cooked onions turn sweet and jammy, boiled potatoes offer creamy comfort and cheese and bacon add savory richness. Serve it as a side, or top it with a fried egg for a one-bowl dinner.
Cinnamon-Sugar Sweet Potato PastriesLooking to use up leftover mashed potatoes (sweet potatoes, in this case)? Think outside the dinner plate and make these stuffed crescent roll pastries.
Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Gorgonzola SpreadThese grilled potato slices taste equally great with plain or sweet potatoes. The simple dressing of lemon juice, olive oil and mayo gets an earthy boost from crumbled Gorgonzola cheese.
Easy Scalloped PotatoesA comfort food like grandma used to make, scalloped potatoes are totally cozy, but can get a bit...heavy. This recipe lightens up the cream and fat content without sacrificing flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Potato SkinsBuffalo chicken meets crispy potato skins! These restaurant copycat appetizers are a total crowd pleaser. Serve them as an appetizer or bring them to a potluck if you're on snack duty.
Best Ever Potato SoupThe title says it all—this soup is among our top-rated potato recipes. It's everything you want in a classic potato soup: cozy, thick, creamy and savory. While the added Velveeta is creamy and easy, you can also swap for your favorite meltable cheese.
Mexican Roasted Potato SaladThis dish is a cross between roasted potatoes and potato salad, with a southwestern twist. Tasty, crispy-edged red potatoes are tossed in a tangy sour cream dressing and spiked with green chiles, black beans and spices.
Potato Pumpkin MashMashed potatoes but make them festive! This pumpkin potato mash is a festive holiday side dish that packs in extra flavor (and vitamins). Swirl the mash together in a clear serving dish for optimal presentation.
Pretty Duchess PotatoesNeed a side dish with wow-factor? Try these whirled potatoes. They look incredibly special, but are easy to pipe out with a pastry bag (or even a ziptop plastic bag).
Sweet Corn and Potato GratinNeed to convince kids to eat their veggies? Try this gratin, which combines corn and potatoes with a crispy, irresistible crumb topping.
Rosemary Roasted Potatoes and AsparagusIs it asparagus season yet? As soon as it is, make this dish. Roasting asparagus gives it a meaty, slightly charred flavor that's absolutely delicious and a nice change from the classic steamed or boiled asparagus.
Cheddar & Spinach Twice-Baked PotatoesNo need for a side salad when you spike your potatoes with a healthy dose of spinach. It's a tasty, lighter take on comfort food. Potato recipes like this are the perfect side for a casual party or family dinner.
Baked Sweet Potato FriesHomemade sweet potato fries are a real treat. Cook them in an air fryer to get all of the crispy flavor and none of the splattering oil.
Campfire HashThis hearty one-pot meal tastes good whether it's cooked over a campfire or on the stovetop. The base recipe calls for sausages, potatoes, corn and chiles, but you can mix and match sausage flavors, vegetables and seasonings however you like.
Colcannon PotatoesA classic Irish dish, colcannon potatoes are made with floury white potatoes, green cabbage, onions and rich butter. For a modern take, substitute the cabbage with your favorite hearty, leafy green.
Baked Potato PizzaNot every pizza has to be topped with red sauce and mozzarella. This recipe transforms a pizza crust into a kind of flatbread topped with the flavors of a loaded baked potato.
Party PotatoesA tangy take on classic mashed potatoes, these party potatoes are packed with garlic and onion flavors. Top with your favorite meltable cheese. This recipe can be made the night before cooking, but hold off on topping with breadcrumbs until you're ready to bake, otherwise they'll get soggy.
Creamy Mushroom-Potato BakeSauteed onions and mushrooms elevate a simple pan of mashed potatoes. In fact, this bake is so flavorful, you might not even need gravy. For best results, use a really good brand of butter, like Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter.
Spicy Sweet Potato Chips & Cilantro DipTurn up the heat with a bowl of spicy, crispy sweet potato chips. Make the creamy, cooling dipping sauce while the thinly sliced potatoes bake in the oven, then serve as a snack or as a side to a sandwich wrap.
Favorite Cheesy PotatoesThis casserole cooks up in a trusty 13x9-in. pan. Make it ahead and refrigerate it or freeze it until ready to bake. These decadent potatoes make for a festive side dish at a football potluck or holiday party.
Herbed Potato PacksWhen it's grilling season, we love tossing foil-wrapped veggie packs on the grill. Vegetables cook quicker in the foil than straight on the grill, and since they're essentially swaddled in seasoning, they're super flavorful too.
Ranch Potato CasseroleIt's always handy to have a few make-ahead casserole recipes in your back pocket. Anyone who loves ranch dressing will enjoy this tasty, crunchy bake.
Hash Brown Broccoli BakeWhen cooking for fussy eaters, it can help to mix green vegetables with cozier foods. Here, broccoli is blanketed in crunchy hash browns and your favorite kind of cheese.
Creamy Sweet PotatoesThe secret ingredient in this sweet potato casserole might surprise you: oranges! Not only does the citrus fruit match the color of sweet potatoes, but its sweet yet tart flavor also adds a complementary acidity that balances the dish.
Air-Fryer French FriesIt's much easier (and tidier) to air-fry french fries than to deep fry (and it's a little bit healthier too). Take care to cut the potatoes into similar sizes so they cook and crisp evenly.
Originally Published: September 03, 2020
