Air-Fryer Red Potatoes: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Red potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served at any time of the day, from breakfast to dinner. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried French fries and can be made in an air fryer in less than 20 minutes. The air fryer simplifies the cooking process, resulting in crispy, tender potatoes with a soft middle. The potatoes can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices, such as rosemary, parsley, chives, thyme, and dill, or even Parmesan cheese for a rich, umami flavor. They can be paired with various main dishes, making them a convenient and tasty addition to any meal.

How long to cook red potatoes in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook red potatoes in an air fryer. They are a great side dish and can be served at any time of the day. They are healthier than traditionally fried potatoes and have the same crispy exterior and soft insides.

To cook red potatoes in an air fryer, first, wash and dry the potatoes well. You can leave the skin on, but make sure to scrub it clean. Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces so that they cook at a similar rate. If you have baby red potatoes, you can cut them in half. If you have larger red potatoes, cut them into smaller pieces or adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Next, drizzle the potatoes with oil. You can use extra-virgin olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, avocado oil, or any other neutral oil. Make sure there is just enough oil to make the exterior crisp and help the seasonings stick. Sprinkle the potatoes with your desired seasonings. You can use rosemary, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, dried thyme, Italian seasoning, or a Cajun/Creole seasoning. Toss the potatoes gently to coat them evenly with oil and seasonings.

Now, transfer the potatoes to the air fryer basket and arrange them in a single layer, leaving a little space between each potato. Do not overcrowd the basket as this will cause the potatoes to steam and soften instead of crisping up. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in multiple batches.

Finally, air fry the potatoes at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, until they are tender and golden brown around the edges. Flip or shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. Once the potatoes are fork-tender, remove them from the air fryer and garnish with additional fresh herbs, if desired. Serve hot.

What type of potatoes to use

Red potatoes are a popular choice for air frying, as they have a creamy texture and subtle sweetness. You can use regular-sized red potatoes or baby red potatoes, and you can leave the skin on for a crispy bite. Small red potatoes are low in starch and high in moisture, so they develop a great texture when air-fried or roasted. Plus, their thin skin means you don't have to peel them.

However, other types of potatoes can also be used in an air fryer. Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes are good alternatives, and if you can't find baby potatoes, you can use larger Yukon Gold or other yellow potatoes cut into 3/4-inch chunks. It is not recommended to use russet potatoes for this purpose, as their starchy texture is better suited for making air-fried French fries.

When preparing potatoes for air frying, it is important to cut them into evenly sized pieces so that they cook at a similar rate. You should also arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space around each potato to allow hot air to contact all sides and promote browning. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.

How to prepare the potatoes before cooking

Preparing the potatoes before cooking is a simple process. First, give the potatoes a good scrub and pat them dry. You don't need to peel them—in fact, leaving the skin on will make them crispier. Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces so that they cook at a similar rate.

Next, toss the potatoes with your chosen seasonings. You can use olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. If you want to get creative, you can experiment with other seasonings like paprika, rosemary, parsley, chives, dill, or thyme. You can also try making your own Mexican-inspired seasoning blend with cumin, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder.

After seasoning, arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each potato. This will ensure that they cook evenly and get nice and crispy. If you have a lot of potatoes, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

What temperature to cook the potatoes at

The cooking time and temperature for red potatoes in an air fryer depend on the consistency you want to achieve. For a crispy exterior and a soft, creamy, or fluffy interior, most sources recommend cooking at 400°F for 10 to 22 minutes.

To achieve the perfect crispy exterior, it is important to arrange the potatoes in a single layer, leaving some space around each one. This allows the hot air to circulate around the potatoes, promoting even cooking and browning. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding. It is also recommended to shake the basket or stir the potatoes halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.

The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the potatoes, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. It is important to keep an eye on the potatoes to ensure they don't overcook or burn. The potatoes are done when they are golden brown and tender, or when they can be easily pierced with a knife or fork.

For a quick and easy side dish, air-fried red potatoes are a great option. They can be cooked in less than 20 minutes, making them a convenient choice for weeknight meals or holiday dinners.

What to serve with red potatoes

Red potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. Here are some ideas for what to serve with red potatoes:

Meat Dishes

Red potatoes can be a great side dish for meat-based meals. They go well with burgers, pork chops, prime rib, steak, lamb chops, and meatloaf. If you're looking for a classic Southern combination, try serving them with fried chicken. For an elegant touch, consider pairing red potatoes with Cajun honey butter salmon, garnished with fresh herbs like chives, thyme, or oregano.

Vegetarian Options

For vegetarian options, red potatoes pair well with tofu scramble, veggie soup, or a breakfast hash. You can also serve them with a variety of cheeses, either as a potato soup packed with cheese and salty bacon or by thinly slicing the potatoes and covering them in a creamy, cheesy sauce.

Salads

If you're looking for a lighter option, red potatoes can be used in potato salads. Try a French potato salad with a bright and flavorful vinaigrette and a splash of white wine, or a warm potato salad with onions and herbs.

Breakfast

Red potatoes can also be a great breakfast side dish. Serve them with breakfast chicken sausage patties, add them to a breakfast hash, or include them as part of a hearty breakfast plate.

Snacks

Air-fried red potatoes can be a great snack on their own, especially as a healthier alternative to deep-fried French fries.

No matter which direction you choose to go in, red potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be adapted to many different flavors and cuisines.

Frequently asked questions