Air Fryer Small Potato Cooking Guide

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook small potatoes. They can be cooked in under 20 minutes and require minimal preparation. Small potatoes can be cooked in an air fryer without pre-cooking, although some recipes suggest parboiling them first. The potatoes should be tossed in oil and seasoning before being placed in the air fryer. The air fryer should be preheated to around 400°F/200°C and the potatoes cooked for 10-15 minutes, shaken, and then cooked for a further 5-10 minutes.

How long to cook small potatoes in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook small potatoes in an air fryer! It's a quick and easy way to make a versatile side dish that goes with almost any meal. Small potatoes in an air fryer will be crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.

To cook small potatoes in an air fryer, first, wash the potatoes and dry them thoroughly. If the potatoes are freshly harvested with thin skins, they will cook faster. If the potatoes are larger than half an inch in diameter, cut them into halves or quarters to ensure they cook evenly. You can leave the skin on for extra crispiness. Then, drizzle or rub the potatoes with a little oil—this can be olive oil, grapeseed oil, vegetable oil, or sunflower oil—and season them. You can use any seasoning of your choice, such as Italian, BBQ, or Taco seasoning, or a simple mixture of paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give the potatoes a good toss to make sure they are well-coated in oil and spices.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F/204°C. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy. Set the timer for 10 minutes, then pull out the basket and give it a good shake or stir. Put the basket back in and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. You can check if they are done by piercing them with a fork. If they are not ready yet, cook in 2-minute increments until they are tender.

Once they are cooked, remove the potatoes from the basket and serve with your favorite meat or fish. You can also squeeze a little lemon and sprinkle some parsley over the potatoes for added flavor.

Cooked potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3- 7 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 380°F for a few minutes until they are warmed through and crispy again.

What type of potatoes to use

When it comes to choosing the right type of potatoes for your air fryer, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to use small or baby potatoes to ensure they cook quickly and evenly. These potatoes are typically referred to as "new potatoes", which is a term for any variety of potato harvested before maturity. You can find these in various colours, including yellow, red, gold, and purple.

For the best results, look for potatoes with thin skins, as thicker skins may require peeling before cooking. The thin skin of new potatoes will crisp up nicely in the air fryer, so there is no need to peel them, and they will cook more evenly if they are of similar size. If your potatoes are larger, simply cut them into halves or equal-sized pieces before cooking.

When preparing your potatoes, make sure to dry them thoroughly after washing, as any remaining moisture can make them soggy during cooking. A light coating of oil is also essential to achieve that crispy, golden texture. You can use various types of oil, such as grapeseed, olive, or vegetable oil, depending on your preference and the smoke point of the oil.

Now, let's talk about cooking time. Small or baby potatoes will typically cook in an air fryer in 14 to 20 minutes, depending on their size and the specific model of your air fryer. It is important to preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking, and you should also shake or toss the potatoes halfway through the cooking process to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.

How to prepare the potatoes

Preparing small potatoes for the air fryer is a simple and quick process. First, select your potatoes. Baby potatoes are a great option as they are small enough to cook quickly and have a crispy skin when cooked. You can use gold, red, or purple potatoes, or a mix of different varieties. If using larger potatoes, cut them into halves or uniform sizes so that they cook evenly.

Next, wash the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. You can peel the potatoes, but it is not necessary, and the crispy skin is a tasty part of the dish. If you are using fresh potatoes with thin skins, you can lightly scrape them with a knife or spoon. Then, dry the potatoes with a paper towel to ensure that the oil sticks to the skins.

After drying, place the potatoes in a bowl and drizzle or toss them with a small amount of oil. You can use grapeseed oil, olive oil, or vegetable oil. Oil helps the potatoes become crispy and golden, and it helps any spices or seasonings stick to the potatoes. You can also add butter for extra flavour.

Now it's time to season the potatoes. You can use salt and pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, rosemary, parsley, or any other dried or fresh herbs. Simply toss the potatoes with the seasonings until they are evenly coated. You can also add carrots to the potatoes, as they cook in a similar amount of time.

Finally, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200-204°C) for 3-5 minutes. Then, place the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can make the potatoes soggy.

What temperature to set the air fryer

Cooking small potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy potatoes. The air fryer requires less oil than typical roasting while still giving an ultra-crispy, golden outside.

To cook small potatoes in an air fryer, first, scrub the potatoes to remove any residual dirt. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel and set them on a kitchen towel, rotating them after 15 minutes so that both sides of the potato skin can dry. If you are in a hurry, you can simply pat them as dry as you can.

Next, cut the potatoes into evenly-sized pieces. This will help them cook at a similar rate. You can also soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, or overnight, to make them even crispier. However, make sure to pat them dry before cooking. Then, toss the potatoes with olive oil and seasonings. You can use salt and pepper, or get creative with spices like paprika, rosemary, thyme, chives, or dill.

Finally, place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them to allow hot air to circulate. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The potatoes are done when they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

What to serve with small potatoes cooked in an air fryer

Small potatoes cooked in an air fryer are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas on what to serve with them:

Breakfast Options

You can add small potatoes cooked in an air fryer to breakfast tacos or burritos. They can be a tasty and filling addition to your morning meal.

Main Course Options

Small potatoes cooked in an air fryer can be served as a side dish with a variety of main courses, such as steak, chicken, or fish. The potatoes' crispy skin and fluffy interior make them a perfect complement to these dishes.

Appetizer Options

If you're looking for an appetizer or a small bite, consider pairing the potatoes with a dip. For instance, you could serve them with whipped feta roasted potatoes or sour cream for an added creamy texture and flavor.

Additional Sides

To round out your meal, consider adding some carrots as they cook in a similar timeframe in the air fryer. Additionally, you can serve the potatoes with a sprinkle of parsley or a squeeze of lemon for added freshness and flavor.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftover small potatoes, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-7 days, depending on the recipe. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the air fryer until they're hot and crispy, usually taking around 3-4 minutes.

So, there you have it! Small potatoes cooked in an air fryer are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals, and they can be easily stored and reheated for future enjoyment.

Frequently asked questions