Air Fryer Roast Potatoes: How To Get Crispy Results

Air fryers are a great alternative to traditional ovens when it comes to making roast potatoes. Not only do they cut down the cooking time by half, but they also require less oil and produce potatoes with a crispier texture and a golden crust. The circulating air in an air fryer crisps the outsides of the potatoes and makes the insides soft and tender.

How to make roast potatoes in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Potatoes (Maris Piper, King Edward, Rooster, Yukon Gold, red potatoes, russet potatoes, or baby potatoes)
• Oil (extra virgin olive oil, sunflower oil, duck fat, goose fat, beef dripping, avocado oil, or rapeseed oil)
• Salt
• Garlic (granules or powder, or fresh cloves)
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Black pepper
• Parsley
• Plain flour
• Other seasonings of your choice (e.g. smoked paprika, rosemary, thyme, cumin, chili powder, lemon, dill, oregano, basil, or taco seasoning)

Method

• Cut your chosen potatoes into bite-sized pieces, around 1-inch chunks. If you are using baby potatoes, cut them in half.
• Place the potatoes in a large bowl and coat them with oil. You can also add other seasonings to the bowl and mix together.
• Put the potatoes into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry at 380-400°F for 10 minutes.
• Flip the potatoes and roast for another 10 minutes, or until tender and crisp.
• Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve.

Tips

• For crispier potatoes, preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes before adding the potatoes.
• If using starchy potatoes, soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes before roasting to remove excess starch.
• Use tongs or a turner to flip the potatoes, rather than shaking the basket, to avoid breaking them.
• For extra-crispy potatoes, use a shallow tray insert in the air fryer basket so that the potatoes are in contact with the oil.
• Parboiling the potatoes in a solution of water and baking soda before air frying can help to create a crunchy crust.

The best types of potatoes for air frying

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, giving them a crispy, golden crust and a soft, tender inside. The circulating air and the reduced amount of oil needed compared to traditional frying or roasting make air fryers a healthier option.

When choosing potatoes for air frying, there are several types that work particularly well:

Russets

Russet potatoes are a good choice for air frying as they crisp up beautifully with a pale golden colour. Their insides become soft and fluffy, with a mild flavour.

Yukon Golds or Yellow Potatoes

Yukon gold or yellow potatoes are a favourite for air frying because they crisp up perfectly and turn a deeper golden colour due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. Their insides are creamy and full of flavour.

Reds

Red potatoes will turn an even darker golden brown because of their higher sugar and lower starch content. They will be crispy when they first come out of the air fryer but will soften quickly. Their insides will be creamy and soft.

Baby Potatoes or New Potatoes

Baby potatoes or new potatoes are not a specific variety but rather regular potatoes that have been harvested early. They have a high sugar content, hold their shape, and roast perfectly in the air fryer. They can be hard to find in grocery stores as they are somewhat seasonal.

Other Varieties

Other varieties of potatoes that can be used for air frying include fingerlings, baby russets, and baby red potatoes.

When preparing potatoes for air frying, it is recommended to leave the skins on as they provide a delicious crispy bite and are more nutritious. Potatoes should be washed and cut into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.

How to get the potatoes crispy

To get your roast potatoes crispy in an air fryer, there are a few methods you can try.

Method 1: Use a Tray Insert

One way to get crispy roast potatoes in an air fryer is to use a shallow tray insert in the air fryer basket. This way, the potatoes are in contact with the oil, which gives them a crunchier skin. Place the potatoes in the tray, drizzle with oil, and shake to coat. Cook for 5 minutes at 200C/400F, then turn the potatoes and cook for another 5 minutes. After turning the potatoes again, bash them with the back of a spoon to ruffle the edges, then drizzle with more oil and cook for a final 10 minutes.

Method 2: Parboil First

Another way to achieve crispy roast potatoes is to parboil them before air frying. This method involves boiling the potatoes in a solution of water and baking soda, which breaks down the outer layer and creates a starchy slurry that gives the potatoes extra crunch. After parboiling, drain the potatoes and give them a good shake. Then, add them to the air fryer tray with oil and cook as per the recipe, reducing the cooking time by 5 minutes.

Tips for Crispy Potatoes:

• Preheat your air fryer for maximum crispiness.
• Use a spatula or spoon to turn the potatoes, as shaking the basket may cause them to break.
• Don't overcrowd the basket. The potatoes need space for the air to circulate and crisp up properly.
• Leave the potato skins on for extra crispiness and nutrition.
• Soak starchy potatoes in cold water for 10-15 minutes before roasting to remove excess starch.
• Cut the potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Use an oil spray to coat the potatoes and help the seasonings stick.

How to season your potatoes

The key to delicious roast potatoes is in the seasoning. You can use any number of herbs and spices to flavour your potatoes, but here are some ideas to get you started:

Italian Seasoning

This is a great option if you want a full-flavoured herb blend. You can buy Italian seasoning as a pre-made mix, or you can make your own by combining herbs such as basil, oregano, and rosemary.

Garlic

Freshly minced garlic adds a punch of flavour to your roast potatoes. If you don't have fresh garlic, you can also use garlic powder or granules.

Salt and Pepper

Salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the flavour of your potatoes. Be sure to season generously!

Parmesan Cheese

Finely shredded Parmesan cheese adds a savoury, umami flavour to your potatoes.

Smoked Paprika

Smoked paprika gives your potatoes a smoky flavour and a beautiful golden colour.

Spicy Options

If you like your food spicy, try using Cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, or chilli lime seasoning.

Herbs

Fresh herbs such as parsley, cilantro, basil, or dill add a burst of flavour to your potatoes.

Ranch Seasoning

For a classic, creamy flavour, try using ranch seasoning. You can buy this as a pre-made mix, or make your own by combining ingredients such as buttermilk powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley.

Other Ideas

You can also try seasoning your potatoes with cumin, chili powder, onion powder, or bacon. Get creative and experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices to find your perfect flavour profile!

How to reheat your roast potatoes

You've cooked your roast potatoes in the air fryer and they were delicious. But what about the leftovers? Here's how to reheat your roast potatoes to perfection:

Thaw Your Potatoes

If you've frozen your leftover roast potatoes, you'll first need to thaw them. Take them out of the freezer and leave them in the fridge overnight to defrost.

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Just like cooking your roast potatoes from scratch, you'll want to preheat your air fryer for the best results. This will ensure your potatoes get nice and crispy again. Set your air fryer to 400°F and preheat for about 5 minutes.

Place Potatoes in the Air Fryer Basket

Take your thawed roast potatoes and place them in the air fryer basket. Try not to overcrowd the basket—the potatoes need room for the air to circulate and get crispy. If you're using a larger air fryer, you can place a shallow tray insert into the basket first, then add the potatoes. This will help the potatoes sit in the hot fat and get extra crispy.

Reheat at 400°F for a Few Minutes

Close the air fryer and let the potatoes reheat. Depending on the size and amount of potatoes, this should take around 5-6 minutes. You can also reheat at a higher temperature, like 400°F, for a shorter amount of time if you're in a hurry.

Check and Toss Potatoes

After a few minutes, open the air fryer and use tongs or a spoon to flip and toss the potatoes. This will ensure they heat evenly and get crispy on all sides.

Continue Reheating Until Warm and Crispy

Keep reheating the potatoes, checking and tossing them every few minutes, until they are warmed through and have reached your desired level of crispiness.

Serve and Enjoy!

Once your potatoes are nice and hot, with a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, they're ready to serve! Enjoy them as a side dish or snack, perhaps with a tasty dip like ranch dressing or guacamole.

There you have it—a simple way to reheat your roast potatoes in the air fryer and enjoy that crispy, golden goodness all over again!

Frequently asked questions