Frying Potatoes In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Yes, you can fry potatoes in an air fryer! In fact, it's one of the easiest things to make in an air fryer. They are a perfect side dish, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and they cook in just 20 minutes. You can use a variety of potatoes, such as baby potatoes, russet potatoes, or Yukon Gold potatoes, and cut them into bite-sized chunks or slices. Then, toss them with olive oil and your favourite seasonings, such as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, or salt and pepper. Arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Enjoy your delicious and crispy air-fried potatoes!

Russet potatoes are best for frying

Russet potatoes are ideal for frying because of their high starch content. This makes them crispier overall. However, this also means that they need to be soaked in water before frying to remove some of the starch, otherwise, they may end up soggy.

To fry Russet potatoes in an air fryer, first wash and dry the potatoes, then cut them into slices or chunks. Add oil and your choice of seasonings, then arrange the potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren't overlapping. Cook at 400°F for 20-30 minutes, or until golden brown and tender.

Ingredients:

• 5 small/medium Russet potatoes
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Olive oil

Instructions:

• Scrub the potatoes and chop them into smaller pieces. You can peel them if you like, but it's optional.
• Add the potatoes to a bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. You can adjust the amount of seasoning to your taste, but make sure there is enough to coat the potatoes.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 20-30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside.
• Serve with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.

You can also get creative with seasonings and toppings. For example, you could try adding Parmesan cheese or onions. Russet potatoes are a versatile option that can be tailored to your personal preferences.

Cut potatoes into 1/4-inch slices

Yes, you can fry potatoes in an air fryer! To prepare your potatoes for frying, follow these steps to cut them into 1/4-inch slices:

Wash your potatoes under running water to remove any dirt or residue. You can use any type of potato, such as Russet, Yukon Gold, or sweet potatoes. Dry them with a clean towel or paper towel before cutting to remove any excess moisture.

Gather your sharp knife and cutting board. A mandoline slicer is another useful tool for this task, as it will ensure even slices and speed up the process. If using a mandoline, adjust the settings to the 1/4-inch slice thickness.

Place one potato on the cutting board and carefully cut off a thin slice from one side to create an even, flat surface. This will help create uniform slices. Then, place the potato on the flat side and cut it into 1/4-inch slices lengthwise. Repeat this process for all potatoes.

If you're using a mandoline, simply secure the potato and glide it back and forth to create the slices. Ensure your fingers are safely away from the blade!

Once you've cut all the potatoes, you can place them in the air fryer. Drizzle a small amount of oil over the potatoes, just enough to coat them lightly. This will help them crisp up nicely. Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices.

Now, you're ready to fry those potatoes to crispy perfection!

Use avocado or olive oil

Frying Potatoes in an Air Fryer with Avocado or Olive Oil

Avocado or olive oil is a great choice for frying potatoes in an air fryer. Both oils have a high smoke point, meaning they can withstand the high temperatures of an air fryer without smoking and imparting an unpleasant taste to your food. Here are some tips and guidelines for using avocado or olive oil to fry potatoes in an air fryer:

Preparation

Before frying potatoes in an air fryer, it is important to prepare them properly. Start by washing and drying the potatoes. You can use any type of potato, but baby potatoes or Yukon Gold potatoes are popular choices as they have tender skins that don't need to be peeled. If you are using larger potatoes, you may want to peel them, but it is not necessary. Cut the potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces. For baby potatoes, halve or quarter them, and for larger potatoes, cut them into 3/4-inch or 1/4-inch chunks.

Oil Application

Once your potatoes are prepared, it's time to add the oil. You can spray the basket of your air fryer with avocado or olive oil, or you can toss the potatoes with a small amount of oil in a bowl before placing them in the air fryer. If tossing the potatoes in a bowl, use just enough oil to lightly coat them. You can also add other seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or dried herbs like dill or rosemary.

Cooking

After the potatoes are prepared and coated in oil, it's time to cook them. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each potato to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches. Cook the potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are tender and golden brown.

Serving

Air fryer potatoes make a delicious and versatile side dish. They can be served plain with just a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or you can get creative with different seasonings and herbs. They pair well with a variety of main dishes and can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. For crispy potatoes, serve them immediately. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Add salt and pepper

Adding salt and pepper to your potatoes is a must! You can use kosher salt or regular table salt, depending on your preference and what you have available. If you're unsure if you've salted your potatoes enough, pop a small piece in your mouth to taste.

You can also add freshly ground black pepper to your potatoes. It is recommended to add the pepper after cooking the potatoes in the air fryer, as this will make it easier to identify which pieces have been turned when cooking.

Shake the basket and stir potatoes halfway through cooking

Shaking the basket and stirring the potatoes halfway through cooking ensures that they cook evenly on all sides. This is important because it helps to promote even browning and prevents the potatoes from steaming and softening.

When air frying, it is important to not overcrowd the basket. This is because the hot air needs to be able to circulate around the food to cook it evenly and efficiently. By shaking the basket and stirring the potatoes, you can ensure that all sides of the potatoes are exposed to the hot air, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior.

Additionally, shaking the basket can help to prevent food from sticking to the air fryer. This is especially important if you are cooking something that tends to stick, like potatoes. By giving the basket a shake halfway through the cooking process, you can help to loosen any food that may be starting to stick and prevent it from burning.

Finally, stirring the potatoes can also help you to assess the doneness of the potatoes. By giving them a stir, you can see if they are browning evenly and if they are tender on the inside. This will help you to determine if they need to cook for a little longer or if they are done and ready to be served.

Frequently asked questions