Air Fryer Potato Hack: Oil Or No Oil?

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook potatoes, but there are some common mistakes to avoid. One of the most important things to remember is to preheat your air fryer, as this will help your potatoes get crispier and cook more evenly. It's also crucial to cut your potatoes into evenly sized pieces so that they cook at the same rate. While air fryers are famous for requiring less oil, a light coating of oil will help your potatoes cook better and give them a nice brown colour. You should also season your potatoes generously before air frying, as this will help the flavours seep in. Lastly, don't forget to shake the potatoes at least once while cooking to expose different areas and ensure even cooking.

Can I put oil on potatoes in an air fryer?

Which oil is best for air fryer potatoes?

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, with the circulating air crisping the outsides and leaving a soft, tender inside. You can use a variety of oils to cook potatoes in an air fryer, including olive oil, canola oil, avocado oil, and vegetable oil.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a popular choice for air fryer potatoes. It helps the potatoes to brown and soften as they cook. Extra virgin olive oil is best, and you only need enough to coat the potatoes. You can also use olive oil spray to coat the potatoes.

Canola Oil

Canola oil is another option, and it is also suitable for high-temperature cooking.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is also a good choice, as it has a high smoke point.

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is said to make potatoes crispier.

Tips for Using Oil in an Air Fryer

• It is important to use oils that can withstand high temperatures.
• You only need a light coating of oil on the potatoes. Start with a small amount and add more if needed.
• Preheat your air fryer before adding the potatoes.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate and cook the potatoes evenly.
• You can also spray oil directly into the air fryer while it is running.
• If using olive oil, do not set the temperature above 400°F, as olive oil's smoke point is 410°F.

How to prepare potatoes for the air fryer

Choosing the Right Potato

First, select the right type of potato for your recipe. Waxy potatoes, such as baby reds, have more resilient skins, making them ideal for roasting or frying. Starchy potatoes, like Russets, are better for baking, as they fluff up and absorb toppings well. If you're unsure, go for an all-purpose potato.

Soaking the Potatoes

Once you've chosen your potatoes, cut them into your desired shape and size. If you're making French fries, it's a good idea to soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch and ensure crispiness. You can also add a tablespoon of vinegar to help them retain their shape. Then, pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towel.

Seasoning and Coating

Place the potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with a light coating of oil. You can use vegetable oil, peanut oil, or olive oil, but avoid aerosol cooking sprays as these can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer. The oil will help the seasonings stick to the potatoes and promote even browning. Add your desired seasonings; a simple combination of salt and pepper will do, but you can also experiment with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or even Parmesan cheese. Toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated.

Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes. Transfer the potatoes to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space between each one. Overcrowding the air fryer will result in uneven cooking. Air fry at 400°F for 10-20 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through, until they are tender and browned.

Serving

Air fryer potatoes make a delicious and versatile side dish. Serve them with proteins, salads, or soups. For a special touch, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F to re-crisp.

How to season potatoes for the air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, and you can season them in a variety of ways to suit your taste. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare and season potatoes for the air fryer.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Potatoes

The type of potato you choose can impact the final result. Russet potatoes are a good option for air frying as they crisp up well and have a mild flavour. Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes are also suitable, especially if you want a deeper golden colour and a slightly softer crisp. Red potatoes will result in an even darker golden brown colour, with a creamy inside. Baby potatoes or new potatoes are also a good choice, but they can be harder to find in grocery stores.

Step 2: Preparing the Potatoes

Start by scrubbing the potatoes to remove any dirt. You can peel them if you prefer, but leaving the skin on adds nutrients and crispness. Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces, about 3/4-inch chunks for larger potatoes or halve/quarter baby potatoes. Soaking the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes can also help to remove excess starch and improve crispness. Make sure to pat them dry before seasoning.

Step 3: Seasoning the Potatoes

Place the potatoes in a large bowl. Add extra-virgin olive oil—just enough to coat the potatoes and help the seasonings stick. You can also use an oil spray. For seasoning, you can use a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or chilli powder. You can also add fresh or dried herbs like parsley, thyme, chives, or dill. Toss the potatoes in the bowl until they are evenly coated.

Step 4: Cooking the Potatoes

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Transfer the potatoes to the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each potato. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are tender and browned.

Step 5: Serving the Potatoes

Season the potatoes with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve as a side dish with burgers, sandwiches, grilled meat, or a green salad. You can also toss them with grated Parmesan cheese or drizzle them with Italian dressing for extra flavour.

Tips:

• If you want to add more oil, start with a small amount and gradually add more if needed.
• Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes before cooking.
• Check on your potatoes every 5 minutes and shake the basket to ensure even cooking.
• Soaking potatoes in water before air frying can help remove starch and improve crispness, but it is not necessary.
• If you want to use olive oil, keep the temperature below 400°F to avoid reaching the smoke point.

The benefits of preheating the air fryer

Preheating an air fryer is a great way to ensure your food gets a good sear and comes out with a crispy and crunchy texture. Here are some benefits of preheating your air fryer:

Faster Cooking

Preheating your air fryer can decrease the overall cooking time. When you preheat, the appliance reaches the desired temperature before you put the food in, so it can start cooking right away. This is especially helpful if you're cooking something that requires a high temperature to get that crispy texture, like French fries, breaded chicken, or steak.

Even Cooking

Preheating ensures that your food cooks evenly. When you put food into a cold air fryer, the heating elements will be on full power to reach the set temperature. This can lead to the surface of the food burning before the inside is cooked. By preheating, you reduce the chances of this happening and ensure that the inside and outside of your food cook more evenly.

Better Crisping

Many people who use an air fryer want that crispy, fried texture and taste. Preheating can help achieve this by getting the basket nice and hot, so when you put your food in, it starts to sizzle and crisp up immediately. This initial sizzle can add to the crispness of your food, especially if you're cooking something like meat, which benefits from a good sear.

Food Safety

Preheating can also be beneficial for food safety. By starting with a preheated appliance, you know your food is cooking at the right temperature from the get-go, reducing the risk of undercooking.

Cooking Flexibility

Preheating your air fryer gives you more flexibility in what you can cook. Some foods, like baked goods, don't require preheating, while others, like steaks or burgers, benefit from it. By preheating, you can cook a wider variety of foods in your air fryer and get the best results.

So, the next time you use your air fryer, remember to preheat! It only takes a few minutes and can make a big difference in the quality and taste of your food.

How to get crispy potatoes in the air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes that are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. Here are some tips to get the best results:

Prepare the Potatoes

When choosing potatoes, look for those that are uniform in size and free from eyes and blemishes. Baby potatoes or new potatoes are a great option, as they have thinner skins that crisp up nicely. You can also use larger potatoes, such as Russets, Yukon Golds, or yellow potatoes, and cut them into evenly sized pieces. This is important to ensure even cooking. Be sure to give the potatoes a good scrub to remove any dirt, and then pat them dry.

Soak the Potatoes

Before cooking, it is recommended to soak the potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes, or up to a full day. This helps to remove some of the starch and allows them to crisp up better during cooking. After soaking, rinse the potatoes and pat them dry again.

Seasoning and Oil

Place the potatoes in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil or another oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or peanut oil. Avoid using cooking spray, as it can damage the non-stick coating of your air fryer basket over time. Add your desired seasonings; garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper are popular choices. You can also experiment with other seasonings like smoked paprika, chili powder, or Cajun seasoning.

Preheat and Cook

Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them to allow for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in multiple batches. Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, then flip or shake the basket to ensure even cooking. Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and golden brown.

Serving

Air fryer potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. They can be paired with proteins, added to breakfast tacos or burritos, or served as an appetizer with a dip. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions