Air Fryer Potatoes And Cheese: A Tasty Experiment

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes and cheese. You can make air fryer potatoes in less than 20 minutes, and they come out crispy on the outside and creamy in the middle. Russet, baby red, or yellow potatoes are all good options, and you can season them with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. For cheesy potatoes, you can toss them with grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Air fryer baked potatoes are also a popular option, and you can top them with butter, sour cream, Greek yogurt, broccoli, and cheese. So, whether you're looking for a quick side dish or a loaded baked potato, an air fryer is a great way to cook potatoes and cheese.

Russet potatoes in the air fryer

Russet potatoes are a great option for air frying! You can prepare them in a variety of ways, including baking, making chips, or cutting them into chunks. Here are some tips and tricks for making delicious Russet potatoes in your air fryer:

Preparation and Cooking

Before cooking, scrub the potatoes and cut them into evenly sized pieces, such as cubes or wedges. This ensures that they cook evenly and promotes a crispy texture. You can also pierce the potatoes with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Then, toss the potatoes with olive oil and your desired seasonings. Place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to allow for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your potatoes and your desired level of doneness, cook them at 400°F for 15 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Seasoning Ideas

For seasoning, you can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with combinations like smoked paprika, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, or chili powder. You can also add some Parmesan cheese to make them extra tasty!

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer Russet potatoes make a great side dish and can be served with a variety of main courses. They pair well with proteins such as steak, pork, or chicken, and a salad or roasted vegetables. You can also top them with butter, sour cream, Greek yogurt, or chives for a loaded baked potato experience.

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispy texture.

So, there you have it! Russet potatoes are a versatile and delicious option for your air fryer, offering a quick, easy, and healthier way to enjoy this classic side dish.

Olive oil and seasoning

Olive oil is a great option to use when air-frying potatoes. It helps the potatoes to brown and soften as they cook. You can also use other types of oil, such as avocado oil, coconut oil, or cooking spray. However, olive oil is a good choice if you want a more golden colour and a classic flavour.

When seasoning potatoes for the air fryer, it is best to use a variety of spices and herbs to create a well-rounded flavour profile. Salt and pepper are essential, as they will make all the other flavours pop. Garlic powder will add a savoury, umami flavour, and Italian seasoning (or dried thyme) will give a fragrant, herbal taste. You can also add some smoked paprika for a smoky flavour or chilli powder for a spicy kick.

To prepare the potatoes, first, chop them into evenly sized pieces. Halve or quarter baby potatoes, or cut larger potatoes into 3/4-inch chunks. Then, place the potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Add your chosen seasonings and toss to coat the potatoes evenly. Transfer the potatoes to the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each potato. Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are tender and browned.

You can also finish the potatoes with some grated Parmesan cheese, or other toppings such as sour cream, Greek yoghurt, butter, or chives.

How long to cook for

The cooking time for potatoes in an air fryer depends on the type of potatoes used and the desired texture. For example, small red potatoes will require less time than larger russet potatoes. Similarly, if you want crispier skin, you may need to cook the potatoes for longer.

When making air fryer baked potatoes, it is recommended to cook them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 35 to 50 minutes, depending on the size of the potato. For example, a 7-ounce russet or Idaho potato will take about 35 to 40 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to turn the potatoes over halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. You can determine if the potatoes are done by inserting a knife into the centre; if it goes in easily, the potatoes are ready.

If you are making air fryer potatoes with a crispy outside and creamy inside, the cooking time is significantly shorter. These potatoes are cooked at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes, again ensuring that they are flipped halfway through.

It is worth noting that different air fryer brands and models may have varying cooking times and temperatures, so it is always a good idea to refer to the specific instructions for your air fryer. Additionally, if you are cooking a large batch of potatoes, you may need to work in batches or adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure even cooking.

Should you pierce the potatoes?

Yes, you should pierce potatoes before air frying. Poke each potato a couple of times with a fork before placing them in the air fryer. This is because potatoes will build up heat and steam as they cook. The holes will allow air to escape and help the potatoes cook evenly. This will also prevent them from bursting in the air fryer, which could leave a hot mess.

Although some sources say that they have baked potatoes in an air fryer without poking holes and they turned out fine, it is still recommended to take this proactive step to avoid any potential mess.

What to serve with air-fried potatoes

Air fryer potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air-fried potatoes:

For a Weeknight Dinner

Pair air-fried potatoes with any simply cooked protein, such as steak, chicken, or pork, and a green salad. You can also serve them with black bean burgers or veggie burgers.

Soups and Salads

Air-fried potatoes go well with a variety of soups, such as butternut squash soup or broccoli cheddar soup. You can also add them to a salad for a heartier meal.

Breakfast

Air-fried potatoes are a great breakfast side dish. Put them in breakfast tacos or burritos, or serve them with eggs.

Appetizers and Snacks

Serve air-fried potatoes as an appetizer with a dip, or as a snack. They can be paired with a variety of dips, such as whipped feta or sour cream.

Holiday Meals

Air-fried potatoes can be added to a holiday menu with classic dishes like stuffing, green bean casserole, and other holiday favourites.

Other Ideas

• Quiche or frittata
• Air fryer steak with garlic herb butter
• Salmon
• Prime rib
• Swedish meatballs
• Chimichangas
• Greek salad

Frequently asked questions