Air Fryer Raw Potatoes: Safe To Fry?

Yes, you can put raw potatoes in an air fryer. In fact, air-fried potatoes are a popular dish, with many recipes available online. Air-fried potatoes are said to be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a golden crust. They are also healthier than deep-fried potatoes as they require less oil.

What type of potatoes should be used?

When it comes to choosing the right type of potatoes for your air fryer, there are several options to consider. Here are some of the most popular varieties:

Yukon Gold Potatoes:

Yukon Gold potatoes are a popular choice for air frying due to their ability to crisp up perfectly. They have a lower starch and higher sugar content, which gives them a deeper golden color. Their crisp texture might be slightly softer compared to other varieties, but their insides will be deliciously creamy and full of flavor.

Russet Potatoes:

Russet potatoes are another excellent option for air frying. They will crisp up beautifully, resulting in a pale golden color. The insides of these potatoes will be soft, fluffy, and mild in flavor. They are a versatile choice and will work well in various recipes.

Red Potatoes:

Red potatoes, when air-fried, will turn an even darker golden brown due to their higher sugar and lower starch content. They will be crispy at first but will soften quickly. The insides will be creamy and soft, making them a tasty option for those who prefer a slightly sweeter potato.

Baby Potatoes or New Potatoes:

Baby potatoes, also known as new potatoes, are regular potatoes that have been harvested early. They have thinner skins, which makes them ideal for crisping. Varieties include fingerlings, baby russets, and baby red potatoes. Leaving the skin on will give you that delicious crispy texture.

Sweet Potatoes:

Sweet potatoes are a great option for air frying and can be used in various dishes, such as baked potatoes, French fries, or chips. They have a higher sugar content and will turn out perfectly crispy and tender.

In summary, the type of potato you choose for your air fryer will depend on your personal preference and the specific recipe you are following. Each variety has unique characteristics that will influence the final texture, color, and flavor of your dish.

How to prepare the potatoes for air frying?

Preparing potatoes for air frying is a simple process. First, scrub the potatoes to remove any residual dirt, and dry them thoroughly with a paper towel. You can also soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to an hour to remove excess starch and achieve a crispier texture. However, ensure that you pat them dry before cooking.

Next, cut the potatoes into evenly-sized pieces. For French fries or chips, cut the potatoes into thin matchsticks or rounds, respectively. For roasted potatoes, cut them into bite-sized chunks, about 1 to 2 inches thick. Try to keep the sizes similar so that they cook evenly.

Then, toss the potatoes with a small amount of olive oil or vegetable oil and your desired seasonings. You can use various seasonings like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Finally, arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches to ensure even cooking.

How long should you cook the potatoes for?

The cooking time for potatoes in an air fryer depends on the type of potatoes and the style in which they are cut. For example, baby potatoes or "new" potatoes are smaller and have thinner skin, which makes them ideal for crisping. On the other hand, Russet potatoes are a softer variety and will cook faster.

When making air fryer baked potatoes, preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Then, cook the potatoes for 30 to 45 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Turn them over once during baking to ensure even cooking.

For air fryer French fries, cut the potatoes into matchsticks and soak them in cold water for 1 to 2 hours to remove excess starch and achieve a crispy texture. Then, preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and cook the fries for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket a few times to ensure even cooking.

If you're making air fryer potato chips, cut the potatoes into thin rounds and soak them in cold water for 1 to 2 hours to remove starch. Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C) and cook the potatoes for 20 to 30 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally for even cooking.

For air fryer roasted potatoes, cut the potatoes into bite-sized chunks or 3/4-inch pieces. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook the potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You can also cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, toss the potatoes, and then cook for an additional 8 to 10 minutes or until tender and crisp.

What temperature should the air fryer be set to?

The optimal temperature for cooking raw potatoes in an air fryer depends on the type of potato and the style of cooking. For example, to make air fryer baked potatoes, you should preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). For air fryer French fries, preheat your air fryer to the same temperature, 390°F (200°C). However, for air fryer potato chips, a lower temperature of 300°F (150°C) is recommended.

When cooking air fryer potatoes with seasonings, a temperature of 400°F is commonly suggested. This temperature setting allows the potatoes to attain the desired crispiness on the outside while remaining tender on the inside.

It is worth noting that different air fryer brands and models may vary in terms of temperature settings and performance. Therefore, it is always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions and adjustments. Additionally, when cooking potatoes, it is important to cut them into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

What toppings/seasonings should be used?

When it comes to toppings and seasonings for your air fryer potatoes, the options are endless! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Herbs and Spices

The beauty of air fryer potatoes is that you can customise the seasonings to your taste preferences. Fresh or dried herbs and spices are a great way to add flavour to your potatoes. Some popular options include garlic powder, Italian seasoning (a blend of herbs such as basil, oregano, rosemary, marjoram, thyme, and sage), Cajun seasoning (a spicy blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, oregano, and black pepper), paprika (for a smoky flavour), chilli powder, taco seasoning, or a simple sprinkle of salt and pepper. You can also try other dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano, or fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary for a garnish.

Cheesy Potatoes

For a savoury, cheesy twist, toss your potatoes with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of garlic powder and onion powder. Alternatively, sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top of your cooked potatoes for a crispy, cheesy topping.

Tangy Potatoes

If you're looking for a tangy twist, try drizzling your potatoes with Italian dressing or serving them with a squeeze of lemon juice. Just be sure to add the lemon juice right before serving to avoid soggy potatoes.

Other Toppings

For a heartier meal, top your air fryer potatoes with a pat of butter, sour cream, or even vegan bacon bits. If you're serving sweet potatoes, a dash of brown sugar can add a sweet and tasty touch.

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