Air Fryer New Potatoes: Can You Cook Them?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular, and for good reason. They are easy to use, make healthy and tasty food, and are simple to clean. One of the most popular foods to cook in an air fryer is potatoes, and specifically, new potatoes. Air fryer new potatoes are a quick and easy dish to make, and they come out crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They are a versatile side dish that goes well with a variety of meals, and they can be seasoned with a range of herbs and spices to add extra flavor. So, can new potatoes be cooked in an air fryer? The answer is a resounding yes!

Seasoning and spices

The great thing about cooking new potatoes in an air fryer is that you can get creative with your seasonings and spices. The options are endless, and you can tailor the flavours to your personal preferences.

A good place to start is with salt and pepper, which are considered a must by some. You can use regular salt or kosher salt, depending on your taste and what you have available.

For a simple, classic dish, you could add a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of parsley. Parsley brings a burst of fresh flavour and a bright green colour. Thyme, rosemary, chives, or dill can also be used as an alternative to parsley.

If you're looking for something more complex, you could try a specific blend of spices. For example, a mix of Cajun spices will give your potatoes a kick. Alternatively, you could try a Greek blend of garlic, onion, oregano, basil, dill, and salt and pepper, or a Mexican blend of cumin, chilli powder, onion, and garlic powder.

Other seasonings you could experiment with include smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, ranch seasoning, taco seasoning, or chilli lime. You can also add ingredients like Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and olive oil to enhance the flavour of your potatoes.

Oil type and quantity

When cooking new potatoes in an air fryer, you can use a variety of oils, including olive oil, vegetable oil, and peanut oil. The type of oil you choose depends on the type of potatoes you are cooking and their unique flavours. Olive oil is a popular choice for many recipes, but feel free to experiment with other options. It is recommended to avoid aerosol cooking sprays as they can be harmful to your air fryer basket.

The amount of oil used is also important. Air fryers require less oil than traditional roasting methods, and a little oil goes a long way. About 1-2 tablespoons of oil for a batch of potatoes is usually enough. You can also lightly spray or brush the oil over the potatoes. This helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior without being overly greasy.

Before adding the oil, it is important to soak the potatoes in cold water and then pat them dry. This helps remove any extra starch and ensures that the oil and seasonings stick to the potatoes properly. After drying, you can toss the potatoes in a bowl with the oil and your desired seasonings. This step ensures that the potatoes are evenly coated before placing them in the air fryer.

It is also worth mentioning that while it is possible to cook potatoes in an air fryer without oil, the resulting texture may be drier and less crispy. Oil helps to enhance the flavour and improve the overall cooking results. Therefore, it is highly recommended to use oil when cooking new potatoes in an air fryer for the best outcome.

Potato variety and preparation

Baby potatoes, also known as new potatoes, are the best type of potato to cook in an air fryer. You can use gold potatoes, baby red potatoes, or a mix of red, gold, and purple potatoes. If you can't find baby potatoes, larger Yukon Gold or other yellow potatoes can be used, cut into 3/4-inch chunks. Russet potatoes are not recommended for this recipe but are great for making French fries in the air fryer.

Before cooking, rinse the potatoes and dry them with a paper towel. Leave the skins on, as they will crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces so that they cook at a similar rate. You can quarter them or cut them into 1-inch pieces.

To season the potatoes, you can use olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, chives, dill, or parsley can also be used. For a smoky flavor, add smoked paprika. Mix the potatoes with the oil and seasonings in a bowl, then place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between the potatoes.

Air fryer settings and duration

The ideal air fryer settings and duration for cooking new potatoes depend on the type of potatoes you are using and the desired level of crispiness. Here are some general guidelines:

If you are cooking small baby potatoes, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will vary depending on the desired level of doneness, but on average, it should take about 14 to 16 minutes for the potatoes to be tender and crispy. If you are using an air fryer oven, you may need to add an extra 3 to 4 minutes to ensure they are fluffy on the inside. It is recommended to shake the basket or toss the potatoes halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

For larger potatoes, you can expect a slightly longer cooking time. It may take a few minutes more than the small potatoes, and baked potatoes with skin on, such as russets, can take up to an hour, depending on their size.

If you are cooking air fryer baked potatoes, the cooking time will depend on the desired texture. For soft baked potatoes, cook for 40 to 50 minutes. If you prefer a crispier shell, you can cook them for a full hour.

It is worth noting that not all air fryers are created equal, and the specific model you own may impact the cooking time. Some air fryers may require preheating, while others may only have settings instead of temperature options. As a result, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly to achieve the desired level of crispiness and doneness.

Additionally, the cooking time may also depend on the preparation of the potatoes. For example, if you leave the potatoes whole, you may need to increase the cooking time by 5 to 10 minutes. On the other hand, cutting the potatoes into evenly sized pieces before cooking ensures that they cook at a similar rate.

Storage and reheating

Storing and reheating your new potatoes is a simple process. If you have any leftover new potatoes, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.

When it comes to reheating, the air fryer is your best option. It's quick, easy, and will give you crispy potatoes in no time. Here's how to do it:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (180°C).
• Place the leftover new potatoes in the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they are in a single layer with space between them for even heating.
• Reheat for 3-4 minutes, or until they are warmed through. You may need to add a little more salt to enhance the flavor.
• If you're reheating potatoes with toppings, it's best to remove the toppings before reheating to prevent them from overcooking or melting.
• For frozen potatoes, you can quickly reheat them using the same method, but they may take a little longer, around 5-7 minutes.

You can also reheat new potatoes in an oven or on a stovetop, but avoid using a microwave as it will likely make your potatoes soggy. If you're reheating a small amount of potatoes, you can also repurpose them by adding them to breakfast scrambles, skillet hashes, or breakfast burritos.

Frequently asked questions