Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes: A Quick, Easy Treat

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance in recent years, and for good reason. They offer a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook a variety of foods, from frozen meals to fresh vegetables. One food that people often wonder about cooking in an air fryer is potatoes. Can they be roasted to a crispy, golden perfection, or will they turn out soggy and sad?

The good news is that potatoes are indeed excellent candidates for air frying. In fact, many people claim that air-fried potatoes are even better than oven-roasted ones. They come out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a fraction of the oil needed for traditional roasting. Plus, air fryers cut the cooking time in half compared to oven roasting.

So, if you're looking for a delicious and easy side dish, air fryer roasted potatoes are a great option. Just toss some potatoes with a little oil and your favourite seasonings, and you're well on your way to crispy, golden spuds.

How to roast potatoes in an air fryer

Ingredients:

• Potatoes (Yukon Gold, Red, Russet, Baby or New Potatoes)
• Oil (Extra Virgin) Olive Oil, Canola Oil, Vegetable Oil, or Avocado Oil
• Seasoning (Salt, Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, etc.)
• Fresh herbs (optional) for garnish (Chopped Parsley or Cilantro)

Method:

• Peeling and Chopping: You can peel the potatoes if you prefer, but it's not necessary. The choice is yours! If you're using baby potatoes, cut them in half. If you're using larger potatoes, cut them into 1-inch pieces.
• Tossing: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with oil and your choice of seasonings. Make sure the potatoes are well coated. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme and smashed garlic cloves for extra flavour.
• Air Frying: Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket. If your air fryer has a preheat setting, preheat it for 5 minutes at the same temperature you'll be cooking the potatoes. Then, air fry at 380-400°F for 10 minutes. Flip the potatoes and air fry for an additional 8-12 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden on the outside, and fork-tender on the inside.
• Serving: Serve the potatoes hot as a side dish or appetizer. Garnish with fresh chopped herbs and serve with a tasty dip like ranch dressing, guacamole, or lime crema.

Tips:

• If you're using starchy potatoes like Russets, soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes before roasting to remove excess starch. Make sure to pat the potatoes dry before placing them in the air fryer.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. The potatoes need space between them for the air to circulate and create that crispy texture.
• For even cooking, cut the potatoes into uniform-sized pieces.
• If you want to add a crispy coating to your potatoes, toss them in cornflour after chopping and before air frying.

Best types of potatoes for air frying

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, giving them a crispy, golden crust and soft, tender insides. The circulating air in an air fryer can crisp up the outsides of potatoes to perfection, while keeping the insides soft and fluffy.

There are several types of potatoes that are ideal for air frying, including:

Russets

Russet potatoes are a great choice for air frying as they crisp up wonderfully, with a pale golden colour. Their insides become soft and fluffy, with a mild flavour.

Yukon Golds or Yellow Potatoes

These types of potatoes are a favourite for air frying because they crisp up perfectly and turn a deeper golden colour due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. The inside of a Yukon gold potato becomes creamy and full of flavour.

Reds

Red potatoes will turn an even darker golden brown than Yukon Golds because of their higher sugar and lower starch content. They will be crispy coming out of the air fryer but will soften quickly. Their insides will be creamy and soft.

Baby Potatoes or New Potatoes

Baby potatoes are simply regular potatoes that have been harvested early. They have thinner skins, which is great for achieving a crispy texture. They also have a high sugar content, hold their shape, and roast perfectly in an air fryer. However, they can be hard to find in grocery stores as they are somewhat seasonal.

Other Types

Other varieties of potatoes that work well in an air fryer include fingerlings, baby russets, and baby red potatoes. Ultimately, any type of potato can be roasted in an air fryer, so feel free to experiment with different varieties to find your favourite.

Tips for the best air fryer potatoes

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, and they can be a healthier alternative to deep frying. Here are some tips to ensure you get the best results:

Choose the Right Potato

The type of potato you use can make a difference to how well it cooks and the final texture. Yukon Gold, red potatoes, russet potatoes, and baby or new potatoes are all good options for air frying. These varieties will crisp up nicely, with a soft and fluffy inside.

Prepare the Potatoes Properly

Wash the potatoes thoroughly, especially if you plan to leave the skins on. Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces, around 1-inch cubes or bite-sized chunks. This will ensure they cook evenly. If you are using starchy potatoes, you can soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes to remove excess starch, but make sure to pat them dry before cooking.

Use Oil

Coat the potatoes lightly in oil. This will help the seasonings stick and also ensure the potatoes crisp up nicely. Olive oil or extra virgin olive oil are good choices as they add flavour, but you can also use a neutral oil like canola, vegetable, or avocado oil. Avoid using cooking spray as this can damage the coating of your air fryer basket.

Season Generously

There are endless options for seasoning your potatoes. Keep it simple with salt and pepper, or try something different like Italian seasoning, fajita seasoning, shawarma seasoning, or Cajun spice. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme or garlic cloves while the potatoes are cooking for extra flavour.

Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket

Make sure to leave space between the potatoes in the air fryer basket so that the air can circulate and crisp up the potatoes properly. You may need to cook the potatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer for the best results. This will ensure the potatoes get as crispy as possible. If you have a preheat setting, use it. Otherwise, heat the air fryer for around 5 minutes before adding the potatoes.

Know Your Air Fryer

Different air fryers may have different settings and temperatures, so it's important to read the manual and get to know your appliance. This will help you achieve the best results.

Reheat Leftovers in the Air Fryer

If you have any leftover potatoes, the best way to reheat them is in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 350-400°F and cook for 2-6 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

How long to cook potatoes in an air fryer

Yes, you can roast potatoes in an air fryer! The cooking time will depend on the type of potatoes you use, and whether you chop them into small or large pieces.

For example, one source recommends cooking halved baby potatoes or quartered larger potatoes in the air fryer at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes. Another source suggests cooking quartered potatoes in the air fryer at 400°F for 10 minutes, tossing the potatoes, and then cooking for another 8 to 10 minutes.

If you're using a larger type of potato, such as Yukon Gold, one source recommends cutting them into 1/2" to 3/4" pieces and air frying at 400°F for 18 to 20 minutes. Another source suggests cutting Yukon Gold potatoes into 1" pieces and air frying at 380°F for 10 minutes, flipping them, and then air frying for another 10 minutes.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on your specific air fryer model and the desired level of crispiness. Some air fryers may require preheating, while others have different temperature settings. As a general rule, it's best to keep an eye on your potatoes and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they don't overcook or burn.

How to reheat leftover potatoes in an air fryer

Yes, you can reheat leftover potatoes in an air fryer. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Most air fryers don't require preheating, but it is recommended for maximum crispiness.
• Place the leftover potatoes in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded for even heating.
• Reheat the potatoes for 2-4 minutes for small batches or 5-6 minutes for larger batches. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Stir or flip the potatoes halfway through to ensure even heating.
• Serve the potatoes while they are still hot and crispy.

Reheating time may vary depending on the amount of leftover potatoes and the power of your air fryer, so adjust the timing as needed.

Frequently asked questions