Air Fryer Magic: Can Russet Potatoes Be Crispy?

Russet potatoes are a versatile ingredient that can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, making chips, or cutting into chunks. One popular method is to cook them in an air fryer, which can yield crispy and tasty results. Air fryers use hot air to crisp the outsides of the potatoes, resulting in a golden crust, while the insides remain soft and tender. This method is also healthier than deep frying, as less oil is required. When preparing russet potatoes for air frying, it is recommended to cut them into evenly sized pieces, season them with oil and desired spices, and cook them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. The cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the desired level of crispiness and the specific air fryer model.

Russet potatoes in an air fryer: the best way to make baked potatoes

Air fryers are a great way to cook baked potatoes, especially if you want crispy skin. They are also more energy-efficient than an oven as they don't heat up the entire house.

Ingredients

• Russet potatoes (as many as you like, but don't overcrowd the air fryer basket)
• Oil (olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or cooking spray)
• Salt (sea salt or table salt)
• Garlic powder
• Other seasonings of your choice (paprika, pepper, Italian seasoning, Tuscan garlic seasoning, rosemary, etc.)

Method

• Wash and dry the potatoes. You can peel them if you like, but it's not necessary. Just make sure you scrub them well.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and give them a light coat of oil or cooking spray. You can use any type of cooking spray or oil, but oils with a high smoke point, such as avocado or canola oil, are recommended.
• Sprinkle the potatoes with salt and garlic powder. You can also add other seasonings like paprika, pepper, Italian seasoning, Tuscan garlic seasoning, rosemary, etc. Use your hands to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated.
• Cook the potatoes in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-30 minutes for small/medium potatoes or 40-50 minutes for medium-sized potatoes. You may need to rotate the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• Serve with your favorite toppings such as cashew cream, sour cream, butter, cheddar cheese, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Four medium potatoes is a good maximum to ensure the potatoes have enough space to crisp up.
• Pierce the potatoes with a fork before cooking.
• Different-sized potatoes will have different cooking times. You can always put them back in for a few extra minutes if they need longer.
• If your potatoes are not crispy enough, try parboiling them before air frying. This helps to break down the outer layer of the potatoes, creating a starchy slurry that gives the cooked potatoes extra crunch.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake these in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, but they may take longer than 20-30 minutes.

How to make crispy air fryer French fries with Russet potatoes

Russet potatoes are a great choice for air frying as they get super crispy, and the insides are more dry and fluffy. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make crispy air fryer French fries with Russet potatoes.

Ingredients:

• 2 russet potatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch sticks
• Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• Salt
• Optional seasonings: Fresh herbs, chili powder, or chipotle powder
• Optional dips: Ketchup, mustard, mayo, or chipotle sauce

Method:

• Preheat the air fryer to 380°F.
• Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Toss to coat.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer so that they are not touching each other. You will likely need to work in batches.
• Air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway, or until crispy. If your fries are not crispy, air fry them a little longer.
• Once all batches are finished, toss them all back into the air fryer (no need to place in a single layer this time) for 1 to 2 minutes to warm and re-crisp any that got cold from the first few batches.
• Serve with desired seasonings and dips.

Tips:

• Work in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Check your first batch at the 12-minute mark and adjust the timing as needed.
• Taste a fry from each batch to ensure it is tender on the inside and crisp on the outside before moving on to a new batch.
• Toss all the fries together at the end for 1 to 2 minutes to ensure they are all warm and crispy.

Air fryer roasted potatoes: a perfect side dish

Air fryer roasted potatoes are a quick, easy, and delicious side dish that can be served with burgers, sandwiches, grilled meat, or even as a snack. The circulating air in the air fryer crisps the outsides of the potatoes to a golden perfection, while the insides remain soft, tender, and flavourful.

Ingredients

• Russet potatoes (or any other potatoes of your choice)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika or Italian seasoning
• Freshly chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

• Wash the potatoes and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Leaving the skin on is recommended for a crispy texture and added nutrients.
• In a medium-sized bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder or Italian seasoning, and paprika. Make sure the potatoes are well-coated.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Air fry at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Tips:

• Preheat your air fryer for maximum crispiness.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Get creative with seasonings! Try different combinations like ranch, taco seasoning, Cajun spice, chili-lime, lemon and herb, or even toss in some cooked bacon bits.
• For starchy potatoes, soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes before roasting to reduce the excess starch.

Enjoy your perfectly roasted potatoes as a side or appetizer, paired with your favourite dips!

The benefits of using an air fryer over an oven

Russet potatoes can be cooked in an air fryer. They can be cut into cubes and seasoned with olive oil, Tuscan garlic seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and crushed rosemary. They can also be cooked whole, with a light coat of cooking spray, and seasoned with sea salt and garlic powder.

No Preheating Required: Air fryers do not require preheating, saving time and energy.

Energy Efficiency: Air fryers are more energy-efficient than ovens as they cook smaller batches of food and do not heat up the entire house.

Speed: Air fryers cook food faster than ovens, making them ideal for quick meals and snacks.

Crispy Results: Air fryers circulate hot air, crisping food evenly and resulting in a crispy texture that is often desirable, especially for potato dishes.

Less Oil: Air fryers use less oil than traditional deep frying, making them a healthier alternative.

Versatility: Air fryers offer various cooking options, including roasting, baking, and frying, with minimal equipment and counter space.

Customizable: Air fryers allow for easy customization of recipes with different spices, seasonings, and ingredient substitutions to suit individual tastes.

While air fryers offer these benefits, it is important to note that they may not be suitable for all types of food, especially battered or "wet" foods. Additionally, they can only cook small batches, and some foods may dry out.

How to prep Russet potatoes for air frying

Wash and dry the potatoes

Give the potatoes a good scrub and wash to remove any dirt. You can peel the potatoes if you prefer, but it's not necessary and the skin can add texture to your dish. If you do decide to keep the skin on, make sure to scrub and dry the potatoes well before cooking.

Cut the potatoes

Cut the potatoes into evenly-sized pieces. For fries, cut them into 1/2-inch wedges, or slightly smaller or bigger, depending on your preference. For roasted potatoes, cut them into 1" cubes. This will help the potatoes cook evenly and ensure a similar texture throughout.

Soak the potatoes (optional)

Soaking the potatoes in cold water before cooking is an optional step, but it can help achieve a crispier texture. Soak the potatoes for at least an hour, or up to 24 hours if you have the time. Be sure to pat them completely dry before adding any oil or seasoning.

Season the potatoes

Place the potatoes in a bowl and toss them with your chosen oil and seasonings. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, or any other vegetable oil you prefer. For seasonings, try salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or rosemary. You can also get creative and experiment with different spices to find your favourite flavour combinations.

Cook the potatoes

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5-15 minutes. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each potato to allow for proper air circulation. Cook for 20-30 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. For fries, cook for 10 minutes, toss the potatoes, then cook for another 10-12 minutes until they are crispy.

Serve and enjoy

Once the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a dish. Serve while they are still warm and crispy, and enjoy!

Frequently asked questions