Air Fryer And Raw Potatoes: A Perfect Match?

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, and they can be used to make a variety of dishes, from roasted potatoes to French fries. Cooking raw potatoes in an air fryer gives them a crispy texture and golden colour without the need for deep frying in oil, resulting in a healthier dish. The potatoes come out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

How to prepare the potatoes

Ingredients

You will need:

• Potatoes (baby red or yellow potatoes, Yukon gold, russet potatoes, red potatoes, fingerlings, or baby russets)
• Olive oil or another vegetable oil of your choice (such as avocado oil)
• Spices and seasonings of your choice (suggested options include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper)
• Optional: lemon, parsley, thyme, rosemary, or other fresh herbs for garnish

Method

• Cut the potatoes into your desired shape. For fries, cut them into sticks about 1/4-inch thick. For potato wedges, cut them into wedges. For potato cubes, cut them into 1-2 inch cubes. For baby potatoes, simply halve them. For larger potatoes, cut them into 3/4-inch chunks. Try to cut the potatoes into similar sizes so that they cook evenly.
• Place the potatoes in a bowl and toss them with olive oil and your desired spices and seasonings. Mix until the potato pieces are evenly coated.
• If desired, add a squeeze of lemon or some fresh herbs to the bowl and mix.
• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F or 400°F.
• Transfer the potatoes to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space between each potato. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
• Air fry for 10-20 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring the potatoes about halfway through the cooking time. The potatoes are done when they are golden and crispy on the outside, and tender and fluffy on the inside.
• If cooking in batches, add all the potatoes back into the air fryer for 1-2 minutes at the end to warm and re-crisp any that got cold.
• Serve with desired seasonings, dips, or garnishes.

How long to cook the potatoes for

The cooking time for air fryer potatoes varies depending on the size of the potatoes, the variety of potato, and the desired level of crispiness. On average, air fryer potatoes will take between 15 and 30 minutes to cook.

For baby potatoes, or "new" potatoes, which are smaller and have thinner skin, cooking time is generally on the shorter side. One source recommends cooking baby potatoes in the air fryer for 10 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring, and then cooking for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, for a total of 18 to 20 minutes. Another source suggests cooking baby potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

For larger potatoes, such as russets, reds, or Yukon Golds, cut into 1-inch pieces or wedges, the cooking time may be longer. One source recommends cooking larger potatoes for 20 to 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Another source suggests cooking larger potatoes for 20 to 30 minutes.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the model and size of your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your potatoes as they cook to avoid overcooking or burning.

Additionally, some sources recommend preheating your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the potatoes, which can help achieve maximum crispiness.

What type of oil to use

When preparing raw potatoes in an air fryer, you can use a variety of oils to achieve the desired crispy texture and golden colour. Here are some options:

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a popular choice for air-frying potatoes. It adds flavour, helps the spices adhere to the potatoes, and results in a crispy outer texture. Extra-virgin olive oil is recommended for its ability to enhance the browning and softening of the potatoes during cooking.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is suggested as a great substitute for olive oil. It can be used in the same way and will produce similar results.

Vegetable Oil

Any vegetable oil of your preference can be used in an air fryer. These oils typically have a neutral flavour and a high smoke point, making them suitable for frying.

Cooking Spray

Some air fryers may benefit from using a cooking spray, which is optional. This can help prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Amount of Oil

When using an air fryer, you only need a small amount of oil, such as a tablespoon, for a large batch of potatoes. This is because air fryers require less oil than traditional deep frying while still achieving crispy results. Experiment with the amount of oil to find your preferred level of crispness.

Oil Alternatives

While oil is recommended for the best results, it is possible to cook potatoes in an air fryer without it. However, the final dish may be drier in texture. Alternatively, you can use an oil substitute such as duck fat, as mentioned by a home cook.

What seasonings to add

The great thing about air-fried potatoes is that you can get creative with the seasonings. The simplest option is to toss the potatoes in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. You can also add garlic powder and Italian seasoning to the mix.

If you're looking for something a little more adventurous, there are plenty of options to explore. For a spicy kick, you could try Cajun seasoning, chili powder, or taco seasoning. For a smoky flavour, smoked paprika is a good choice. If you're a fan of cheese, you could add some grated Parmesan to the mix.

• Greek: garlic, onion, oregano, basil, dill, salt, and pepper.
• Ranch: dry ranch seasoning.
• Mexican: cumin, chili powder, onion, and garlic powder.
• Lemon and herb: basil, oregano, dill, and a squeeze of lemon.
• Chili lime: ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
• Bacon: cooked crumbled bacon.

How to store and reheat the potatoes

Storing and reheating potatoes is a great way to reduce food waste and save time on meal prep. Here is a detailed guide on how to store and reheat potatoes, specifically in the context of air fryers:

Storing Potatoes:

• Let the potatoes cool completely before storing.
• Place the potatoes in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag.
• Refrigerate the potatoes. They will stay fresh for 3-4 days.

Reheating Potatoes in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350-380°F.
• Let the potatoes sit at room temperature for 15 minutes to remove the chill.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Reheat for 4-6 minutes, or until warmed and crispy.

Reheating Potatoes in an Oven:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• Place the potatoes on a baking sheet or directly on the oven rack.
• Reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating Potatoes in a Microwave:

• Cut the potatoes in half and place them cut-side up on a microwave-safe plate.
• Cover the cut sides with a damp paper towel.
• Microwave for 1-3 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating Potatoes on a Stovetop:

• Add olive oil to a skillet over medium-low heat.
• Cut the potatoes in half and place the cut sides down in the pan.
• Cover and cook for 3-4 minutes.
• Remove the lid, flip the potatoes, and cook on all sides until the skin is crispy.

Reheating Potatoes on a Grill:

• Wrap the potatoes in foil.
• Place them on a grill rack, preferably with indirect heat.
• Heat for 10-15 minutes, rotating them halfway through.

Frequently asked questions