Air Fryer Hack: Boiling Potatoes Perfectly

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to cook food, but can you boil potatoes in them? Well, it turns out that you can! While it may be surprising, air fryers that can heat up to 400°F are capable of boiling potatoes. The process is similar to boiling potatoes on a stovetop, where you let the potatoes reach a boil and then reduce the heat to a low simmer.

To boil potatoes in an air fryer, start by preheating the appliance to 400°F for about 3 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare a cake barrel by lining it with aluminium foil and filling it with boiled water. Cut and peel the potatoes, and then place them in the barrel, ensuring they are submerged. Place the barrel in the air fryer and set the timer for 30 minutes. Check the potatoes, and if they need more time, extend the cooking time by 10-minute intervals until done.

Should you boil potatoes before air frying?

Air fryers have become a popular alternative to deep frying, offering a healthier way to cook food with less oil. They work by circulating hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior and tender interior. This method works particularly well for potatoes, giving them a nice crispy surface and keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

Boiling vs Air Frying

Some recipes suggest boiling potatoes before air frying to speed up the cooking process and ensure a soft interior. However, it is not necessary to boil potatoes before air frying, as this can lead to overcooking and a mashed potato consistency. Air frying potatoes for around 20 minutes will give you the desired texture without the need for boiling.

How to Air Fry Potatoes

• Cut the potatoes into wedges or slices. For air frying, it is best to use baby potatoes or small new potatoes, as they are the perfect size and have thinner skin, which gets nice and crispy.
• Parboiling is optional. If you choose to parboil, place the potatoes in a large pot of boiling water for 4-5 minutes, then drain. This step softens the potatoes so they will have a creamy texture inside.
• Season the potatoes with your choice of oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, or Cajun seasoning for extra flavour.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If your basket is small, you may need to cook in batches.
• Air fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, then shake the basket and stir the potatoes.
• Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden, crispy, and tender.

Tips for Crispy Potatoes

• Soaking the potatoes in water for 30-45 minutes before cooking helps to remove the starch and prevent them from browning too much.
• Leave a little room between each potato to allow the air to circulate.
• If you want to add cheese, it is best to use freshly shredded Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar.
• You can also add crispy bacon bits for extra flavour and crunch.
• For easy cleanup, line your air fryer basket with air fryer parchment paper, which has holes to allow the hot air to circulate while providing protection from the bottom of the basket.

Storing Air Fried Potatoes

Air-fried potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer to enjoy them crispy again.

You can also freeze air-fried potatoes for up to 8 months. Store them in individual portions in a Ziploc bag, then reheat in the air fryer at 400°F for 5-6 minutes.

How long should you boil potatoes for?

There are a variety of opinions on whether you should boil potatoes before air frying them. Some sources suggest that boiling the potatoes first will give them the best texture and make them taste more "potatoey". However, others claim that boiling is unnecessary and may even turn the potatoes into mashed potatoes.

If you do choose to boil your potatoes before air frying, the general consensus is that you should boil them for around 20 minutes, or until they are almost cooked through. This can be followed by a quick microwave of a few minutes to ensure they are soft and to speed up the process. It is important to note that the potatoes should not be boiled for too long, or they may become soggy.

After boiling, the potatoes should be drained and allowed to steam dry. Then, they can be coated in oil and air-fried. The air frying process should take around 20 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness.

If you are looking for crispy potatoes, it is recommended to cut the potatoes into smaller pieces before boiling. This will give them more edges and surfaces to crisp up during the air frying process.

What type of potatoes are best for air frying?

Air fryers can cook a variety of potatoes, including baby reds, russets, Yukon golds, yellow potatoes, and baby or new potatoes. The best type of potato depends on the desired result, as different potatoes will crisp and colour differently.

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes will air fry beautifully, achieving a pale golden colour with soft and fluffy insides.

Yukon Golds or Yellow Potatoes

Yukon golds and yellow 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. Their insides will be creamy and full of flavour.

Red Potatoes

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

Baby or New Potatoes

Baby or new potatoes are not a specific variety but rather regular potatoes that have been thinned from the crop early. They have a high sugar content and roast in the air fryer perfectly, holding their shape. They can be hard to find in grocery stores as they are somewhat seasonal.

What temperature should you air fry potatoes at?

Air-frying potatoes is a quick and easy way to get crispy potatoes with a fluffy inside. The ideal temperature for air-frying potatoes is between 350°F and 400°F.

Air-Frying Tips:

• Soak the potatoes in water for 15 minutes to remove starches, then rinse and pat dry.
• Preheat the air fryer for maximum crispiness.
• Leave a little room between each potato to allow air to circulate.
• For even cooking, cut the potatoes into evenly-sized pieces.
• If you want to avoid boiling, the air fryer will do all the work to keep the potatoes soft and cooked through inside, with a crispy outside.

Recipe:

• Cut the potatoes into 1-inch pieces.
• In a medium-sized bowl, mix the potatoes with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 10 minutes.
• Toss the potatoes and continue to cook for 8-10 minutes, or until tender and crisp.
• Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice and chopped parsley.

Storing:

• Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• To reheat, use the air fryer or broiler to regain crispiness.

Variations:

• For a spicy kick, add Cajun seasoning.
• For a Greek twist, add garlic, onion, oregano, basil, dill, salt, and pepper.
• For a Mexican flavour, blend cumin, chili powder, onion, and garlic powder.

Enjoy your perfectly air-fried potatoes!

How do you store boiled potatoes?

Boiled potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a couple of days. If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them in a freezer-friendly container for up to 3 months.

It is important to let the potatoes cool completely before storing them in the refrigerator or freezer. Additionally, when storing boiled potatoes in the refrigerator, it is not necessary to store them in water. However, if you choose to do so, you can add white wine vinegar to the water to prevent the potatoes from turning black.

If you are storing uncooked potatoes, it is best to keep them in a cool, dry place, preferably at a temperature between 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Frequently asked questions