Air-Frying Baby Potatoes: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryers have become a popular alternative to traditional ovens, and for good reason. They can cook food faster and with less oil, resulting in crispy and delicious dishes. One popular dish that can be made in an air fryer is baby potatoes. Air fryer baby potatoes are a quick and easy side dish that can be made in less than 25 minutes. The small size of baby potatoes means they cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer, resulting in a crispy skin and a smooth, creamy, or tender interior.

Seasoning options

Baby potatoes are a great side dish to cook in an air fryer because of their small size. They are easy to cook, and you can season them in a variety of ways.

To prepare the baby potatoes, wash them under cold running water and pat them dry. You can either slice them in half or leave them whole. If you are slicing them, add them to a large bowl with your chosen seasonings and olive oil. Toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated. If you are cooking them whole, you can season them directly in the air fryer basket.

• Herbs and Spices: You can use any combination of herbs and spices to season your baby potatoes. Some popular options include rosemary, thyme, oregano, parsley, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and pepper. You can also add some grated Parmesan or pecorino romano cheese.
• Cajun Seasoning: For a spicier option, you can use Cajun seasoning. This will give your baby potatoes a bold and flavorful kick.
• Smoked Paprika: If you want to add a smoky depth of flavor to your baby potatoes, smoked paprika is a great option. This will give them a slightly different flavor profile than regular paprika.
• Sea Salt and Vegetable Oil: For a simpler option, you can season your baby potatoes with sea salt flakes and vegetable oil. This will let the natural flavor of the potatoes shine through while still adding some extra crispiness.
• Tzatziki or Tahini Sauce: While not technically a seasoning, serving your baby potatoes with a sauce or dip can add extra flavor. Tzatziki or tahini sauce would pair well with any of the above seasoning options.

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for cooking baby potatoes in an air fryer will depend on the brand of air fryer, the size of the potatoes, and your desired level of crispiness.

As a general rule, baby potatoes should be cooked at around 200°C (400°F) for 12 to 20 minutes. Some recipes suggest cooking at a slightly lower temperature of 180°C (360°F) or 380°F, while others recommend a higher temperature of 204°C or 205°C. It is important to note that not all air fryers are created equal, and some models may run hotter or cooler than others. If you know that your air fryer tends to run hot, you may need to adjust the temperature or cooking time accordingly.

When cooking baby potatoes in an air fryer, it is generally recommended to cut the potatoes into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. The potatoes should be tossed in olive oil and seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper before cooking. It is also important to place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, without overcrowding, to allow for even cooking.

During the cooking process, it is a good idea to shake or toss the potatoes halfway through to ensure even browning and crispiness. Depending on the desired level of crispiness, the potatoes can be cooked for an additional 3 to 4 minutes after the initial cooking time. It is important to keep in mind that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the brand of the air fryer.

Baby potatoes cooked in an air fryer can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 7 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months and reheated in the air fryer or microwave until they are piping hot in the middle.

How to store leftovers

Yes, you can cook baby potatoes in an air fryer. They are a great, simple and quick option for a side dish for any meal.

To store leftover air-fried baby potatoes, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They should last for up to 3 to 4 days.

To reheat the potatoes, use an air fryer to get them crispy again. Place them in a 380°F air fryer for a few minutes, or until they are warmed through. Alternatively, you can quickly reheat them in the microwave.

Air fryer vs. oven

Baby potatoes can be cooked in an air fryer, and it is much faster than cooking them in an oven. The air fryer also requires less oil than typical roasting while still giving an ultra-crispy, golden outside.

Air fryers are much smaller than ovens, so they heat up quickly and cook faster. The air fryer preheats in about four minutes, while a traditional oven takes about 25 minutes to preheat. The air fryer's small size also means that it has a 21-minute head start on a traditional oven.

When cooking baby potatoes in an air fryer, you can use a variety of seasonings to add flavor. The potatoes are cooked in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and it usually takes about 10-20 minutes to cook them. You can also cook baby potatoes in the oven, but it will take longer.

The oven-baked method typically takes about an hour, which is a long time when you are hungry and want to eat as soon as possible. The oven method involves preheating the oven and baking sheet to 400°Fahrenheit, baking the potatoes until they reach the recommended internal cooking temperature of 210°Fahrenheit, and turning them over once around the 30-minute mark for even cooking.

In conclusion, the air fryer is a faster and more convenient option for cooking baby potatoes than the oven, especially when you are short on time or want to eat something quickly. It also produces crispy potatoes with less oil, which is healthier and more convenient.

Potato preparation

Washing and Cutting

Begin by washing the baby potatoes under cold running water. Drain the water and pat the potatoes dry with a kitchen towel. If you want to cut your potatoes in half, now is the time to do so. Cutting them at an angle can make for a nice presentation.

Seasoning

Place the potatoes in a large bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can use a simple blend of olive oil, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Alternatively, get creative with other spices and herbs like rosemary, thyme, parsley, oregano, or garlic granules. You can also add grated Parmesan or pecorino romano cheese. Toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated with the seasoning.

Air Frying

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Place the seasoned potatoes in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space for air to circulate. Set the air fryer temperature to between 380°F and 400°F, or 200°C and 205°C, and the time for 12 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes and your desired level of crispiness. Shake or toss the potatoes halfway through cooking for even results. Test for doneness by piercing a potato with a fork; if it is not tender, continue cooking in 2-minute increments until done.

Frequently asked questions