Air-Fried Potatoes: A Healthy, Crispy Treat?

Yes, you can make fried potatoes in an air fryer! They are a delicious, easy, and quick side dish that can be made in 20 minutes or under. The air fryer is perfect for cooking potatoes as it makes them crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside. The high, dry heat and light coating of olive oil help to crisp up the potatoes. You can also get creative with seasonings like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.

The best type of potatoes to use

There are several types of potatoes that work well in an air fryer, including russets, baby gold potatoes, baby red potatoes, fingerlings, Yukon golds, and baby russets.

Russet potatoes are a good choice because they crisp up nicely with a pale golden colour, and have soft and fluffy insides with a mild flavour. Yukon golds or yellow potatoes are also a popular option for air frying as they crisp up well and turn a deeper golden colour due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. However, their crisp will be slightly softer than that of russets.

Red potatoes will turn an even darker golden brown because of their high sugar and low starch content. They will be crispy coming out of the fryer but will soften quickly. Baby potatoes or new potatoes are also a good option, but they can be hard to find in grocery stores as they are somewhat seasonal.

No matter which type of potato you choose, it is recommended that you cut them into 1-inch pieces so that they cook evenly.

How to prepare the potatoes

Preparing the potatoes is a simple process. First, you'll want to select your potatoes. Russet, Yukon Gold, baby golden, red skin, or sweet potatoes are all good options. You can also use baby potatoes, also known as "new" potatoes, which are harvested early and have thinner skin, ideal for crisping.

Next, wash and scrub the potatoes to remove any dirt. If you have time, it's recommended to scrub the potatoes at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to dry properly. You can pat them with a paper towel and then set them on a kitchen towel, rotating them after 15 minutes to ensure both sides dry.

After the potatoes are dry, it's time to cut them. You can cut them into halves, quarters, or 1-inch pieces. If you're using larger potatoes like russets, slicing them into 1/4-inch slices is recommended.

Once the potatoes are cut, you have the option to soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to overnight. This step helps remove the starch from the cut sides, resulting in crispier potatoes. Be sure to pat them dry again after soaking.

Now, it's time to season the potatoes. Place the cut potatoes in a bowl and toss them with olive oil to coat. You can also use an oil spray for this step. Then, add your desired seasonings. Some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and parmesan cheese. You can also get creative and experiment with different seasonings like Cajun, Mexican, or Greek blends.

After the potatoes are seasoned, they're ready to be cooked in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F if needed, and then place the potatoes in the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation.

Cooking time will vary depending on your desired level of crispiness and the thickness of your potato slices. For thinner slices, you'll need less time, while thicker slices may require a few minutes more. As a general guideline, cook the potatoes at 400°F for 10 minutes, then stir or shake the basket to ensure even cooking. Return the potatoes to the air fryer for another 8-10 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy air-fried potatoes that are perfect as a side dish or a tasty snack.

The ideal temperature and cooking time

For small potatoes (4 to 6 ounces), cook at 390°F for 25 to 30 minutes. For medium to medium-large potatoes (8 to 10 ounces), cook at 390°F for 40 to 45 minutes. For large potatoes (about 12 ounces), cook at 390°F for about 1 hour.

If you are using an air fryer that has a higher temperature setting of 400°F, you can cook your potatoes at this temperature for a shorter amount of time. For example, cook potatoes at 400°F for 10 minutes, then toss and continue cooking for another 8 to 10 minutes or until tender and crisp.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so it is recommended to refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions. Additionally, for even cooking, cut the potatoes into uniform-sized pieces and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.

Oil and seasoning suggestions

The oil you use for your air fryer potatoes is important. You want something with a high smoke point, like avocado or olive oil. You only need a tiny bit, and it's best to spritz it over the potatoes using an oil sprayer. This will ensure an even coating and reduce messiness.

When it comes to seasoning, the possibilities are endless. Here are some suggestions:

• Salt and pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Parmesan cheese
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Oregano
• Basil
• Dill
• Smoked paprika
• Cajun seasoning
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Lemon
• Ranch seasoning
• Taco seasoning
• Greek seasoning
• Sea salt

Simply choose a few of the above, or experiment with your own combinations, and sprinkle liberally over your potatoes before placing them in the air fryer. You can also add fresh herbs like parsley, basil, oregano, or dill as a garnish after cooking.

How to serve the potatoes

There are many ways to serve air-fried potatoes. They are a versatile side dish that can be paired with a variety of meals. Here are some ideas:

For Breakfast

Put them in breakfast tacos or a breakfast burrito.

As a Side Dish

• Serve them with steak or chicken dinners.
• Pair them with a dip and serve them as an appetiser.
• Serve them with black bean burgers or veggie burgers.
• Add them to a holiday menu with classic dishes like stuffing and green bean casserole.
• Pair them with a bowl of butternut squash soup or broccoli cheddar soup.
• Serve them alongside a quiche or frittata.

For Dinner

• Pair them with pan-seared steak, creamy Tuscan chicken, or juicy pork tenderloin.
• Serve them with roasts, such as juicy roast turkey or Mississippi pot roast.
• Serve with veggies like a green salad, roasted cauliflower, or roasted asparagus.

No matter how you serve them, air-fried potatoes are a delicious and easy dish to make!

Frequently asked questions