Roast Potatoes In An Air Fryer: Perfectly Crispy Results

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and it's no surprise that people are keen to use them to cook a variety of foods, including roast potatoes. Air-fried roast potatoes are a quick and easy alternative to oven-roasted potatoes, taking less time to cook and using less oil. They are also a versatile dish, with a variety of seasonings that can be used to suit different tastes and preferences.

How to get the perfect crunch

The circulating air in an air fryer can give your roast potatoes an impeccable golden crust. Here are some tips to get the perfect crunch:

Use the right potatoes

When choosing potatoes, go for the kind that will become soft and fluffy on the inside but crispy on the outside, like floury Maris Piper, King Edward, or Rooster. If you can find them, baby golden potatoes are also a great option.

Cut them to the right size

Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces, ensuring they're not too big. For larger potatoes, cut them into 1-inch chunks or 2.5 cm pieces. For baby potatoes, cut them in half.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer for 5 minutes will result in crispier potatoes.

Soak starchy potatoes

If you're using starchy potatoes, it's best to soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes before roasting to get rid of the extra starch. Make sure to pat the potatoes dry, or they will steam instead of roast.

Use a shallow tray insert

If you want crunchier potatoes, place a shallow tray insert into your air fryer basket. This will allow the potatoes to be in contact with the hot fat, giving them a thicker, crunchier skin.

Coat the potatoes

In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with oil and seasonings. Make sure they are well coated. You can also toss the potatoes in a little flour before putting them in the fryer for extra crispness.

Cook at the right temperature and flip them

Cook your potatoes at around 190-200°C for 20-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through. If they're not crispy enough, you can turn up the heat to 200°C and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

The best potatoes to use

When roasting potatoes in an air fryer, it's best to use a potato variety that will give you a soft and fluffy inside with a crispy outside. Good options include floury potatoes like Maris Piper, King Edward, or Rooster. You can also use Yukon Golds, red potatoes, or russet potatoes.

If you're using starchy potatoes, it's a good idea to soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes before roasting to remove the extra starch. Make sure to pat the potatoes dry before placing them in the air fryer, as they will steam instead of roast if they are wet.

For the best results, cut your potatoes into evenly-sized pieces, usually about 1-inch chunks. This will help ensure that they cook evenly and give you a good balance of crispy edges and fluffy interiors.

If you're short on time, you can skip the parboiling or steaming step that some recipes call for. Simply place the potatoes directly in the air fryer basket, drizzled with oil, and roast at a temperature between 190-200°C for 20-30 minutes, depending on your desired level of doneness.

Oil types and alternatives

The type of oil you use for air-frying potatoes can depend on your dietary preferences and the desired level of crispiness. Here are some options and alternatives to consider:

Oil Types

• Olive oil is a common choice for air-frying potatoes, as it helps to brown and soften them during cooking. It is also used to coat the potatoes so that seasonings stick to them.
• Extra-virgin olive oil is a specific type of olive oil that some people prefer for its flavour and health benefits.
• Neutral oils such as rapeseed, avocado, or sunflower oil are recommended by some sources for air-frying potatoes. These oils have a neutral flavour that won't overpower the taste of the potatoes.
• Other oils that can be used include vegetable oils, grape seed oil, and even duck fat, depending on your preferences and what you have available.

Oil Alternatives

If you want to reduce the amount of oil used or avoid it altogether, here are some alternatives:

• Oil spray or refillable spray bottles: Using a spray allows you to control the amount of oil used and ensures a light coating on the potatoes.
• Steaming: Instead of using oil, you can steam the potatoes before placing them in the air fryer. This can help reduce the amount of oil needed.
• Tossing in a bowl: By tossing the potatoes with a small amount of oil in a bowl, you can use less oil and ensure an even coating.
• Air-frying without oil: In some cases, you can simply place the potatoes in the air fryer without any oil. They will still cook, but the crispiness may vary.
• Using a tray insert: Placing the potatoes in a shallow tray insert inside the air fryer basket can help the potatoes absorb more oil and get crispier, as they are in direct contact with the oil.
• Other alternatives: Some people have suggested using alternatives like Panko crumbs, flour, or even toast to coat the potatoes instead of oil.

Should you preheat your air fryer?

Preheating an air fryer is not always necessary, but it can be beneficial depending on the type of food you are cooking. Air fryers are compact, countertop versions of ovens, and just like ovens, preheating can help achieve a crispy and crunchy texture. Preheating is recommended for foods that need a good sear, such as steaks or burgers, or for fried or breaded foods like chicken tenders or fries. Preheating can also reduce cooking time as the cooking process starts at a higher temperature.

However, there are times when preheating is not necessary or even recommended. For delicate foods like shrimp, garlic, or tomatoes, preheating can cause burning or drying out. Similarly, for dishes with longer cooking times, such as a whole roast chicken or a baked potato, preheating is not required.

The decision to preheat your air fryer ultimately depends on the specific food you are cooking and your desired level of crispness. If you are short on time, preheating can help speed up the cooking process. However, if you are cooking something delicate or time-intensive, it is better to skip the preheating step.

It is also important to note that different air fryer models may have varying preheating requirements. Some models come with a preheat setting button, while others do not. Always refer to your air fryer's operating manual for specific instructions. In general, preheating an air fryer involves setting the desired cooking temperature, leaving the basket in, and turning on the empty air fryer for 2-5 minutes, depending on its size.

How to reheat your roast potatoes

Preparation

If you have leftover roast potatoes, you can reheat them in the air fryer. They may be a little drier but will still be delicious.

First, cut your potatoes into halves or quarters to create chunks of around 2.5cm (1 inch) in size. If you're using baby potatoes, just cut them in half. If they're tiny, poke them with a fork to allow the steam to escape.

Cooking

Place a shallow tray insert into your air fryer basket. Add the potatoes to the tray. Drizzle oil over the potatoes and give them a good shake or stir to ensure they are fully covered in oil.

Cook for 5 minutes in the air fryer at 200C/400F, then turn the potatoes and cook for a further 5 minutes. Turn the potatoes again and bash them with the back of a spoon to ruffle the edges slightly. Drizzle on another tablespoon of oil.

Cook for another 10 minutes (20 minutes in total) until the potatoes are crisp and golden.

Tips

• For crispier potatoes, preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes before adding the potatoes.
• If you're using starchy potatoes, soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes before roasting to get rid of the extra starch. Make sure to pat the potatoes dry before adding them to the air fryer, or they will steam rather than roast.
• Use tongs or a turner to flip the potatoes halfway through. Shaking the basket may break some of the potatoes and won't flip them all.
• If your potatoes aren't as crispy as you'd like, turn the heat up to 200C and cook for another 5 minutes.
• For extra crispness, toss the potatoes in a little flour before putting them in the fryer with the oil.

Frequently asked questions