Air Fryer Canned Potatoes: Quick, Easy, And Delicious?

Canned potatoes are a convenient, easy, and inexpensive way to make a delicious side dish. They can be cooked in an air fryer, resulting in potatoes that are crispy and golden brown on the outside, while soft and fluffy on the inside. The cooking process is simple and can be completed in a few minutes, making them a quick and budget-friendly option for those short on time. Canned potatoes can be seasoned with various spices and oils to enhance their flavour and are versatile enough to be served with a range of main courses.

Preparation and cooking time

To prepare canned potatoes for air frying, start by draining the liquid from the can. Rinse the potatoes under cold running water, and then pat them dry with paper towels or a clean cloth. If you want them extra crispy, you can remove as much moisture as possible using this method or by using the air fryer for a minute or two before tossing them in oil.

Next, cut the potatoes into your desired size. Smaller potatoes can be cooked whole, but larger potatoes may need to be halved or quartered to ensure even cooking. Cutting the potatoes into smaller pieces will also reduce the cooking time.

After cutting, toss the potatoes in a bowl with oil and your choice of seasoning. You can use olive oil spray, bacon grease, or any oil with a high smoke point, such as sunflower, avocado, or canola oil. For seasoning, you can use Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, Fajita seasoning, Chinese Five Spice, garlic powder, dried parsley, salt, pepper, or any other dried herbs and spices you prefer.

Once the potatoes are coated in oil and seasoning, place them in the air fryer basket. Spray the potatoes lightly with cooking spray, if desired. Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit (195 degrees Celsius), and then air fry the potatoes for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. For extra crispiness, shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process and add a little extra oil.

Check the potatoes frequently after the first 10 minutes of cooking to avoid burning. The total cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes and your desired level of doneness. Smaller pieces or sliced potatoes may take only 10 minutes, while larger whole potatoes or those desired to be extra crispy may take up to 15 minutes or more.

Seasoning and spices

Canned potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be seasoned in a variety of ways before being cooked in an air fryer. The first step is to drain and rinse the potatoes, and then to pat them dry with paper towels or leave them to air dry. This will ensure that the potatoes become crispy when cooked. The next step is to add oil and seasoning. Olive oil is a popular choice, but other flavourless oils can be used, such as sunflower, avocado, or canola oil.

When it comes to seasoning, there are many options to choose from. Italian seasoning is a popular choice, but Cajun seasoning, Fajita seasoning, Chinese Five Spice, and garlic powder are also recommended. For a simpler flavour profile, salt and pepper can be used, or for something more complex, rosemary, thyme, and salt, or even bacon grease, salt, and MSG. Other seasonings that can be used include paprika, onion powder, parsley, dried herbs, and spicy chilli powder.

Once the potatoes are coated in oil and seasoning, they are ready to be cooked in the air fryer. They should be cooked for around 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, and it is important to turn them over halfway through cooking so that they cook evenly.

Oil type

When it comes to cooking canned potatoes in an air fryer, the type of oil you use can make a difference in the taste and texture of the final product. Here are some tips and suggestions for choosing the right oil:

Choosing the Right Oil for Air Frying Canned Potatoes:

• Olive oil is a popular choice for air frying canned potatoes. It has a relatively high smoke point, meaning it can withstand the high temperatures of air frying without smoking or burning. Olive oil also adds a subtle fruity flavour to the potatoes.
• Flavourless oils, such as avocado oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil, are also good options. These oils have high smoke points, which is important to prevent smoking and discolouration during the air frying process.
• Bacon grease is a delicious option if you want to add a savoury, salty flavour to your potatoes. Just make sure to melt the bacon grease before tossing it with the potatoes.
• Spray oils are perfect for lightly coating the air fryer basket and the potatoes themselves. This helps to ensure even cooking and can reduce the overall amount of oil used.
• Flouring the potatoes before cooking is an option if you want to enhance crispiness. However, this will cause the potatoes to absorb more oil, so use this technique sparingly.

Tips for Using Oil When Air Frying Canned Potatoes:

• Ensure that the potatoes are completely dry before adding oil and seasonings. This will help to maximise crispiness.
• When tossing the potatoes with oil, use just enough to lightly coat them. Too much oil can make the potatoes greasy and heavy.
• If you want to reduce oil consumption, you can cook the potatoes directly in the air fryer basket without using a pan. However, be aware that this may cause sticking, depending on the design of your air fryer.
• To prevent sticking and reduce oil loss, consider using parchment paper or a silicone mat designed for air fryers.

Serving suggestions

Canned potatoes cooked in an air fryer can be a versatile side dish. They can be paired with proteins like grilled chicken, steak, or fish. They can also be used as a topping on salads, in casseroles, or mixed into breakfast scrambles. For a classic pairing, serve them with juicy chicken breast or steak. The savoury flavours of the potatoes will complement the rich taste of the meat. You can also serve them with roasted vegetables for a smoky twist on the traditional dish.

You can also serve them with roasted potatoes and sweet potatoes. For a simple option, season them with salt and pepper and add butter. For a more complex flavour, season them with lemon pepper. You can also add herbs like oregano or thyme, cheese powder, or spicy seasonings. If you want to add extra vegetables, onions and peppers are a good option.

If you want to elevate your canned potatoes, serve them with dipping sauces like sour cream on the side. You can also top them with grated Parmesan and chopped herbs.

Storing and reheating

Storing your leftover potatoes is an important step to ensure they stay fresh and edible. Place any remaining potatoes in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 3 to 4 days when stored this way.

If you want to reheat your canned potatoes in an air fryer, the first step is to ensure they are at room temperature. Take them out of the refrigerator and let them sit for about 30 minutes before reheating. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F–400°F (around 175°C–200°C). Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them for even heating. Reheat for 2–4 minutes, or until they are warmed through and crispy. For an extra crispy finish, spray the potatoes with cooking spray before reheating.

You can also reheat canned potatoes in a cast-iron skillet or stainless-steel pan. Heat the skillet or pan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter or olive oil. Add the potatoes and stir to coat them with the fat. Cover and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until warmed through. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for an additional 3 minutes to get a crispy texture.

It is best to avoid reheating potatoes in the microwave, as this can make them soggy and unappetizing. Additionally, try not to reheat potatoes more than twice, as they may dry out.

Frequently asked questions