Air Fryer Potatoes: Can You Cook Them?

Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They are easy to use, reduce cooking time, and require minimal cleanup. One of the most popular dishes to cook in an air fryer is potatoes. Air fryer potatoes are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and packed with flavor. They are a versatile side dish that can be paired with a variety of main courses and can be made in a fraction of the time it takes to bake them in a conventional oven. In this article, we will explore the different ways to cook potatoes in an air fryer, the types of potatoes that work best, and some tips and tricks to ensure perfect results every time.

Air fryer potatoes are a healthy option

Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook potatoes, and they offer a much healthier alternative to traditional frying methods. Air-fried potatoes are a great way to enjoy delicious, crispy potatoes without the guilt of consuming excessive oil or fat.

The circulating hot air in an air fryer crisps the potato's exterior to a perfect golden brown, while the inside remains soft, tender, and flavourful. The air fryer's ability to brown and crisp the potatoes with minimal oil is what makes it a healthier option. By reducing the amount of oil required, you're lowering the overall fat and calorie content of your meal without sacrificing taste or texture.

When preparing potatoes for air frying, it's essential to cut them into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. Russet potatoes are an excellent choice for air frying, as they crisp up beautifully with a pale golden colour and a fluffy texture. Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes are also great options, as they achieve a deeper golden colour and a slightly softer crisp while remaining creamy and flavourful.

To enhance the flavour of your air-fried potatoes, consider seasoning them with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices, such as thyme, chives, dill, or smoked paprika, to create unique flavour profiles. Air frying is a versatile cooking method that allows you to get creative with seasonings and toppings while still enjoying a healthy dish.

Air-fried potatoes make a quick, easy, and healthy side dish that pairs well with various main courses. They are a convenient weeknight option, as they cook in a fraction of the time compared to oven-roasted potatoes, typically taking between 15 to 30 minutes in the air fryer. This method also keeps cleanup to a minimum, making it a favourite among cooks who want tasty, healthy food without the hassle of lengthy preparation and cleanup.

How to prepare potatoes for air frying

Preparing potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious side dish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare potatoes for air frying:

Selecting the Potatoes:

When choosing potatoes for air frying, look for potatoes that are uniform in size and free from eyes and blemishes. Baby potatoes, Yukon Golds, Yellow Potatoes, and Red Potatoes are all great options. Baby potatoes or new potatoes are ideal for halving or quartering, while larger potatoes should be cut into 3/4-inch chunks.

Seasoning and Marinating:

After cutting the potatoes, place them in a medium-sized bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the potatoes, ensuring they are well-coated. Then, add your desired seasonings. You can use Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine. For a tangy twist, you can also try drizzling Italian dressing over the potatoes.

Air Frying:

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space between each potato. This allows the hot air to circulate evenly and promotes browning. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches.

Cooking Time and Temperature:

Cook the potatoes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Then, remove the basket and give it a shake or stir to ensure even cooking. Return the basket to the air fryer and continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

Serving:

Once the potatoes are cooked to your desired doneness, transfer them to a plate and let them rest for a few minutes. For an extra touch of flavor, you can squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the potatoes and sprinkle them with chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary. Serve the potatoes as a side dish alongside your favorite meals.

The best types of potatoes for air frying

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, giving them a golden crust and soft, tender insides. The circulating air crisps the outsides while keeping the insides flavourful and reducing the amount of oil needed.

When choosing potatoes for air frying, there are several types that work particularly well:

• Russets: These potatoes will air fry beautifully, with a pale golden colour and a soft, fluffy texture. They have a mild flavour and their insides will be soft and fluffy, making them a good choice for air frying.
• Yukon Golds or Yellow Potatoes: These potatoes are a favourite for air frying due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. They crisp up perfectly and turn a deeper golden colour. Their insides are creamy and full of flavour, although their crisp is slightly softer than Russets.
• Red Potatoes: When roasted, red potatoes will turn an even darker golden brown due to their high sugar and low starch content. They will be crispy coming out of the air fryer but will soften quickly. Their insides will be creamy and soft, making them a good option for air frying.
• Baby Potatoes or New Potatoes: These potatoes have a high sugar content and roast perfectly in the air fryer while holding their shape. They can be hard to find in grocery stores as they are somewhat seasonal, but they are a popular choice for air frying.

In general, when choosing potatoes for air frying, look for those that are uniform in size and free from eyes and blemishes. It is also important to note that while the above types of potatoes work well for air frying, you can use any type of potato and simply adjust your cooking technique accordingly.

Air fryer potatoes as a side dish

Air fryer potatoes are a quick, easy, and delicious side dish that can be served with a variety of main courses. They are versatile, flavorful, and can be made in under 20 minutes, making them a perfect weeknight option. Here is a simple recipe to make air fryer potatoes as a side dish:

Ingredients:

• Potatoes (baby red potatoes, yellow potatoes, or Yukon Gold potatoes)
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder or fresh garlic
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, chives, or dill

Instructions:

• Start by scrubbing and drying the potatoes. There is no need to peel them as the skins will crisp up nicely in the air fryer, adding a nice texture.
• Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces. For baby potatoes, halve or quarter them. For larger potatoes, cut them into 3/4-inch or 1-inch chunks.
• In a medium-sized bowl, combine the potatoes with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Transfer the potatoes to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space between each potato. This promotes even cooking and browning. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.
• Set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. There is no need to preheat the air fryer, saving you time.
• Cook the potatoes for 10 minutes, then flip or toss them in the basket for even cooking. Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes, or until they are tender and crispy. The total cook time will be around 18-20 minutes.
• Once done, garnish the potatoes with fresh herbs like chopped parsley. You can also add a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste.
• Serve the air fryer potatoes as a side dish with your choice of main course. They go well with a variety of proteins and can be a healthy and tasty addition to your meal.

Feel free to get creative with your toppings and seasonings to make these air fryer potatoes your own. You can also experiment with different types of potatoes to find your preferred texture and flavor. Enjoy the convenience and deliciousness of this side dish!

Toppings for air fryer potatoes

Air fryer potatoes are a versatile dish that can be customised with various toppings to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are some topping ideas to elevate your air fryer potatoes:

Herbs and Spices

Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, rosemary, and chives add a burst of colour and flavour to your potatoes. You can sprinkle them on top or mix them with the potatoes before air frying. If you're feeling adventurous, try experimenting with dried herbs like thyme or spices like smoked paprika, chilli powder, taco seasoning, or Cajun seasoning to give your potatoes a kick.

Cheese

Cheese lovers can indulge by adding grated cheddar or gouda cheese on top of their potatoes. For an extra indulgent touch, toss the potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese before serving to add a crispy, cheesy coating.

Sour Cream

A dollop of sour cream can help balance the flavours and add a creamy texture to your potatoes. It pairs well with herbs and spices, so feel free to mix and match.

Butter

For a classic, simple topping, a pat of butter melting into the fluffy interior of an air fryer potato is hard to beat. It adds richness and moisture to your dish.

Bacon

For a savoury, crispy topping, sprinkle crispy diced bacon bits on top of your potatoes. This adds a contrast of textures and a burst of flavour.

Lemon

A squeeze of lemon juice can help cut through the richness of the potatoes, especially if they are heavily seasoned or topped with cheese or butter. Just be sure to add the lemon juice right before serving to avoid making the potatoes soggy.

With these topping ideas, you can elevate your air fryer potatoes and customise them to suit your taste buds and dietary preferences.

Frequently asked questions