Air Fryer Potatoes: Oil-Free Cooking?

Air fryers have revolutionised the way we cook, and they are especially useful for making roasted potatoes. You can cook potatoes in an air fryer with or without oil, depending on your preference. Using oil will help the potatoes brown and soften, and give them a delicious crispy bite. If you're looking for a healthier option, you can cook potatoes in an air fryer without oil, but they may not be as crispy.

The best potatoes for air-frying

The circulating air in an air fryer crisps the outsides of potatoes with a golden crust and the insides turn soft, tender, and incredibly flavorful. The air fryer also reduces the amount of oil required to roast potatoes, making them a healthier option.

When it comes to choosing the best potatoes for air frying, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, the type of potato. Different varieties of potatoes have varying starch and sugar contents, which can affect the final texture and color of the roasted potatoes.

• Yukon Golds: These potatoes are a popular choice due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. They will crisp up nicely and develop a deeper golden color. The insides remain creamy and flavorful.
• Yellow Potatoes: Similar to Yukon Golds, these potatoes have a lower starch content and a higher sugar content. They will also crisp up well and turn a golden color.
• Red potatoes: Red potatoes have an even higher sugar content and an even lower starch content compared to Yukon Golds. They will roast to an even darker golden brown color and remain creamy and soft on the inside.
• Russet potatoes: Russet potatoes have a starchy texture, making them ideal for dishes like air-fried French fries. They will air fry beautifully and turn out crispy.
• Baby Potatoes or New Potatoes: These are regular potatoes that are harvested early. They have a high sugar content and hold their shape well during roasting. Baby potatoes are perfect for air frying and will result in a crispy and flavorful dish.

In addition to choosing the right type of potato, it is also essential to consider the size and quality of the potatoes. Look for potatoes that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Avoid potatoes with eyes and blemishes, as these may affect the final texture and taste.

How to season potatoes for air-frying

Yes, you can cook potatoes in an air fryer without oil. The air fryer cuts the time it takes to roast the potatoes in half compared to an oven.

To season potatoes for air-frying, start by washing the potatoes thoroughly and leaving their skins on. The skins have nutrients and they crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Next, cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces so that they cook evenly. Halve or quarter baby potatoes, or cut larger potatoes into 3/4-inch chunks. If you are using starchy potatoes, soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes to get rid of the extra starch. Then, pat the potatoes dry and place them in a large bowl.

Toss the potatoes with olive oil, and add your desired seasonings. You can season with just salt and pepper, or add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, or any other herb blend. You can also add Parmesan cheese for extra flavour. Make sure the potatoes are well coated.

Finally, arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each potato. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the potatoes in two batches.

How long to cook potatoes in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook potatoes in an air fryer without oil. However, using oil, especially extra virgin olive oil, is recommended as it helps the potatoes brown and soften.

Now, the time it takes to cook potatoes in an air fryer depends on the type of potatoes, the size of the potatoes, and the temperature of the air fryer. For example, halved baby red potatoes or yellow potatoes are recommended for air fryers. Larger potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or other yellow potatoes, can be cut into 3/4-inch chunks. Russet potatoes are better suited for making French fries in the air fryer.

For a single layer of potatoes at 400 degrees F, it will take 15 to 20 minutes for the potatoes to become tender and browned. It is important to flip the potatoes halfway to ensure even cooking. If you are cooking baked potatoes, it will take around 35 to 45 minutes at 400 degrees F for a 7-ounce russet or Idaho potato. Again, remember to flip the potatoes halfway.

You can also cook potatoes at 380 degrees F (195 degrees C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, for a similar result. Preheating the air fryer for 5 minutes will make the potatoes crispier. If you are using starchy potatoes, soak them in cold water for 10 to 15 minutes before roasting to remove the excess starch.

The benefits of cooking potatoes in an air fryer

Cooking potatoes in an air fryer has several benefits. First and foremost, it is a quick and easy way to prepare potatoes, with most recipes taking 20 minutes or less, which is significantly faster than oven-roasted potatoes. This makes air-fried potatoes an excellent option for a weeknight side dish or a quick and convenient meal.

Another advantage of using an air fryer is that it requires less oil than traditional roasting methods. Air fryers can achieve crispy, golden potatoes using only a fraction of the oil, making them a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste. This is because air fryers circulate hot air around the potatoes, cooking them evenly and giving them a crispy texture without the need for excessive oil.

Air fryers also offer versatility in terms of potato varieties and seasonings. While Yukon Golds, red potatoes, and russet potatoes are commonly recommended, any type of potato can be used, including sweet potatoes. Seasonings can be customized to suit individual preferences, ranging from classic salt and pepper to smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and more.

Additionally, air fryers are convenient as they do not require preheating, further reducing the overall cooking time. They are also easy to use, making them accessible to both novice and experienced cooks. The ability to cook potatoes in an air fryer without the need for boiling or other time-consuming preparation methods adds to the convenience of this cooking method.

How to reheat leftover air-fried potatoes

Yes, you can cook potatoes in an air fryer without oil. Air fryers are perfect for cooking frozen foods, and they're also great for making roasted potatoes.

Now, if you have leftover air-fried potatoes, here's how you can reheat them in an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) or 400°F and let it preheat. Preheating ensures that your potatoes reheat evenly and helps achieve that coveted crispy texture.
• Prepare the potatoes: While the air fryer is preheating, take your leftover potatoes out of the refrigerator. If they are wrapped in foil, remove it. You can cut the potatoes into small cubes or leave them whole, depending on your preference.
• Optional step for extra crispiness: If you want your potatoes to have an extra crispy finish, you can lightly spray the potato skins with cooking spray or olive oil. This step is optional but can enhance the crispiness.
• Arrange the potatoes: Place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving enough space between them for proper air circulation and even heating.
• Reheat the potatoes: Slide the basket into the preheated air fryer and air fry for 4-5 minutes at 400°F or 10-15 minutes at 375°F, depending on the size of your potatoes. For smaller cubes, the shorter time will suffice, while larger potatoes may need the longer time range.
• Check and serve: Carefully open the air fryer and check the potatoes. If they need more time, add a few minutes and check again. Once the potatoes are heated through and the skin is crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve with your favorite toppings or sides.

Reheating potatoes in the air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy leftovers, and it helps you achieve a crispy texture without drying out the potatoes.

Frequently asked questions