Air-Fryer Baby Potatoes: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryer baby potatoes are a quick and easy dish to make, requiring minimal preparation and cooking time. The potatoes emerge from the air fryer with a soft and creamy inside and a crispy, golden outside. They are a versatile side dish that can be paired with a variety of meals, from steak dinners to lighter seafood options.

How to make baby potatoes in an air fryer

Ingredients

Baby potatoes (any variety)

Olive oil (or avocado oil)

Salt

Black pepper

Garlic powder

Paprika

Fresh rosemary (or dried rosemary)

Method

• Wash and dry the baby potatoes.
• Halve the potatoes and place them in a large bowl.
• Drizzle oil over the potatoes and toss until they are evenly coated.
• Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and rosemary to the bowl. Toss again to combine.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
• Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Set the air fryer to 400°F/204°C and cook for 15-20 minutes.
• Shake or stir the potatoes halfway through the cooking time.
• The potatoes are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.
• Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Tips:

• You can add other herbs and spices to the potatoes, such as onion powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning.
• For a more crispy texture, preheat the air fryer before adding the potatoes.
• If your potatoes are larger, you may need to increase the cooking time.
• If you want to reheat any leftover potatoes, place them in the air fryer at 400°F for 3-4 minutes.

What type of potatoes to use

Baby potatoes, also known as "new" potatoes, are harvested before they are fully grown, giving them thinner skins that are great for crisping. Varieties of new potatoes include fingerlings, Yukon golds, baby russets, and baby red potatoes. Any baby potatoes will work, so feel free to use a mix of red, gold, and even purple potatoes.

You can also use yellow baby potatoes, which have a buttery flavour and creamy texture when roasted in the air fryer. Red baby potatoes and tri-colour baby potatoes will also work and can be swapped without any changes to the recipe.

Fingerlings are also delicious, but they may need to be cut into thirds or smaller depending on their size. Basically, any soft-skinned potato can be used as long as they are cut into similar sizes as halved baby potatoes.

If you'd prefer to use a Russet, try cutting the potatoes into wedges and air-frying for a similar cook time.

How to serve air-fried baby potatoes

Air-fried baby potatoes are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

As a Side Dish

Air-fried baby potatoes make a great side dish for a variety of meals. They pair well with meat or fish, such as steak, chicken, or salmon. You can also serve them with dipping sauces like chipotle mayo, honey mustard BBQ sauce, or bang bang sauce.

In Breakfast Meals

You can add air-fried baby potatoes to breakfast bowls or brunch dishes, pairing them with eggs and sausage. They can also be used in breakfast tacos or burritos.

In Salads

Air-fried baby potatoes can be added to salads to make a heartier meal.

As Appetizers

These potatoes also work well as appetizers or snacks, especially when served with a dip.

In Other Recipes

Air-fried baby potatoes can be used in other recipes, such as breakfast potatoes, sweet potato wedges, or smashed potatoes.

Reheating and Storage

Leftover air-fried baby potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 400°F for a few minutes until warmed through.

How to store air-fried baby potatoes

Air-fried baby potatoes are a versatile dish that can be served at any time of the day. They can be paired with a variety of dishes, including breakfast bowls, salads, meats, and fish.

Step 1: Allow the Potatoes to Cool

Before storing your air-fried baby potatoes, it is important to let them cool down to room temperature. Placing hot potatoes in a container and then into the refrigerator can create moisture, leading to soggy potatoes and potential food safety issues.

Step 2: Choose an Appropriate Container

Select an airtight container that is clean and dry. The container should be large enough to hold the potatoes without overcrowding, allowing for some air circulation. You can also use a covered container or a resealable plastic bag.

Step 3: Store in the Refrigerator

Place the container of potatoes in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for 4-5 days or up to 7 days when properly stored.

Step 4: Reheat and Serve

When you are ready to enjoy your leftover potatoes, you can reheat them in the air fryer to restore their crispiness. Simply place them back into the air fryer at 400°F/204°C for a few minutes until they are warmed through and crispy again.

Tips for Storing Air-Fried Baby Potatoes:

• Do not store potatoes in aluminum foil or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, as this can trap moisture and affect their texture.
• If you plan to store the potatoes for more than a few days, consider freezing them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen potatoes can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Label the container with the date of storage so you can keep track of how long they have been in the refrigerator.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious, crispy air-fried baby potatoes over several meals!

Tips for making baby potatoes in an air fryer

Preparation

Before cooking, wash and fully dry the baby potatoes. If you're halving or slicing the potatoes, do this now. Leaving the skin on will help make the potatoes crispier.

Oil

Coat the potatoes in oil. Avocado oil and olive oil are popular choices. This will help the potatoes crisp up.

Seasoning

Add your chosen seasoning to the potatoes. Fresh or dried rosemary, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper are all popular choices. You can also add parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, or Cajun seasoning.

Air fryer preparation

Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F (175-204°C). Spray the air fryer basket with oil and place the seasoned potatoes inside, ensuring they are in a single layer.

Cooking time

Cook the potatoes for 10-25 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring the potatoes halfway through. The potatoes are done when they are golden and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. You should be able to pierce them easily with a fork.

Serving

Air fryer baby potatoes go well with a variety of main courses, including steak, chicken, salmon, and rack of lamb. They can also be served as part of a breakfast or brunch bowl, or added to a salad.

Storage

Air fryer baby potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer for a few minutes at 400°F until warmed through.

Frequently asked questions