Air-Fried New Potatoes: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to cook new potatoes, also known as baby potatoes. The small size of these potatoes means they cook quickly and get beautifully creamy. The intense heat of the air fryer means they cook faster and get great charred bits that are full of flavour. They are also a healthier option than frying and won't heat up your kitchen like an oven.

Seasoning options

The seasoning options for new potatoes in an air fryer are endless. You can season them however you would season your favourite oven-roasted potato recipe.

Some recipes suggest tossing the potatoes in olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Cajun seasoning, if you like a little kick. You can also add salt and pepper to taste.

Other recipes suggest using fresh rosemary, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add grated parmesan cheese to make crispy parmesan and rosemary roasted potatoes.

If you're looking for something a little different, you could try adding onion or garlic powder, smoked paprika, ground harissa seasoning, chilli powder, or even some curry powder.

For a simple side dish that pairs well with any meat or fish, keep the seasoning fresh and simple with rosemary, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Don't be afraid to experiment and find your favourite combination!

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time for new potatoes in an air fryer varies depending on the size of the potatoes and the desired level of crispiness. On average, new potatoes take between 10 and 25 minutes to cook in an air fryer. For smaller potatoes, 10 to 15 minutes at 390°F to 400°F is sufficient. Larger potatoes may need up to 25 minutes at 400°F.

It is recommended to cut the potatoes into halves or even smaller pieces to ensure even cooking. Some recipes suggest giving the air fryer basket a shake or stir halfway through the cooking process to ensure the potatoes cook evenly and get crispy on the outside.

Preheating the air fryer is not always necessary, but it can help to crisp up the potatoes, especially if you are looking for that extra crunch. A temperature of 375°F to 400°F is typically used for cooking new potatoes, but you can also try a higher temperature setting for a shorter period to achieve the desired level of doneness.

Cooking times may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on the potatoes during the cooking process to avoid overcooking or burning. Additionally, if you are cooking a large batch of potatoes, you may need to cook them in batches or increase the cooking time to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

When cooking new potatoes in an air fryer, it is important to toss them with olive oil or another high smoke point oil, such as avocado oil, and your desired seasonings before placing them in the air fryer. This helps to ensure the potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Some popular seasoning choices include garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to find your favourite flavour combinations.

Potato varieties

The best types of potatoes for air frying are those with thinner skins, which will help them crisp up. Varieties of new potatoes include fingerlings, Yukon golds, baby russets, and baby red potatoes.

Baby Potatoes

Baby potatoes are a variety of potato that has been harvested before they are fully grown. This gives them a thinner skin, which is perfect for achieving a crispy texture in the air fryer. You can find baby potatoes in a variety of colours, including red, gold, and purple.

Yukon Gold Potatoes

Yukon gold potatoes are a popular choice for air frying because they crisp up perfectly and turn a deep golden colour due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. Their insides will be creamy and full of flavour.

Yellow Potatoes

Yellow potatoes are similar to Yukon golds and are also a great choice for air frying. They will crisp up and turn a deeper golden colour due to their lower starch and higher sugar content.

Red Potatoes

Red potatoes will turn an even darker golden brown colour in the air fryer because of their high sugar and lower starch content. They will be crispy when they first come out of the air fryer but will soften quickly. Their insides will be creamy and soft.

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are a good all-round choice for air frying. They will crisp up beautifully with a pale golden colour. Their insides will be soft and fluffy with a mild flavour.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are not ideal for this method of cooking. For a similar dish, try making parmesan herb air fryer sweet potatoes or roast white sweet potatoes in the oven.

Dipping sauces

Spicy Mayo Sauce

A simple sauce made by mixing vegan mayonnaise with sriracha sauce, also known as "Sriracha Mayoo". This sauce is a favourite among kids and can be made spicier or milder depending on your preference.

Ranch Sauce

A tangy sauce made by mixing reduced-fat sour cream, mayonnaise, parmesan cheese, ranch dressing mix, and vinegar. This sauce is perfect for those who like a creamy, savoury dip with their potatoes.

Buffalo Sauce

A classic spicy sauce made by mixing mayonnaise with Frank's Red Hot Buffalo Sauce and Worcestershire sauce. This sauce will add a kick to your potatoes and can also be used as a dip for other fried foods.

Herbed Oil

While not exactly a dipping sauce, a blend of olive oil with fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, or sage can be drizzled over your air fryer potatoes for added flavour.

Other Ideas

You can also experiment with different sauces like a simple garlic mayonnaise, a spicy peri-peri sauce, or even a cheese sauce made with cheddar or parmesan. For a healthier option, try serving your potatoes with a yoghurt-based dip like tzatziki.

Main course pairings

New potatoes cooked in an air fryer are a versatile side dish that can be paired with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas for main course pairings:

Proteins

Air fryer new potatoes can be served alongside a variety of proteins, such as:

• Pan-seared steak
• Creamy Tuscan chicken
• Juicy pork tenderloin
• Swedish meatballs
• Salmon
• Prime rib
• Chicken apple sausage
• Cheesy scrambled eggs

Burgers

For a more casual meal, serve the potatoes with black bean burgers or veggie burgers.

Soups

The potatoes also go well with a bowl of soup, such as butternut squash soup or broccoli cheddar soup.

Eggs

For breakfast or brunch, pair the potatoes with omelettes or breakfast tacos/burritos.

Holiday Meals

Air fryer new potatoes can also be part of a holiday meal, served with dishes like:

• Juicy roast turkey
• Mississippi pot roast
• Stuffing
• Green bean casserole

Vegetarian Options

For vegetarian options, the potatoes can be served with:

• Quiche or frittata
• Roasted cauliflower
• Roasted asparagus

Frequently asked questions