Frying Potatoes Twice In An Air Fryer: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying. They are also faster than traditional oven-roasted potatoes, taking half the time to cook. Air fryers are perfect for cooking potatoes because they make the outside crispy and the inside soft and fluffy. The high, dry heat and light coating of olive oil help to crisp up the potatoes. You can also double fry potatoes in an air fryer.

The best potatoes for air frying

There are several types of potatoes that work well in an air fryer, and the best option for you will depend on your preferences for texture and flavour. Here are some of the most popular types of potatoes for air frying:

Russet potatoes

Russet potatoes are a popular choice for air frying due to their thick skin and starchy filling. The thick skin provides a solid base to hold fillings, and the starchy filling results in a fluffy texture. When cooked in an air fryer, russet potatoes crisp up wonderfully and turn a pale golden colour. Their insides become soft and fluffy, with a mild flavour.

Yukon gold potatoes

Yukon gold potatoes are also great for air frying, as they will crisp up perfectly and turn a deeper golden colour due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. The crisp will be slightly softer than that of a russet potato, but the insides will be creamy and full of flavour.

Red potatoes

Red potatoes will turn an even darker golden brown in the air fryer due to their high sugar and low starch content. They will be crispy coming out but will soften quickly. Their insides will be creamy and soft.

Baby potatoes or new potatoes

Baby potatoes, or new potatoes, are regular potatoes that have been harvested early. They have a high sugar content and roast perfectly in the air fryer, as well as holding their shape. They can be hard to find in grocery stores as they are somewhat seasonal, but they are usually a favourite.

Tips for air frying potatoes

• Leave the skin on for maximum crispiness.
• Preheat your air fryer for the best results.
• Cut your potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
• Soak your potatoes in hot water for 10 minutes before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure maximum crispiness.
• Pat your potatoes dry before tossing them in oil, which will help the oil and seasoning stick better.
• Use a spatula or spoon to turn your potatoes, as shaking the basket can cause them to break apart.
• For the crispiest results, cook your potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer. If you are short on time, you can cook them in two layers, but this will result in slightly softer potatoes.

How to prepare potatoes for air frying

Preparing potatoes for air frying is a simple process, and a great way to get crispy, tasty potatoes in no time! Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Choose the Right Potatoes

Select potatoes that are uniform in size and free from eyes and blemishes. Yukon Gold, Russet, Red, or Baby/New potatoes are all great options. Baby potatoes, also known as "new" potatoes, are harvested early and have thinner skin, making them ideal for crisping. If you're making twice-baked potatoes, opt for Russet potatoes as their thick skin provides a solid base to hold the filling.

Step 2: Wash and Cut the Potatoes

Give the potatoes a thorough wash, especially if you plan to leave the skin on. You can peel the potatoes if you prefer, but keeping the skin on adds to the crispiness. Cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces, about 1/2" to 3/4" thick. If you're making twice-baked potatoes, poke holes all over the potatoes with a fork before cutting them in half lengthwise after cooking.

Step 3: Soak the Potatoes (Optional)

Soaking the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to overnight is an optional step, but it helps remove starch from the cut sides, resulting in crispier potatoes. Be sure to pat them dry before the next step.

Step 4: Season the Potatoes

Place the potatoes in a bowl and toss them with olive oil and your desired seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, paprika, or even a packet of dry Ranch seasoning. For twice-baked potatoes, coat the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt before cooking, then prepare the filling with additional ingredients like sour cream, cheese, and bacon after they're cooked.

Step 5: Air Fry the Potatoes

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they have room to circulate and crisp up properly. Cook for about 10 minutes, then shake the basket or stir the potatoes to ensure even cooking. Return them to the air fryer and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. For twice-baked potatoes, after the initial cooking, scoop out the potato flesh, prepare the filling, and air fry again at 350°F for a few minutes to melt the cheese and heat the filling.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing of your air fryer will depend on the type of potatoes you are cooking, as well as your desired level of crispiness.

Air Fryer Temperature

Most recipes recommend setting your air fryer to 400°F, however, some suggest 350°F for the second round of frying.

Air Fryer Timing

The timing will depend on the type of potatoes you are cooking, as well as your desired level of crispiness. For example, baby potatoes or new potatoes will take less time to cook than larger baking potatoes.

If you are cooking potatoes with the skin on, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 2 minutes. Place the potatoes in the basket and cook for 10 minutes. Remove the basket, shake the potatoes, and return them to the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, or until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

For a crispier option, you can cook the potatoes for 10 minutes, shake the basket, stir the potatoes, and then cook for another 10 minutes or until they reach your desired level of doneness.

If you are cooking twice-baked potatoes, the timing will be different. First, you will need to air fry the potatoes at 400°F for 35-40 minutes or until they are fork-tender. Then, once you have prepared the filling, you will need to air fry them again at 350°F for 2 minutes.

How to get crispy potatoes in an air fryer

Preparation

First, wash your potatoes thoroughly, leaving the skin on. If you have the time, you can soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes or overnight to remove the starch and achieve crispier results. Pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel and leave them to air-dry for 15 minutes. Next, chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces, around 1/2"-3/4" thick. Place the chopped potatoes in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil, ensuring they are well-coated.

Seasoning

You can season your potatoes with a variety of herbs and spices. For a simple yet tasty option, use a combination of salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. You can also experiment with other seasonings like Cajun spice, taco seasoning, or chili lime. Don't forget to add salt and pepper to taste.

Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they have room to circulate and crisp up. Air fry for 10 minutes, then remove the basket and shake or stir the potatoes to ensure even cooking. Return the potatoes to the air fryer and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

Serving

Air fryer potatoes make a delicious and versatile side dish. They go well with steak, chicken, or scrambled eggs for breakfast. You can also pair them with dips like whipped feta or serve them in breakfast tacos or burritos.

Tips for Crispy Potatoes

• Avoid using cooking spray in your air fryer, as it can damage the coating of the basket. Instead, use olive oil to prevent sticking.
• For maximum crispiness, cut the potatoes into uniform-sized pieces and ensure they are in a single layer in the air fryer.
• If you're making a large batch, cook the potatoes in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Always read the manual for your specific air fryer model to understand its unique settings and recommendations.

Storing and Reheating

Air fryer potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 6 months. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer at 400°F for a few minutes until they are warm and crispy again.

Air fryer potato recipes

Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes

Air fryer roasted potatoes are a quick, tasty, and healthy side dish that can be served with a range of meals. They are also a great option if you're short on time or oven space.

Ingredients:

• Yukon gold potatoes (or red potatoes, russet potatoes, baby potatoes/new potatoes)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Parsley (optional)

Method:

• Wash the potatoes, leaving the skin on, and cut them into bite-sized pieces (about ½” to ¾” thick).
• Place the potatoes in a bowl and toss them with olive oil and seasonings.
• Spread the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400˚F for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Air Fryer Twice-Baked Potatoes

For a cheesy and decadent side dish, try making twice-baked potatoes in your air fryer. This method is quicker than using an oven and won't heat up your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• Russet potatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Sour cream
• Butter
• Milk
• Green onions
• Black pepper
• Cheddar cheese
• Bacon bits (optional)

Method:

• Wash the potatoes and poke holes all over with a fork.
• Toss the potatoes with olive oil and salt in a large bowl.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook at 400˚F for 35-40 minutes, or until fork-tender.
• Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.
• Cut each potato in half and scoop out most of the flesh into a mixing bowl, leaving some potato along the skin.
• Add sour cream, butter, milk, green onions, salt, pepper, and ¾ cup of cheddar cheese to the bowl. Mash the potatoes until creamy.
• Fill the potato skins with the mashed potato mixture and top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
• Place the potatoes back into the air fryer and cook at 350˚F for 2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
• Garnish with chopped bacon and chives, if desired.

Air Fryer French Fries

For crispy and golden French fries with a soft and fluffy interior, try making them in your air fryer.

Ingredients:

• Potatoes (russet, Yukon gold, or sweet potatoes)
• Olive oil
• Seasonings of your choice (e.g. Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, Cajun seasoning)

Method:

• Cut the potatoes into fries of your desired thickness.
• Soak the potato fries in cold water for 30 minutes to overnight to remove excess starch and ensure crispness.
• Pat the potatoes thoroughly dry and toss them with olive oil and your desired seasonings.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry at 400˚F for 10 minutes.
• Shake the basket or stir the potatoes and continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes, or until the fries are golden and crispy.

Air Fryer Tips:

• Always wash and thoroughly dry your potatoes before cooking.
• Avoid using cooking spray in your air fryer, as it can damage the coating. Instead, use olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; ensure there is space for air to circulate and crisp up the food.
• Preheat your air fryer for maximum crispiness.
• Know your air fryer and adjust temperatures and timings as needed for your specific model.
• For even cooking, cut your potatoes into uniform sizes.
• Get creative with your seasonings! Try ranch seasoning, taco seasoning, Cajun spice, chili lime, lemon and herb, or bacon bits.

Frequently asked questions