Air-Frying Fresh Potatoes: Tips And Tricks

Air fryers are a great way to cook fresh potatoes. They can be used to make a variety of potato dishes, including roasted potatoes, French fries, wedges, and slices. Air-fried potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. They are also healthier than deep-fried potatoes as they use less oil. The air fryer's circulating air crisps the outsides of the potatoes, giving them a golden crust. The potatoes can be seasoned with spices such as paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Cajun seasoning. They can also be paired with proteins and salads for a complete meal.

The best types of potatoes for air frying

Air fryers are perfect for cooking potatoes. They make the outside crispy and the inside soft and fluffy. They also cook potatoes quicker than ovens and achieve crispier results.

The best potatoes to use for air frying are:

• Russets: These will air fry beautifully and give a pale golden colour. Their insides will be soft and fluffy with a mild flavour.
• Yukon Golds or Yellow Potatoes: These are a favourite for air frying because they will turn a deeper golden colour. Their insides will be creamy and full of flavour.
• Reds: Red potatoes will turn a darker golden brown because of their sugar and starch content. They will be crispy coming out but soften quickly. Their insides will be soft and creamy.
• Baby or New Potatoes: These are regular potatoes that have been thinned from the crop early. They have a high sugar content and hold their shape.

Some recipes recommend using baby red potatoes or yellow potatoes, while others suggest avoiding russet potatoes due to their starchy texture.

How to prepare potatoes for air frying

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes. They are quick, easy, and require less oil than typical roasting methods. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare potatoes for air frying:

Step 1: Choose the Right Potatoes

Select potatoes that are uniform in size and free from eyes and blemishes. Baby potatoes, Yukon Golds, russets, red potatoes, and sweet potatoes all work well in the air fryer. Baby potatoes, also known as "new" potatoes, have thinner skin, which is ideal for crisping. If you can't find baby potatoes, larger Yukon Gold or other yellow potatoes can be cut into 3/4-inch or 1-inch chunks.

Step 2: Wash and Dry the Potatoes

Give the potatoes a good scrub to remove any residual dirt. If using starchy potatoes like russets, it is recommended to soak them in cold water for 10-30 minutes before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve a crispier texture. Make sure to pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Cut the Potatoes

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. There is no need to peel the potatoes unless you prefer to. Leaving the skin on can add to the crispiness of the final dish.

Step 4: Season the Potatoes

Place the potatoes in a large bowl and toss them with your desired seasonings. You can use olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, or any other spices of your choice. Make sure the potatoes are well coated and seasoned to your taste.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional)

Preheating your air fryer is not necessary, but it can help achieve maximum crispiness. If you have the time, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 2-5 minutes before cooking.

Step 6: Arrange the Potatoes in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space between each potato. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 7: Cook the Potatoes

Air fry the potatoes at 400°F for 10 minutes. Then, remove the basket, shake or stir the potatoes, and return them to the air fryer for another 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the potatoes are cooked to your desired level of doneness, serve them immediately. Air fryer potatoes go well with a variety of main dishes and can be served as a side or appetizer. Enjoy!

Air fryer temperature and cooking time

The cooking time and temperature for air-fried potatoes can vary depending on the type of potato, the size of the potato pieces, and the desired level of crispiness. However, there are some general guidelines that you can follow to ensure your potatoes turn out perfectly crispy and tender.

Firstly, it is important to preheat your air fryer. This will help ensure that your potatoes cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to 400°F.

When it comes to cooking time, smaller potatoes or potato pieces will take less time to cook than larger ones. Baby potatoes or new potatoes, which are harvested before they are fully grown and have thinner skins, can take as little as 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Larger potatoes cut into bite-sized or 1-inch pieces will take longer, typically around 18 to 20 minutes.

It is also important to note that you may need to cook your potatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can prevent proper air circulation and lead to uneven cooking. By cooking in batches, you ensure that the hot air can circulate around each potato, resulting in even browning and crispiness.

Additionally, it is recommended to flip or toss the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to promote even cooking and browning. This can be done by shaking the basket or using a spatula or tongs to turn the potatoes.

When cooking potatoes in an air fryer, it is crucial to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking or burning. The potatoes are done when the outsides are golden and crispy, and the insides are tender and fluffy. You can use a fork to check if the potatoes are done by piercing the potato with the fork; if the fork goes through easily, the potatoes are ready to be served.

How to get the perfect crisp

Preparation

Before cooking, scrub the potatoes to remove any residual dirt. If you are using baby potatoes, you can leave the skin on as it will add to the crispiness. For larger potatoes, you may want to peel them. Once cleaned, dry the potatoes with a paper towel and leave them to air-dry on a kitchen towel for 15 minutes. This will ensure that both sides of the potato skin are dry.

Sizing and Spacing

Cut the potatoes into evenly-sized pieces. This will ensure that they cook at a similar rate. If you are making wedges, slices, or cubes, try to make them a similar size. When placing the potatoes in the air fryer, ensure they are in a single layer with space between each one. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in multiple batches.

Oil and Seasoning

Add olive oil to your potatoes. This will help them to brown and soften as they cook. You can also use an oil spray to coat your potatoes. The oil will help your chosen seasonings stick to the potatoes. You can season your potatoes with salt and pepper, as well as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, or Parmesan cheese.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the potatoes in the basket and cook for 10 minutes. Then, remove the basket, shake or stir the potatoes, and return them to the air fryer for another 8-10 minutes. Check that the potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. If not, return them to the air fryer for a few more minutes.

Serving

Air fryer potatoes go well with a variety of main dishes. They can be served as a weeknight side dish with a simple protein and a green salad, or with black bean burgers or veggie burgers. They also pair well with soup, quiche, or frittata. For a more indulgent meal, serve them with a juicy steak.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. Here are some ideas for how to incorporate them into your menu:

• Breakfast: Air fryer potatoes make a great breakfast side dish. Serve them with eggs, chicken apple sausage, or cheesy scrambled eggs. You can also add them to breakfast tacos or burritos.
• Weeknight dinners: These potatoes are an easy option for busy weeknights. Pair them with any simply cooked protein, such as chicken, steak, or salmon, and a green salad. They also go well with black bean burgers, veggie burgers, or a bowl of soup.
• Holiday meals: Air fryer potatoes can be a delicious addition to your holiday menu. Serve them with classic dishes like stuffing, green bean casserole, or a holiday ham.
• Appetizers and snacks: For a tasty appetizer or snack, serve the potatoes with a dip, such as whipped feta or ranch dressing. You can also pair them with air fryer carrots or mushrooms.
• Sandwiches and burgers: These potatoes are a perfect side for sandwiches or burgers, especially if you're looking for a change from frozen fries. Try them with burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, or even a fried chicken sandwich.
• Eggs: Air fryer potatoes are a tasty companion to egg-based dishes like quiche or frittata. For a heartier meal, top them with a fried egg.

No matter how you serve them, air fryer potatoes are a quick, easy, and delicious option that your family and friends are sure to love. Enjoy experimenting with different seasonings and serving options!

Frequently asked questions