Air Fryer Potato Layers: Stacking Spuds For Crispy Results

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook potatoes, yielding a crispy exterior and soft interior in under 30 minutes. The circulating air in the fryer crisps the outsides of the potatoes, while the insides remain tender and flavourful. The high, dry heat and light coating of olive oil help to achieve this crispness. The potatoes should be cut into evenly sized pieces and placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.

How to layer potatoes in an air fryer

Preparation

First, wash and scrub the potatoes. If you have the time, it is recommended to scrub the potatoes at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to dry. You can pat them with a paper towel and then set them on a kitchen towel, rotating them after 15 minutes so that both sides of the potato skin can dry.

Next, chop 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. If you are in a hurry, make sure to pat the potatoes dry before proceeding to the next step.

Seasoning

Place the chopped potatoes in a large bowl. Add olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add Parmesan cheese and parsley for extra flavour. Toss the potatoes until they are well coated with the oil and seasonings.

Air Frying

Transfer the potatoes to the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer, leaving 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.

Air fry the potatoes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 20 minutes, or until they are tender and golden brown. Halfway through the cooking time, flip the potatoes to ensure even cooking and browning.

Serving

Once the potatoes are cooked to your desired level of doneness, you can serve them as a side dish or add various toppings. Some topping ideas include sour cream, cheese, chives, and bacon.

Storage

Cooked potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit until warm and crispy.

Best potatoes for air fryer layering

Layering potatoes in an air fryer is a great way to cook them evenly and get them crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Here are some tips on the best potatoes to use for this cooking method:

Types of Potatoes

• Baby potatoes or new potatoes: These are regular potatoes that have been harvested early and have a high sugar content. They are perfect for air fryer layering as they hold their shape and roast evenly. Varieties include fingerlings, Yukon Golds, baby russets, and baby red potatoes.
• Russet potatoes: These potatoes will air fry beautifully, crisping up nicely with a pale golden colour. Their insides will be soft and fluffy.
• Yukon Golds or yellow potatoes: These are a great choice for air frying as they will turn a deeper golden colour due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. Their insides will be creamy and full of flavour.
• Red potatoes: When roasted, red potatoes will turn an even darker golden brown due to their high sugar and low starch content. They will be crispy initially but will soften quickly. Their insides will be creamy and soft.

Preparation Tips

• Cut the potatoes into uniform, evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Leave the skin on for a crispier texture. The skins also contain nutrients and will add flavour to your dish.
• Wash the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking. This will help remove any residual dirt and ensure that your potatoes are not soggy.
• Soaking the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to overnight can help remove starch and make them even crispier. Be sure to pat them dry before cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer for maximum crispiness.
• Season your potatoes with a variety of herbs and spices, such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, or smoked paprika.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to allow hot air to circulate around the potatoes.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for air-frying potatoes depend on the type of potato and the size of the potato pieces. The air fryer temperature should be set within the range of 390°F to 400°F. The cooking time varies between 10 minutes to 1 hour.

For small potatoes (4 to 6 ounces), the air fryer should be set to 390°F and they should be cooked for 25 to 30 minutes. Medium to medium-large potatoes (8 to 10 ounces) will need to be cooked at the same temperature for 40 to 45 minutes. Large potatoes (about 12 ounces) will need a higher temperature of 400°F and will take about 1 hour to cook.

Baby potatoes or new potatoes, which are regular potatoes harvested early, are also a great choice for the air fryer. They have a high sugar content and roast perfectly, as well as hold their shape. Yukon Gold potatoes, red potatoes, and russet potatoes are also good options.

When cooking potatoes in an air fryer, it is important to ensure they are cut into evenly sized pieces so that they cook at a similar rate. It is also recommended to leave space between each potato in the basket so that the heat can circulate and evenly crisp the skin. For maximum crispiness, it is best to cook the potatoes in a single layer and in batches if needed.

Additionally, preheating the air fryer to 400°F before adding the potatoes can help achieve maximum crispiness. The potatoes should be cooked for about 10 minutes, then the basket should be pulled out and shaken or stirred before cooking for another 10 minutes or until they are golden and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

Potato preparation

Selecting and Preparing Your Potatoes

First, select your potatoes. Good options for air frying include baby potatoes, new potatoes, Yukon golds, yellow potatoes, red potatoes, and russet potatoes. If you're using baby or new potatoes, you don't need to peel them; just give them a good scrub. For other types of potatoes, you may want to peel them, but it's not necessary—the skins will crisp up nicely in the air fryer and contain lots of nutrients. Cut your potatoes into evenly-sized bite-sized pieces, about 1/2-3/4 inch thick. If you have the time, you can soak your cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to overnight to remove excess starch and achieve an even crispier result. Just be sure to dry them thoroughly before cooking!

Seasoning Your Potatoes

Place your cut potatoes in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil and your choice of seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or try a combination of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, parsley, or Parmesan cheese. Get creative and experiment with different seasoning blends like Cajun, taco, chili-lime, or Greek.

Cooking Your Potatoes

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place your seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them to ensure proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches. Air fry for 10-20 minutes, flipping the potatoes halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Serving Your Potatoes

Air fryer potatoes make a delicious and versatile side dish. Serve them with steak, chicken, roasted vegetables, or a dip for a tasty appetiser. They're also great for breakfast, paired with eggs and sausage. For a simple garnish, sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary. Enjoy!

Potato seasoning

There are many ways to season potatoes in an air fryer, and the best option depends on your personal preference and the other components of your meal. Here are some ideas for potato seasonings:

Garlic and Herb Seasoning

This classic combination is a great way to add flavour to your potatoes. You can use garlic powder and Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper, to taste. Fresh or dried herbs like parsley, thyme, chives, or dill can also be added for extra flavour and colour.

Spicy Potatoes

For a spicy kick, replace the Italian seasoning with chilli powder, taco seasoning, or Cajun seasoning. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to your potatoes before cooking.

Smoky Potatoes

If you're looking for a smoky flavour, replace the Italian seasoning with smoked paprika. Smoked paprika adds a sweet and smoky taste to your potatoes.

Cheesy Potatoes

For cheese lovers, toss the roasted potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese before serving. You can also use other types of cheese like mozzarella or cheddar, but make sure to use freshly shredded cheese for the best results.

Tangy Potatoes

For a tangy twist, drizzle your potatoes with Italian dressing or a squeeze of lemon juice. Lemon juice adds a zing to the potatoes and helps cut through their richness. Just be sure to add it right before serving to avoid sogginess.

Greek Potatoes

For a Greek-inspired dish, season your potatoes with a combination of garlic, onion, oregano, basil, dill, salt, and pepper. This blend of spices will give your potatoes a unique and flavourful profile.

Ranch Potatoes

Coat your potatoes with homemade ranch seasoning or use a store-bought option. Ranch seasoning typically includes a blend of herbs and spices like dill, garlic, onion, and parsley, giving your potatoes a tangy and savoury flavour.

Mexican Potatoes

For a Mexican twist, blend cumin, chilli powder, onion, and garlic powder to create a delicious seasoning for your potatoes. This combination will add a nice kick and depth of flavour to your dish.

Frequently asked questions