Air-Fryer Breakfast Potatoes: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to make breakfast potatoes that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The high heat and fast-circulating air cook the potatoes quickly and efficiently, resulting in a delicious breakfast in under 30 minutes. The best type of potatoes to use are Yukon Gold, Russet, or red potatoes, and you can leave the skin on for extra crispiness. The potatoes are then seasoned with a variety of spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and cooked in the air fryer for around 20 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. You can also add other ingredients such as bell peppers, onions, or cheese to make the dish even more tasty.

How to make breakfast potatoes in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make breakfast potatoes in an air fryer:

• Potatoes (Yukon Gold, Russet, or Red potatoes work well)
• Olive oil (or another neutral oil of your choice)
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Black pepper
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

• Prepare the potatoes by peeling and cutting them into 1-inch or 1/2-inch cubes. Try to make sure all the potato pieces are a similar size so that they cook evenly.
• Place the diced potatoes in a large bowl and add the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the potatoes well to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
• Spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Transfer the seasoned potatoes to the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. You may need to cook the potatoes in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Set the air fryer to 375-400°F and cook the potatoes for about 20 minutes, shaking the basket at least once at the halfway mark to ensure even cooking. The potatoes are ready when they are golden brown and tender on the inside.
• Serve immediately. You can also add some fresh or dried herbs, a squeeze of lemon juice, or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Tips:

• If you have time, you can peel and dice the potatoes ahead of time and soak them in water to remove excess starch, which will help make them crispier.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure the potatoes get crispy. It is better to cook in batches if needed.
• For extra crispy potatoes, leave the skin on as it helps them crisp up.
• You can experiment with different seasonings and spices, such as chili powder, cayenne, or dried herbs, to suit your taste.

Tips for the perfect air-fried potatoes

Potato Type

The type of potato you use can make a difference to the crispiness of your potatoes. Russet potatoes are good if you want more crispiness, whereas Yukon Gold potatoes offer a more buttery taste and creamy texture. Red potatoes also work well.

Potato Skin

Leaving the skin on your potatoes will make them crisp up nicely. The skin also contains more nutrients than the interior of the potato.

Oil

Use a neutral oil, like avocado, grapeseed, canola, or vegetable oil, so that the flavour of your simple ingredients shines through.

Seasoning

Use garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for seasoning. You can play with the type of paprika you use: smoked for a smoky touch, or sweet for a milder taste. You can also add some fresh herbs, like parsley, for extra flavour.

Preparation

Cut the potatoes into uniformly sized 1/2-inch cubes. You don't need to soak the potatoes to get them crispy, but you can if you want to. Simply cover the potatoes in cold water and let them sit for 30 minutes.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, cook your potatoes for 10 minutes, shake the basket, and then cook for another 10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure your potatoes don't stick and burn. Depending on your air fryer, you may not need to preheat it. Always refer to your model's guidelines.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer breakfast potatoes are a delicious side dish for any meal, but they truly shine when served at breakfast. Pair them with sweet or savoury breakfast foods, such as:

• Crispy bacon
• Sausage
• Ham
• Steak
• Chicken wings
• Eggs (fried, scrambled, or as an omelette)
• Quiche
• Oatmeal
• Avocado toast
• French toast
• Pancakes
• Hash browns
• Breakfast burritos
• Breakfast quesadillas
• Sweet and spicy twisted bacon
• Over-easy eggs with hot sauce

You can also add some cooked and chopped ham, sausage, bacon, or diced peppers and onions to your breakfast potatoes.

Storing and reheating

You can also reheat roast potatoes in a regular oven or toaster oven. Preheat the oven to 400. Arrange the cooked potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer (if desired, line with parchment paper). Cover the pan with aluminum foil and place it in the hot oven. Cook for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and cook for another 5-10 minutes or until they are crispy.

Another option is to reheat the potatoes in a frying pan. Heat a little olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes, toss to coat in oil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan. Let the potatoes cook for 2-3 minutes until they are warmed through. Remove the lid, increase the heat to medium-high, and cook for another minute or two until the potatoes are crispy.

The best way to store leftover breakfast potatoes is to transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Recipe variations

There are endless ways to customise your air fryer breakfast potatoes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Spices and Seasonings

• Add some garlic powder, onion powder, chilli powder, chipotle seasoning, or even Cajun seasoning for a kick.
• Play around with different types of paprika—use smoked paprika for a smoky flavour or sweet paprika for a milder taste.
• Add some dried herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, for extra flavour.
• Sprinkle some fresh herbs, such as parsley, on top of the potatoes for a fresh flavour.

Cheese

• Grate some Parmesan cheese over the potatoes for a gooey, savoury touch.
• Alternatively, add 1/2 a cup of Parmesan to the seasoning blend for cheesy potatoes.

Vegetables

• Try adding some vegetables to the potatoes, such as onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• For a classic diner-style breakfast, add onions and bell peppers to the potatoes.
• If you want to add some spice, throw in some diced jalapeños or other chillies.

Sauces

• For a spicy kick, drizzle some hot sauce over the potatoes.
• Add a dollop of sour cream to the potatoes for a creamy touch.
• Squeeze some lemon juice over the potatoes and add some lemon zest for a bright, fresh flavour.

Potato Variations

• While Yukon Gold potatoes are a popular choice, you can use any type of potato you like. Try Russet potatoes for extra crispiness or sweet potatoes for a twist on the classic recipe.
• Leave the skin on the potatoes for extra crispiness and added nutrients.

Sweet Version

If you have a sweet tooth, you can follow the same recipe but reduce the cooking time. Shake the basket after about 7 minutes and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Frequently asked questions