Air-Fryer Diced Potatoes: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make diced potatoes, and they can be served with almost anything. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes as they require less oil and have a crispier texture. The cooking time is also reduced by half when compared to an oven. The best potatoes to use are those with a blend of waxy and floury characteristics, such as King Edwards and Maris Pipers. However, other types of potatoes such as russet potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, and red potatoes can also be used. The potatoes should be cut into evenly-sized cubes and seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs. The cooking time may vary depending on the air fryer model, but on average, it takes about 20 minutes to cook diced potatoes in an air fryer.

How to make diced potatoes in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Potatoes (Yukon gold, yellow, russet, red, or baby potatoes)
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Lemon (optional)
• Parsley (optional)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Other spices/seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning)

Instructions

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Peel your potatoes and cut them into 1-inch cubes.
• (Optional) Soak the potatoes in cold water for at least 10 minutes to remove excess starch, then rinse and pat them dry.
• In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with oil and your desired spices/seasonings. Make sure the potatoes are evenly coated.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Cook for 15-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C), shaking the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even cooking.
• (Optional) Sprinkle some fresh parsley over the potatoes before serving.

Tips:

• Cut the potatoes into uniform-sized cubes to ensure even cooking.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
• Use a small amount of oil to achieve crispy results.
• Shake or toss the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to expose all sides to the hot air.

The best types of potatoes for air frying

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, giving them a crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior. The circulating air crisps the outsides with a golden crust, and the insides are tender and full of flavour.

When choosing potatoes for air frying, it's best to go for those with a blend of waxy and floury characteristics. This combination ensures the outside of the potato is crunchy while maintaining its shape. Here are some of the best types of potatoes for air frying:

• Russet potatoes: These potatoes will air fry beautifully. They crisp up wonderfully with a pale golden colour, and their insides remain soft and fluffy with a mild flavour.
• Yukon Gold potatoes: These are a favourite for air frying because they crisp up perfectly but also turn a deeper golden colour due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. The crisp will be slightly softer than a Russet, but the insides will be creamy and full of flavour.
• Red potatoes: When roasted, red potatoes will turn an even darker golden brown because of their higher sugar and lower starch content. They will be crispy when they come out of the fryer but will soften quickly. Their insides will be creamy and soft.
• Baby potatoes or new potatoes: These are regular potatoes that have been harvested early. They have thinner skins, which is great for achieving a crispy texture. Varieties include fingerlings, Yukon golds, baby russets, and baby red potatoes.
• White or yellow-skinned potatoes: These are recommended by dietitians and are a good source of vitamin C, potassium and fibre (if you keep the skin on).

Tips for the perfect air-fried potatoes:

• Soak the potatoes before cooking to remove excess starch, which can create a sticky texture and prevent even cooking.
• Cut the potatoes into uniform-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Preheat your air fryer before adding the potatoes to jump-start the cooking process and contribute to a crispy exterior.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket by arranging the potatoes in a single layer, allowing proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Use a small amount of olive oil or vegetable oil to toss the potatoes in before air frying to achieve the best crispy results.
• Shake or toss the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure all sides are exposed to the hot air and promote even browning.
• Get creative with seasonings! While garlic powder and Italian seasoning are popular choices, you can also experiment with Cajun seasoning, paprika, rosemary, black pepper, and more.

Air-fried potatoes are a delicious and healthy side dish that can be served with any meal. They are easy to prepare and cook much faster than oven-roasted potatoes, making them a convenient and tasty addition to any menu.

How to get extra crispy potatoes

Ingredients

• Potatoes (Yukon gold, yellow, russet, red, baby)
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Lemon
• Parsley
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Cajun seasoning
• Italian seasoning

Method

First, peel your potatoes and cut them into cubes. Soak the cubed potatoes in cold water for at least 10 minutes to remove excess starch, which can make the potatoes sticky and prevent them from crisping up. Rinse and pat dry with a clean tea towel.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Add the potatoes to a mixing bowl and toss with olive oil. Once fully coated, add your spices and lemon juice. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, and cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Tips for Extra Crispiness

• Cut the potatoes into uniform-sized cubes to ensure even cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer before adding the potatoes.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket—cook in batches if necessary.
• Use a small amount of oil to help achieve crispiness.
• Shake or toss the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
• Season with a pinch of salt when the potatoes are hot and fresh out of the air fryer—salt sticks well to hot potatoes.

How to avoid uneven cooking

Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer

Overcrowding your air fryer basket will result in unevenly cooked potatoes. The hot air needs room to circulate, so only fill the basket to about a third full. If you need to cook more potatoes than your air fryer can handle in one batch, cook in batches.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step when cooking potatoes. It helps them to cook more evenly and get crispier. Preheat your air fryer for about five minutes before adding the potatoes.

Cut the Potatoes into Evenly Sized Pieces

Cutting your potatoes into evenly sized pieces is essential for even cooking. Smaller pieces will cook faster than larger pieces, so aim for uniformity. A mandoline is a useful tool for achieving evenly sized pieces, but a sharp knife and some practice will also do the trick.

Soak the Potatoes in Cold Water First

Soaking potatoes in cold water before cooking helps to remove excess starch and ensures crispier results. Submerge chopped potatoes in cold water for anywhere from 10 minutes to two hours, then rinse and pat dry before adding oil and seasoning.

Shake the Air Fryer Basket Halfway Through

Giving the air fryer basket a vigorous shake halfway through the cooking process helps to flip the potatoes and expose different areas to the heat. This results in more evenly cooked potatoes.

How to store and reheat potatoes

Storing and reheating potatoes is a great way to reduce food waste and enjoy your favourite spuds for longer. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to store and reheat potatoes, specifically in the context of using an air fryer.

Storing Potatoes

Before storing cooked potatoes, it's important to let them cool down to room temperature. Potatoes can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating Potatoes in an Air Fryer

The air fryer is an excellent appliance for reheating potatoes, as it can restore their crispy texture and ensure even heating. Here are the steps to reheat potatoes in an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C).
• Remove the potatoes from the refrigerator and, if foil-wrapped, take off the foil.
• For an extra crispy finish, you can spray the potatoes with cooking spray or a light coating of oil.
• Place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring proper spacing for air circulation.
• Reheat for 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes. For smaller potatoes, you may need less time, and for larger potatoes, slightly more.
• Check the potatoes and add more time if needed. Aim for a crispy skin and ensure the internal temperature reaches 185°F (85°C) for food safety.
• Serve with your favourite toppings, such as butter, sour cream, chives, or bacon bits.

Additional Tips

• Avoid reheating potatoes more than twice in the air fryer, as they may dry out.
• If you're reheating potatoes with toppings, it's best to add the toppings after reheating to prevent overcooking or melting.
• For best results, cut the potatoes into uniform sizes before cooking or reheating to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• If you're short on time, the air fryer is a quicker option for reheating compared to a regular oven.

Frequently asked questions