Air Fryer Raw Potatoes: A Quick, Crispy Treat?

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, offering a healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes. They are a convenient way to make crispy potatoes without the excess oil and mess of deep-frying. The circulating air in the air fryer creates a crunchy golden crust on the outside, while the inside remains tender and fluffy. They are also a quicker option than baking potatoes in the oven, taking under 30 minutes to cook.

How long does it take to make raw potatoes in an air fryer?

The cooking time for raw potatoes in an air fryer varies depending on the type of potato and the desired level of crispiness. On average, it takes around 20 to 30 minutes to cook potatoes in an air fryer, but some recipes suggest a cooking time of as little as 10 minutes for crispy potatoes.

For example, one recipe recommends cooking potatoes in an air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, tossing them in the basket, and then cooking for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Another recipe suggests a similar method, cooking the potatoes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

The type of potato used can also impact the cooking time. For example, russet potatoes may take longer to cook than red or gold potatoes due to their higher starch content. Additionally, larger potatoes may require a longer cooking time than baby potatoes or potato wedges.

It's important to note that the cooking time can vary depending on the specific air fryer model and the desired level of doneness, so it's always a good idea to keep an eye on the potatoes during the cooking process to ensure they don't overcook or burn.

Overall, air fryers offer a quick and convenient way to cook potatoes, and with a little experimentation, you can find the perfect cooking time for your preferred level of crispiness and doneness.

What are the best types of potatoes to use?

When making air fryer potatoes, the type of potato you use is important, as it will affect the final texture and colour of your dish. Here are some of the best types of potatoes to use:

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are a good choice for air fryer recipes. They will crisp up wonderfully, with a pale golden colour, soft and fluffy insides, and a mild flavour. However, due to their starchy texture, they are better suited for making air fryer French fries than roasted potatoes.

Yukon Gold or Yellow Potatoes

Yukon Gold or Yellow Potatoes are a favourite for air frying. They will crisp up perfectly and turn a deeper golden colour due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. The insides will be creamy and full of flavour.

Red Potatoes

Red potatoes will roast to an even darker golden brown colour because of their high sugar and low starch content. They will be crispy when they first come out of the fryer but will soften quickly. The insides will be creamy and soft.

Baby Potatoes or New Potatoes

Baby potatoes or new potatoes are not a specific variety but rather regular potatoes that have been thinned from the crop early. They have a high sugar content and are perfect for roasting 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.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are another option for air fryer potatoes. They have a sweet, nutty flavour and a moist, fluffy texture. They pair well with various seasonings, such as cinnamon, paprika, or garlic.

Fingerling Potatoes

Fingerling potatoes are small, thin potatoes with a creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavour. They are excellent for air frying, as their small size means they cook quickly and evenly.

When choosing potatoes for your air fryer, look for those that are uniform in size and free from eyes and blemishes. It is also important to wash and dry them thoroughly before cooking, as this will help ensure even cooking and crispiness.

How do you prepare the potatoes?

Preparing potatoes for the air fryer is simple and only takes a few minutes. First, scrub the potatoes to remove any residual dirt. Then, dry the potatoes with a paper towel and set them on a kitchen towel, rotating after 15 minutes so that both sides of the potato skin can dry.

Next, cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces. You can cut them into cubes, wedges, slices, or chunks. The size you choose will depend on the type of potato you are using and your desired level of crispiness. For example, if you are using baby potatoes, you can halve or quarter them, while larger potatoes should be cut into 3/4-inch or 1-inch chunks. It is important to ensure that the potato pieces are similar in size to promote even cooking.

Once your potatoes are cut, you have the option to soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to overnight to remove excess starch and achieve a crispier texture. If you do soak the potatoes, be sure to pat them dry before proceeding to the next step.

Now it's time to season your potatoes! Place the potatoes in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, and your choice of seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings such as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, smoked paprika, or any other dried herb or spice you prefer. You can also add Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist.

After the potatoes are seasoned, they are ready to be cooked in the air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F. Then, transfer the potatoes to the air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer with a little space between each potato to allow for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in multiple batches.

And that's it! You're now ready to enjoy delicious, crispy air-fried potatoes.

What temperature should the air fryer be?

The optimal temperature to cook raw potatoes in an air fryer is between 350ºF and 400ºF.

The temperature range of 350ºF to 400ºF is ideal for cooking potatoes in an air fryer, with some sources recommending a temperature of 360ºF specifically for cooking potatoes. It's important to note that the specific temperature may depend on the type of air fryer you have. For example, if you have a Cuisinart Air Fryer, it's recommended to lower the temperature by up to 50ºF when using air fryer recipes, as this model tends to run hotter than basket-style air fryers.

Cooking raw potatoes at the correct temperature in an air fryer will result in potatoes that are crispy on the outside and tender, soft, or fluffy on the inside. This cooking method also reduces the amount of oil needed compared to traditional frying methods, making it a healthier option.

When cooking raw potatoes in an air fryer, it's important to cut them into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Additionally, preheating the air fryer and leaving space between the potatoes in the basket can help achieve the desired crispiness.

What can you serve with air fryer potatoes?

Air fryer potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air fryer potatoes:

For a Hearty Breakfast

Air fryer potatoes can be served as a breakfast side dish alongside chicken apple sausage and cheesy scrambled eggs.

With a Juicy Steak

Air fryer potatoes are a perfect pairing for a big, juicy steak dinner.

As Part of a Weeknight Dinner

For a quick and easy weeknight meal, serve air fryer potatoes with any simply cooked protein, such as chicken or fish, and a green salad.

For a Meat-Free Option

Veggie burgers, such as black bean burgers, or a plant-based protein like quiche or frittata, also go well with air fryer potatoes.

With a Bowl of Soup

Air fryer potatoes can add some crunch and texture when served with a bowl of soup. Try pairing them with butternut squash soup or broccoli cheddar soup.

As Part of a Holiday Feast

Air fryer potatoes can also be included in a holiday menu alongside classic dishes like stuffing and green bean casserole.

With a Twist

If you're feeling creative, try one of these variations:

• Smoky potatoes – Replace Italian seasoning with smoked paprika.
• Spicy potatoes – Use chili powder, taco seasoning, or Cajun seasoning instead of Italian seasoning.
• Cheesy potatoes – Toss the potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
• Tangy potatoes – Drizzle them with Italian dressing.

Frequently asked questions