Air-Frying Red Potatoes: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryer red potatoes are a quick, easy, and tasty dish to make. They are a great side to any meal, from burgers to pork chops or even as a snack. They are healthier than deep-fried potatoes and can be made in less than 20 minutes. The circulating air of the air fryer ensures the potatoes are soft and tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. The key to getting them crispy is to ensure they are cut to a similar size, toss them in olive oil and your choice of seasoning, and ensure they are not overcrowded in the air fryer.

Selecting the right type of red potatoes

Size

The size of the red potatoes you choose will impact their cooking time and final texture. For air frying, it is generally recommended to use small or baby red potatoes. These smaller potatoes have a higher surface-area-to-volume ratio, which promotes even cooking and helps achieve that desirable crispy exterior and fluffy interior. If you opt for larger red potatoes, be sure to cut them into smaller, evenly sized pieces before air frying to ensure even cooking.

Starch Content

The starch content of potatoes can vary depending on the variety, and this will affect the final texture of your air-fried potatoes. Red potatoes are generally considered to be on the lower-starch end of the spectrum, which is one of the reasons they are a good choice for air frying. Higher-starch potatoes, such as russets, can become too crispy or even burnt when air-fried, so it's best to stick with lower-starch options.

Skin Thickness

The thickness of the potato skin can also impact the final texture and cooking time of your air-fried potatoes. Red potatoes have thin skin, which is ideal for air frying because it crisps up nicely without becoming too tough or chewy. Thicker-skinned potatoes may require longer cooking times and can be more prone to drying out.

Moisture Content

In addition to their low starch content, red potatoes also tend to have a higher moisture content than some other potato varieties. This higher moisture content contributes to the fluffy, tender interior that is characteristic of well-cooked air-fried potatoes. When selecting red potatoes, look for those that feel firm and heavy for their size, as this is an indication of higher moisture content.

Flavor

Different varieties of red potatoes can have slightly different flavor profiles, so it's worth considering the specific flavor you're aiming for in your final dish. Some red potatoes may have a sweeter or more earthy flavor, while others might have a more subtle taste that lets the seasonings shine through. Choose a variety that complements the other ingredients and seasonings you plan to use.

Availability and Price

The availability and price of red potatoes can vary depending on your location and the time of year. In general, red potatoes are widely available and relatively affordable, making them a convenient choice for air frying. However, if you're on a tight budget or have limited access to certain varieties, you may need to be flexible and choose the best option available to you.

Preparing the red potatoes

Select the Right Potatoes:

Look for young and small red potatoes, preferably around the size of a golf ball. Larger potatoes tend to be starchier and less sweet. You can also use baby red potatoes, which are ideal for air frying.

Wash and Cut the Potatoes:

Give the potatoes a good wash to remove any dirt or bacteria. Then, cut them into evenly sized pieces. You can quarter the potatoes or cut them into bite-sized pieces. Just ensure they are all similar in size to ensure even cooking.

Season the Potatoes:

• In a large bowl, drizzle olive oil over the potatoes. You can also use other types of mild-flavoured oil, such as avocado oil or ghee.
• Add your preferred seasonings. A basic combination includes dried thyme, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and ground black pepper. You can also experiment with other seasonings like smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, or Mediterranean blends.
• Toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

Arrange in the Air Fryer:

Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this will affect the cooking process and crispiness.

Cooking Instructions:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even cooking and browning.
• The potatoes are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. You can use a knife or fork to check if they are tender.

With these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy, and tender air-fried red potatoes as a side dish or snack!

Cooking the potatoes

Preparation

Before cooking your red potatoes, it's important to prepare them correctly. Firstly, you should wash and dry your potatoes. This is essential for removing bacteria and debris. You should also cut your potatoes into evenly-sized pieces. For baby red potatoes, this may just mean halving or quartering them. For larger red potatoes, you may need to cut them into eighths. Try to ensure that your potatoes are around the size of a golf ball; the larger they are, the starchier they become, and they will lose some of their natural sweetness.

Cooking

Once your potatoes are prepared, drizzle your preferred oil over them and add your chosen seasonings. You can experiment with different seasonings, but a simple combination of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, paprika, and dried thyme works well. Give the potatoes a good stir to ensure they are coated in the oil and seasonings.

Next, place the potatoes in your air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. This will help them cook evenly and get nice and crispy. Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10-20 minutes, shaking the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even cooking.

Testing for Doneness

To check if your potatoes are done, perform the "knife test". Pierce the centre of a potato with a knife or fork. If the blade enters and exits the flesh easily, your potatoes are ready. If the blade encounters resistance, they need a little longer.

Serving

Once your potatoes are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish. You can garnish them with fresh, chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or rosemary.

Storage

Any leftover potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.

Storing and reheating the potatoes

Storing and reheating your air-fried red potatoes is a simple process.

Storing your potatoes

To store your potatoes, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three or four days.

Reheating your potatoes

The best way to reheat your potatoes is in an air fryer. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer and reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.

You can also reheat your potatoes in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for 8-10 minutes, then remove the foil and heat for an additional 4-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are warmed through and crispy.

If you're short on time, you can also reheat your potatoes in a skillet. Heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in the skillet. Add the potatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes, then increase the heat to medium-high and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy and warmed through.

It is not recommended to reheat your potatoes in the microwave, as this can make them soggy.

Serving suggestions

Air-fried red potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served with almost anything. Here are some serving suggestions:

Sauces and Dips

If you're looking for something to dip your potatoes in, consider ketchup, ranch dressing, or even a bit of mayo. For something more sophisticated, try a side of whipped feta.

Meat and Seafood

Air-fried red potatoes go well with various meats, including chicken, steak, sausage links, and turkey breast. They also pair nicely with seafood like shrimp or salmon nuggets.

Vegetables

You can easily add other vegetables to the air fryer, such as bell peppers, onion, squash, or zucchini. Just toss them in during the last 10 minutes of cooking so they don't overcook.

Breakfast

These potatoes are a great breakfast side, too. Try them with some crispy bacon or breakfast chicken sausage patties, or add them to a breakfast taco or burrito.

Cheese

For a rich, savoury flavour, sprinkle your potatoes with Parmesan cheese or another shredded cheese of your choice.

Frequently asked questions