Roast Potatoes In An Air Fryer: A How-To Guide

Air fryers have changed the way we cook, and they are perfect for making roast potatoes. The circulating air crisps the outsides of the potatoes with a golden crust, while the insides become soft, tender, and incredibly flavorful. Air-fried potatoes are healthier than deep-fried potatoes as they require less oil to cook. They are also quicker to make than oven-roasted potatoes.

Which potatoes are best for air frying?

When it comes to air frying, the type of potato you use matters. Here are some of the best options:

Russets

Russet potatoes are a good choice for air frying as they will crisp up wonderfully with a pale golden colour. Their insides will be soft and fluffy, with a mild flavour.

Yukon Golds or Yellow Potatoes

These potatoes are a favourite for air frying because they crisp up perfectly and turn a deeper golden colour due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. Their insides will be creamy and full of flavour.

Reds

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

Baby potatoes or new potatoes are regular potatoes that have been thinned from the crop early. They have a high sugar content and roast in the air fryer perfectly, as well as holding their shape. They can be hard to find in grocery stores as they are somewhat seasonal.

Idaho Potatoes

Also called Russet potatoes, these are starchier and result in fries that are crispy on the outside and drier on the inside.

How long should you air fry roast potatoes?

Air fryer roast potatoes are a quick and easy alternative to oven-roasted potatoes. They are ready in half the time and turn out just as crispy. The cooking time will depend on the type of potato, the size of the potato chunks, and the desired level of crispiness.

For soft and fluffy potatoes with a crunchy shell, it is recommended to use floury potatoes such as Maris Piper, King Edward, Rooster, or Yukon Golds. These potatoes have a higher sugar and lower starch content, which results in a darker golden brown colour and a crispier texture. Red potatoes will also work, but they will be crispier coming out of the air fryer and will soften quickly.

When cutting the potatoes, aim for bite-sized chunks or pieces of around 1-inch in size. This ensures that the potatoes will cook evenly and become tender. If the chunks are too large, they may not cook through in the middle.

To get crispy roast potatoes, it is important to coat them evenly in oil. Extra virgin olive oil or neutral oils such as rapeseed, avocado, or sunflower oil work well. Place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.

The cooking time will vary depending on the air fryer model and settings, but generally, it takes around 20 minutes to cook roast potatoes in an air fryer. For example, one source recommends cooking potatoes at 400˚F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crisp on the outside, and tender on the inside. Another source suggests cooking at 380°F (195°C) for 10 minutes, flipping the potatoes, and then cooking for an additional 10 minutes.

For extra crispy potatoes, some air fryer models allow you to increase the temperature to 400°F for the last 5 minutes of cooking. You can also use a tray insert in the air fryer basket to ensure that the potatoes are in contact with the hot oil, creating a thicker skin of crunch.

So, to answer the question, the cooking time for air fryer roast potatoes can range from 18 to 25 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness and the specific air fryer model and settings.

How to get the crunchiest roast potatoes

Roast potatoes are a delicious side dish, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get them on the table. Here are some tips to ensure you get the crunchiest roast potatoes:

Choose the Right Potato

The type of potato you use can make a difference in how crispy your roast potatoes turn out. Go for floury potatoes such as Maris Piper, red-skinned Rooster potatoes, or Yukon Golds. These varieties will give you a crispier result than waxier potatoes.

Cut Them into Even-Sized Pieces

Cutting your potatoes into evenly sized pieces will help ensure they cook evenly. Aim for pieces that are around 1-inch in size. If you are using baby potatoes, you can cut them in half or simply poke them with a fork to let the steam escape.

Soak Starchy Potatoes

If you are using starchy potatoes, it is a good idea to soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes before cooking to remove excess starch. Be sure to pat them dry afterward, as potatoes that are too wet will steam rather than roast.

Use a Shallow Tray

If you want your potatoes to be extra crispy, consider using a shallow tray insert in your air fryer basket. This will allow the potatoes to sit in the hot fat, giving them a thicker, crunchier skin. If you don't have a tray insert, you can add the potatoes directly to the air fryer basket, but they may not be as crunchy.

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer for 5 minutes before adding the potatoes will help to ensure you get the crispiest result.

Season Generously

Don't be shy with the seasoning! A good coating of olive oil, salt, and pepper is a must, but you can also experiment with different seasonings like Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even a packet of dry ranch seasoning.

Flip Them Midway

Use tongs or a turner to flip your potatoes halfway through the cooking process. Shaking the basket may cause them to break.

Don't Overcrowd the Basket

Make sure to give your potatoes enough room in the air fryer basket. They need space for the air to circulate and crisp them up properly.

Leave the Skins On

Not only are potato skins nutritious, but they also add a delicious crispness to your roast potatoes. Just be sure to give them a good wash or scrub before cooking.

Avoid Cooking Spray

Avoid using aerosol cooking sprays in your air fryer, as these can damage the coating of the basket. Stick to olive oil or another cooking oil to coat your potatoes and prevent sticking.

Should you peel the potatoes?

Leaving the skin on your potatoes when roasting in an air fryer is a matter of personal preference. There are benefits to both options.

If you leave the skin on, you will get a crisp, salted skin that is more nutritious than a peeled potato. The skin also helps the potato hold its shape and not break apart when cooking. You should still wash the potatoes thoroughly before cooking.

However, if you prefer the look of rustic potatoes, you may want to peel them. This is also a good option if you are unable to find potatoes with nice-looking skin. Peeled potatoes will also absorb less fat, making them lower in calories and fat content.

How to serve air fryer roast potatoes

Air fryer roast potatoes are a quick, easy, and tasty side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some tips and suggestions on how to serve them:

Choosing the Right Potatoes

The type of potato you choose can impact the final result. Yukon Golds, red potatoes, russet potatoes, and baby or new potatoes are all great options for air frying. These varieties will crisp up beautifully, with a fluffy interior and a golden, crunchy exterior.

Preparation

For the best results, cut your potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This will ensure even cooking and a consistent texture. You can leave the skin on for a rustic look and extra crunch, just be sure to give them a good wash and scrub.

Cooking Method

When cooking your potatoes in the air fryer, it is recommended to use a shallow tray insert placed inside the air fryer basket. This allows the potatoes to sit in the hot fat, creating a thicker, crispier skin. If you don't have a tray insert, you can add the potatoes directly to the air fryer basket, but the skin will be less crunchy.

Preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes if you have time, as this will result in crispier potatoes. Cook the potatoes at a temperature between 380°F and 400°F for a total of 20 minutes, tossing them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Seasoning

The beauty of roast potatoes is that they can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit your taste preferences. Here are some seasoning suggestions:

• Italian seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic powder or granules
• Salt and pepper
• Ranch seasoning
• Taco seasoning
• Cajun spice
• Chili lime
• Lemon and herb

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer roast potatoes make a great side dish and can be served alongside a variety of main courses:

• Meat dishes such as pan-seared steak, creamy Tuscan chicken, or juicy pork tenderloin.
• Roasts like a juicy roast turkey or Mississippi pot roast.
• Vegetables, including a fresh green salad, roasted cauliflower, or roasted asparagus.

So, there you have it! Air fryer roast potatoes are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal, and with a few simple tips, you can serve them to impress. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions