Air Fryer And Potatoes: Cut And Fry?

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, and you can cut them into cubes or slices and season them with spices and herbs to make a delicious and healthy side dish. They are a great alternative to deep-frying, as they require less oil and produce a crispier texture. You can use different types of potatoes, such as russet, Yukon gold, or red potatoes, and experiment with various seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or paprika to find your favourite flavour combination.

How to cut potatoes for an air fryer

Preparation

Before cutting your potatoes, it is recommended to wash them thoroughly, as you will be keeping the skins on. You can peel the potatoes if you prefer, but it is not necessary.

Cutting

Cut the potatoes into evenly-sized cubes. They don't have to be perfect, but the more uniform they are, the more evenly they will cook. Aim for around 1-inch cubes.

Soaking (Optional)

For extra crispy potatoes, you can soak the cubed potatoes in cold water for 10 minutes or longer, then rinse and pat them dry. This will help to remove excess starch, ensuring the potatoes cook evenly and don't become sticky.

Seasoning

Add the diced potatoes to a large bowl and toss with olive oil. You can also add other seasonings at this point, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give the bowl a good shake to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F. Place the seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary. Air fry for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The potatoes are done when they are golden brown and crispy.

Serving

Air fryer diced potatoes make a great side dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They go well with meats such as chicken, beef, or lamb, and can also be served with eggs or added to burritos. You can also enjoy them on their own with ketchup or mayonnaise.

Tips

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches, if necessary, will ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
• While air frying uses less oil than deep frying, using a small amount of olive oil or vegetable oil will help to achieve crispier results.
• Shake or toss the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
• If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.

How long to cook potatoes in an air fryer

Yes, you can put cut potatoes in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the type of potatoes you use, the thickness of the slices, and the temperature of your air fryer.

For example, if you are cooking diced potatoes, you should cook them at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. If you are cooking sliced potatoes that are 1/4" thick, you should cook them at 400°F for 13 minutes. For small or medium-sized Russet potatoes cut into chunks, you should cook them at 400°F for 20-30 minutes.

It's important to note that different types of potatoes will yield different results in the air fryer. Russet potatoes, for instance, will crisp up wonderfully with a pale golden color, while Yukon Golds or Yellow Potatoes will turn a deeper golden color due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. Red potatoes will turn an even darker golden brown because of their higher sugar and lower starch content.

Additionally, the thickness of the potato slices will also affect the cooking time. Thicker slices will take longer to cook, while thinner slices may break apart more easily. It's recommended to cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces so that they cook at a similar rate.

To make the most of your air fryer, it's also important to arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space between each potato. This allows the hot air to contact them on all sides, promoting browning. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in multiple batches.

Best potatoes for air fryer

Yes, you can put cut potatoes in an air fryer. In fact, air-fried potatoes are a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook the vegetable, with a similar outcome to oven-roasted potatoes.

Best Potatoes for the Air Fryer:

When choosing potatoes for the air fryer, it is best to opt for those that are uniform in size and free from eyes and blemishes. Here are some of the best types of potatoes to use:

• Russets: These potatoes will crisp up wonderfully in the air fryer, with a pale golden colour and soft, fluffy insides.
• Yukon Golds or Yellow Potatoes: A popular choice for air frying, these potatoes will 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 roast to an even darker golden brown because of their higher sugar and lower starch content. They will be crispy when they first come out of the air fryer but will soften quickly.
• Baby Potatoes or New Potatoes: These are regular potatoes that have been harvested early. They have a high sugar content and hold their shape well in the air fryer. However, they can be harder to find in grocery stores as they are somewhat seasonal.
• White Potatoes: White potatoes are a good option, but avoid red or purple-skinned varieties as they are slightly starchier and waxier.
• Sweet Potatoes: While not a traditional choice, sweet potatoes can also be cooked in the air fryer and are a healthier option, being higher in vitamin A, calcium, and fibre.

Tips for Air Frying Potatoes:

• Leave the skin on for added crispiness and nutrients.
• Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer for maximum crispiness.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow hot air to contact the potatoes on all sides. Cook in batches if needed.
• Flip the potatoes halfway through cooking to promote even browning.
• Know your air fryer and follow the specific temperatures and timings recommended for your make and model.

Potato Air Frying Times:

Cooking times will vary depending on the type and size of potatoes used, as well as the size and model of the air fryer. On average, potatoes will take around 15 to 20 minutes to cook in an air fryer, but this can range from 10 to 25 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on the potatoes to avoid burning and adjust cooking times as needed.

Potato Air Frying Temperatures:

Most recipes recommend setting the air fryer temperature to 400°F for roasted potatoes. However, temperatures can vary depending on the model of the air fryer and the desired level of crispiness. It is always a good idea to refer to the air fryer's manual for specific instructions.

Potato Air Frying Techniques:

The basic technique for air frying potatoes involves cutting the potatoes into evenly sized pieces, tossing them with oil and desired seasonings, placing them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and cooking until tender and golden. Some recipes also recommend flipping or shaking the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and cooking.

Potato Air Frying Recipes:

There are endless possibilities for seasoning and flavouring air fryer potatoes. Here are some popular recipes to try:

• Herby and Crispy: Toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• Smoky: Replace Italian seasoning with smoked paprika.
• Spicy: Use chili powder, taco seasoning, or Cajun seasoning instead of Italian seasoning.
• Cheesy: Toss the potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
• Tangy: Drizzle the potatoes with Italian dressing.
• Greek: Season with garlic, onion, oregano, basil, dill, salt, and pepper.
• Ranch: Toss with homemade or store-bought ranch seasoning.

Storing and Reheating Air Fried Potatoes:

Air-fried potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 350°F-400°F for 5-6 minutes until hot and crispy again.

Potato Air Frying Tips:

For the best results, here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

• Use a sharp knife to dice the potatoes into uniform pieces.
• Wash and thoroughly dry the potatoes before cutting and seasoning.
• Use a mix of oils and spices to coat the potatoes, such as olive oil, avocado oil, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
• Avoid using too much oil, as it can make the potatoes soggy.
• If desired, add Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast to the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a cheesy flavour.
• For a tangy twist, add a squeeze of lemon juice over the cooked potatoes.

With these tips and recommendations, you're now ready to choose the best potatoes for your air fryer and create delicious, crispy, and healthy dishes!

How to season potatoes for an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, giving them a crispy texture on the outside and a fluffy inside. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season potatoes for an air fryer:

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients:

• Potatoes (russet, Yukon Gold, yellow, or red potatoes are great options)
• Olive oil or avocado oil
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder or freshly minced garlic
• Italian seasoning or other dried herbs (e.g. parsley, rosemary)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly, especially if you plan to leave the skins on. Then, cut the potatoes into uniform-sized pieces. For baby potatoes, halve or quarter them. For larger potatoes, cut them into 3/4-inch or 1-inch chunks.

Step 2: Season the Potatoes

In a medium-sized bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil or avocado oil. Make sure the potatoes are fully coated. Then, add your desired seasonings. You can use salt and pepper, garlic powder or minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and other dried herbs like parsley or rosemary. Mix well to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try other seasonings like chili powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika.

Step 3: Cook the Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space between each potato. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches. Set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10 minutes. Then, use a spatula or spoon to gently flip or toss the potatoes, and continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes, or until they are tender and crispy.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the potatoes are cooked to your desired level of doneness, transfer them to a serving dish. You can garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of colour and flavour. Serve these delicious, crispy potatoes as a side dish with your favourite protein or vegetables. Enjoy!

How to reheat potatoes in an air fryer

Yes, you can put cut potatoes in an air fryer. In fact, it is a great way to reheat them! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reheat potatoes in an air fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 370-400°F (around 190-200°C). The ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so it is always good to check the manual.
• While the air fryer is preheating, take your leftover potatoes out of the refrigerator. For best results, it is recommended to let them sit at room temperature for up to 30 minutes before reheating.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they are in a single layer. This helps ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Cook the potatoes for 3 minutes, then open the air fryer and shake the basket or toss the potatoes gently. This helps prevent them from sticking and promotes even cooking.
• Continue cooking for another 2 minutes. If your potatoes are thicker cuts or not yet warmed through, you can add an extra 1-2 minutes as needed.
• Once they are heated to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve!

Using an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to reheat roast potatoes while maintaining their crispy texture. It is also a great way to reheat frozen roast potatoes or achieve extra crispiness.

If you are reheating a large batch of potatoes, you may need to do so in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Additionally, if you are looking for a way to repurpose your leftover potatoes, try adding them to a hash, salad, grain bowl, taco, or wrap!

Frequently asked questions