Air Fryer Potatoes: Fresh Or Not?

Air fryers are a great way to cook fresh potatoes, with many recipes available online. The cooking time varies depending on the type of potato and the size of the cut, but generally, it takes around 10-20 minutes to cook fresh potatoes in an air fryer. The benefit of using an air fryer is that you can achieve crispy results while using a lot less oil than you would for deep frying. When preparing fresh potatoes for air frying, it is important to cut them into similar sizes so that they cook evenly. You can also experiment with different seasonings to find your favorite flavor combinations.

How to cut potatoes for the air fryer

There are several ways to cut potatoes for the air fryer, depending on the type of potato and the desired outcome. Here are some popular methods:

French Fries

For French fries, cut the potatoes into thin sticks about 1/4-inch thick. This ensures even cooking and a crispy texture. Russet potatoes are a good variety to use for this.

Potato Wedges

To make potato wedges, cut the potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half into quarters. Place the cut side up and cut down the center of each quarter to create a wedge. Repeat until you have the desired number of wedges. Russet potatoes or Yukon Golds are good options for this.

Potato Slices

For potato slices, scrub the potatoes and pat them dry. Cut the potatoes into slices about 1/4-inch thick. This will give you a thicker texture than French fries. Russet potatoes work well for this.

Potato Cubes

Cutting potatoes into cubes is another option. Cut the potatoes into similar-sized cubes, aiming for a bite-sized piece of around 2.5cm. This method works well with starchy potatoes like Maris Piper, King Edwards, or Red potatoes.

Baby Potatoes

Baby potatoes, or "new" potatoes, are smaller and have thinner skin, which makes them ideal for crisping. You can simply halve them or cut them into bite-sized pieces. Yukon Golds, baby russets, and baby red potatoes are some varieties to choose from.

Tips for Cutting Potatoes:

• Aim for even sizes to ensure consistent cooking.
• Leave the skin on for extra crispness and flavour.
• Soaking potatoes in water before cooking can help reduce cooking time and make them crispier, but it's not necessary.
• If you have time, pre-boiling potatoes can also reduce cooking time in the air fryer.

How long to cook potatoes in the air fryer

Yes, you can cook fresh potatoes in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the type of potatoes you are using and the style in which you are cooking them. Here is a guide on how long to cook potatoes in an air fryer:

Air Fryer Baked Potatoes

First, preheat your air fryer to 390°F to 400°F (200°C). Rub the potatoes in a little vegetable, grapeseed, sunflower, safflower, or olive oil and sprinkle with salt. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or black pepper. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 30 to 50 minutes, or until they are fork-tender. Flip the potatoes once during cooking to ensure even cooking.

Air Fryer French Fries

Start by cutting the potatoes into matchsticks or thin wedges. Soak the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water for 1 to 2 hours to remove the starch and give them a crispy texture. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and pat the potatoes dry. Drizzle them with vegetable oil or olive oil (about 1 teaspoon per potato) and add a pinch of salt or other seasonings. Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until they are crispy.

Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes

Cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces, leaving the skin on. Toss the potatoes with olive oil and seasonings such as salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and tender.

Air Fryer Chips/Crisps

Slice the potatoes into thin rounds using a knife or a mandoline slicer. Soak the slices in cold water for 1 to 2 hours to remove the starch. Preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C) and pat the potatoes dry. Drizzle them with vegetable oil or olive oil and add a pinch of salt or other seasonings. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until they are crispy.

Air Fryer Hash Browns

Grate the potatoes and squeeze out any excess moisture. Mix the grated potatoes with an egg, flour, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, and onion powder. Form the mixture into patties. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Place the patties in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

The cooking time may vary depending on the size and type of potatoes you are using, as well as the specific model of your air fryer. Be sure to keep an eye on your potatoes and adjust the cooking time as needed.

What type of potatoes to use

You can use any type of potato in the air fryer, but some types will give you a better result than others. Here's a list of the best potatoes to use and what you can expect from each:

• Russet: These will air fry beautifully, giving you a pale golden colour with a soft and fluffy inside.
• Yukon Gold or Yellow Potatoes: These are a favourite for air frying because they will crisp up perfectly, but also turn a deeper golden colour. Their insides will be creamy and full of flavour.
• Reds: Red potatoes will turn an even darker golden brown because of their high sugar and lower starch content. They will be crispy coming out but will soften quickly. Their insides will be creamy and soft.
• Baby Potatoes or New Potatoes: These are not a variety or type of potato but rather regular potatoes that have been thinned from the crop early. They have a high sugar content and roast in the air fryer perfectly, also holding their shape.
• White Potatoes: These are a good option if you are making French fries or chips.
• Sweet Potatoes: These are another good option for making French fries or chips.

When choosing your potatoes, try to find ones that are uniform in size and free from eyes and blemishes.

How to season potatoes for the air fryer

Yes, you can put fresh potatoes in an air fryer. Here is a guide on how to season them:

Air fryer potatoes are a healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes. They have a crispy texture without the high fat or calories and are easy to prepare. You can use a variety of seasonings to flavour your potatoes, from Italian seasoning to smoked paprika.

Firstly, cut your potatoes into wedges, slices, or cubes. Try to cut them into similar sizes so they cook at the same rate. You can leave the skin on, as it will help them to crisp up.

Next, place the potatoes into a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. You only need a light coating of oil to make the potatoes crispy. Toss the potatoes in the oil and add your chosen seasonings. You can use salt and pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, or even a little squeeze of lemon. You could also add fresh or dried herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary. Toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated.

Now you can place the potatoes into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each one so the hot air can circulate. You may need to cook them in batches. Set the air fryer to 380-400°F and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They are done when they are golden and crispy on the outside, and tender and fluffy on the inside.

If you are cooking in batches, you can place all the potatoes back into the air fryer at the end for 1-2 minutes to warm them through and ensure they are all crispy.

How to reheat potatoes in the air fryer

Yes, you can put fresh potatoes in an air fryer. Here is a detailed guide on how to reheat potatoes in an air fryer:

If you have leftover roast potatoes, you can reheat them in an air fryer and retain their crispy texture. This method is quick and easy, and you don't need to add any extra oil. It is best to use room-temperature potatoes, so take them out of the fridge 30 minutes before reheating.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While some sources suggest cooking at 370°F, others recommend anywhere between 350-400°F. Place your leftover potato cubes in a single layer on the crisper tray of a convection-type air fryer or in the basket of a regular air fryer. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.

Cook for 3-4 minutes, then open the basket and shake or toss the potatoes. Cook for another 2 minutes. If needed, add an additional 1-2 minutes until the potatoes are warmed through.

For extra crispy potatoes, you can cook for a further 1-2 minutes. You can also add herbs at the end for extra flavor.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Potatoes

• Cut the potatoes into similar-sized cubes to ensure even cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer for the best results.
• Don't overcrowd the basket, as this will create a steaming effect instead of crisping up the potatoes.
• Turn the potatoes halfway through cooking for all-around crispiness.
• Don't reheat in the microwave, as this will make them soggy.

Frequently asked questions