Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes: Perfectly Crispy And Easy!

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, and it's no surprise that people are keen to use them to cook a variety of foods, including potatoes. Air-fried potatoes are a convenient and tasty side dish that can be made in a fraction of the time it takes to roast them in an oven. They are also a healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes as they require less oil to achieve a crispy texture.

How to roast potatoes in an air fryer

Roasted potatoes are a great, easy-to-make side dish. Using an air fryer to make them is even easier and quicker than using an oven. Here is a simple recipe for making roasted potatoes in an air fryer.

Ingredients:

• Potatoes (baby red potatoes, yellow potatoes, or Yukon gold potatoes)
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Seasoning (salt, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, etc.)
• Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)

Method:

First, cut the potatoes into halves or quarters if they are baby potatoes. If they are larger potatoes, cut them into 1-inch or 3/4-inch chunks. You can peel the potatoes, but it is not necessary as the skins will crisp up nicely in the air fryer and add a nice texture. Just make sure to give the potatoes a good scrub and pat them dry before you chop them.

Next, toss the potatoes with olive oil and your choice of seasonings in a large bowl. Make sure the potatoes are well coated.

Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each potato. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding will cause the potatoes to steam and soften rather than crisp up.

Set your air fryer to 380-400°F and cook the potatoes for 10 minutes. Then, flip the potatoes and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until they are tender and crispy.

Finally, serve the potatoes hot as a side or appetizer. You can garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, and serve with a dip such as ranch dressing, guacamole, or lime crema.

Tips:

• If you have time, preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes before cooking the potatoes, as this will make them crispier.
• If you are using starchy potatoes like Yukon golds, it is a good idea to soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes before roasting to get rid of the extra starch. Make sure to pat the potatoes dry after soaking.
• Use tongs or a turner to flip the potatoes halfway through cooking, as shaking the basket may break them.
• If you want to get creative, you can try different seasonings like smoked paprika, chili powder, taco seasoning, or Cajun spice. You can also toss the roasted potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

The best potatoes for air frying

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, giving them a golden crust and soft, tender insides. The circulating air in an air fryer can crisp up potatoes with very little oil, making them a healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes.

• Russets: These potatoes will crisp up with a pale golden colour and have soft, fluffy insides with a mild flavour.
• Yukon Golds or Yellow Potatoes: These potatoes will turn a deeper golden colour and have a slightly softer crisp, but a creamy and flavourful inside.
• Reds: Red potatoes will turn a darker golden brown and will be crispy coming out of the fryer but will soften quickly. They will have creamy and soft insides.
• Baby 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.

When choosing potatoes for air frying, look for those that are uniform in size and free from eyes and blemishes.

Tips for the best air fryer potatoes

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, and it's easy to see why. They are a quick and easy way to cook food, and they can make healthy and tasty meals. Here are some tips to ensure you get the best results when making air fryer potatoes.

Choose the Right Potato

The type of potato you use can make a difference to the end result. Starchy potatoes, such as Russets or Yukon Golds, are a good choice as they crisp up more easily and develop fluffy insides. Red potatoes will also work, but they will turn a darker golden brown and soften quicker.

Prepare the Potatoes

It is best to cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces so that they cook at a similar rate. If you are using starchy potatoes, it is recommended to soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes to get rid of the extra starch. Make sure to pat them dry before cooking.

Oil and Seasoning

A light coating of olive oil will help the potatoes crisp up and brown nicely, and it adds flavour. You can also use duck fat, goose fat, or beef fat. When it comes to seasoning, salt and pepper are a must, and you can add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or any other herbs and spices you like.

Cooking

Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket—the potatoes need room for the air to circulate and crisp up properly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches. For even cooking, preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes, and flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time.

Serving

Air fryer potatoes are a versatile side dish. They go well with meat, such as steak or chicken, or with a salad for a lighter meal. You can also serve them with dips like ranch dressing, guacamole, or lime crema.

How to store and reheat air-fried potatoes

Storing and reheating air-fried potatoes is simple and convenient. Here's a detailed guide to help you get the best results:

Storing Air-Fried Potatoes:

Before storing your air-fried potatoes, allow them to cool to room temperature. Place the potatoes in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days. If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze them in a sealed container for up to 6-8 months.

Reheating Air-Fried Potatoes:

You have several options for reheating your air-fried potatoes, each with its advantages:

Reheating in an Air Fryer:

The air fryer is an excellent choice for reheating potatoes as it retains their crispy texture. Here's how to do it:

• Preheat your air fryer to 370°F to 400°F (depending on your preference and the model of your air fryer).
• Place the leftover potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray.
• Reheat for 3-4 minutes, or until warmed through. There is no need to flip them.
• If you desire extra crispiness, add another minute or two.

Reheating in an Oven:

The oven is another great option for reheating potatoes while maintaining their crispy texture. Here's the process:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Arrange the leftover potatoes in a single layer on a sheet pan.
• Cover the potatoes completely with parchment paper, and then with aluminum foil.
• Heat the potatoes in the oven for 8-10 minutes or until warmed through.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 4 minutes to ensure crispiness.

Reheating on a Stovetop:

While the stovetop method may alter the texture of your potatoes slightly, it is still a viable option. Here's how to do it:

• Heat a tablespoon of butter or a small amount of olive oil in a cast-iron skillet or stainless steel pan over medium heat.
• Add the potatoes and stir to coat them with the fat.
• Cover the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the potatoes are warmed through.
• Increase the heat to medium-high and cook the potatoes undisturbed for an additional 3 minutes to restore some crispiness.

Tips for the Best Results:

• For optimal results, use room temperature potatoes. Take them out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before reheating.
• Avoid reheating potatoes in the microwave, as it can make them soggy and unpleasant.
• If you're short on time, the air fryer is your best option for quick and crispy reheating.
• To enhance crispiness, lightly spray the potatoes with cooking spray before reheating.
• Ensure proper air circulation by leaving enough space between potatoes when reheating.

What to serve with air fryer potatoes

Air fryer potatoes are a great side dish for a range of meals. They are versatile and can be served with a variety of meats, vegetables, and salads. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air fryer potatoes:

Meats

Air fryer potatoes can be a great side dish to a variety of meats, such as:

• Pan-seared steak
• Creamy Tuscan chicken
• Juicy pork tenderloin
• Roast turkey
• Mississippi pot roast
• Chicken apple sausage
• Chicken breast
• Chicken fajitas
• Chicken wings
• Chicken thighs
• Bacon
• Meatballs
• Pork chops
• Meatloaf

Vegetables and Salads

For a vegetarian option or to add some extra veggies to your meal, try serving air fryer potatoes with:

• A fresh green salad
• Roasted cauliflower
• Roasted asparagus
• Cauliflower
• Brussels sprouts
• Sweet potato soup
• Green bean salad
• Tomato cucumber salad
• Mushroom soup

As a Main Dish

You can also turn air fryer potatoes into a main dish by adding some extra ingredients. Try serving them with:

• Sour cream and chives
• Cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked Gouda cheese
• Avocado salsa and slow cooker Mexican shredded beef
• Bloody Mary chili, cheese, and sour cream
• Ranch dressing, Yum yum sauce, lime crema, or guacamole

Frequently asked questions