Air-Fryer Roasted Potatoes: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great alternative to ovens when it comes to roasting potatoes. Not only do they produce potatoes that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, but they also cut down the cooking time by more than half.

Potato types and preparation

The type of potato you use can make a difference to the crispiness and colour of your roast potatoes. The best potatoes for air frying are those with a high sugar content and low starch content.

Baby potatoes, also known as "new" potatoes, are a great option as they have thinner skin, which is perfect for achieving a crispy texture. Varieties of baby potatoes include fingerlings, Yukon Golds, baby russets, and baby red potatoes. If you can't find baby potatoes, larger Yukon Gold or other yellow potatoes cut into chunks will also work well.

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

Red potatoes will result in an even darker golden brown colour due to their higher sugar and lower starch content. They will be crispy coming out of the air fryer but will soften quickly.

For a deeper golden colour, opt for Yukon Golds or yellow potatoes. Their crisp will be slightly softer, but their insides will be creamy and full of flavour.

Before cooking, it is important to thoroughly wash and scrub the potatoes to remove any residual dirt. If using types of potatoes with thinner skins, such as russet, red skin, or sweet potatoes, it is best to scrub them at least 30 minutes before cooking and let them air dry. You can also soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to overnight to remove the starch and enhance crispness.

When cutting the potatoes, aim for uniform, evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. For baby potatoes, halve or quarter them, or cut larger potatoes into chunks. There is no need to peel the potatoes as the skins will crisp up nicely and contain all the nutrients. However, if you prefer, you can peel them, especially if you want to avoid the high amount of solanine present in the skin.

To season the potatoes, toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like paprika, Cajun seasoning, or Parmesan cheese to enhance the flavour.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. The potatoes are done when they are golden, crispy, and tender.

With the right potato types and preparation techniques, you can achieve perfectly roasted potatoes that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside using your air fryer.

Oil types and quantities

The type and quantity of oil used for roasting potatoes in an air fryer vary depending on the recipe. Some recipes call for extra virgin olive oil, while others suggest neutral oils such as rapeseed, avocado, or sunflower oil. The amount of oil used can range from a light coating to just enough for seasoning to stick. Some recipes recommend using an oil spray, while others suggest drizzling or tossing the potatoes in oil. It is important to note that aerosol cooking sprays should be avoided as they can damage the coating of the air fryer basket.

When using a basket-style air fryer, it is recommended to place the potatoes in a shallow tray insert so they are in contact with the oil, as the excess fat will drain through the holes in the basket otherwise. This results in a thinner crisp on the potatoes. However, using the basket directly will result in less crunchy potatoes with a lower fat content.

Seasoning suggestions

The beauty of roasting potatoes in an air fryer is that you can get creative with your seasonings. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Italian Seasoning

Combine olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can also add Parmesan cheese to the mix for extra flavour. This seasoning blend will give your potatoes a classic Italian twist.

Greek Seasoning

Go Greek with a combination of garlic, onion, oregano, basil, dill, salt, and pepper. This blend will transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean.

Ranch Seasoning

For a creamy and savoury kick, use a packet of dry ranch seasoning. Add it to taste and enjoy the tanginess of this classic American flavour.

Taco Seasoning

Add a southwestern spin to your potatoes with taco seasoning. It's a fun and flavourful way to spice up your meal.

Cajun Spice Blend

Bring some heat to your potatoes with Cajun spice. It's the perfect blend of spices for those who like it hot.

Chili Lime

A zesty combination of ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. This seasoning blend will add a tangy kick to your potatoes.

Lemon and Herb

Infuse your potatoes with a burst of citrus and herbal flavours. Use dried or fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and dill, and finish with a squeeze of lemon.

Bacon

For a savoury and smoky touch, toss your potatoes with cooked crumbled bacon. It adds a rich and crispy element to your dish.

Smoked Paprika

Smoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavour to your potatoes. Combined with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, it creates a warm and inviting aroma.

Salt and Pepper

Sometimes, keeping it simple is best. A classic combination of salt and pepper enhances the natural flavour of the potatoes without overwhelming them.

Fresh Herbs

Garnish your roasted potatoes with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. They add a bright and fresh touch to your dish.

French Fry Seasoning

If you're feeling adventurous, try seasoning your roasted potatoes with French fry seasoning. It's a fun way to switch up your potato game.

Air fryer settings

To make roast potatoes in an air fryer, you will need to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (or 200°C) for 5 minutes. This will help the potatoes achieve maximum crispiness in a shorter amount of time.

When it comes to the cooking time, most recipes recommend cooking the potatoes for 18-20 minutes at 400°F, flipping them halfway through. However, cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it is important to refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions.

If you are using a larger air fryer, you might need to cook the potatoes in batches to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. Cooking times may also vary depending on the type of potatoes you are using. For example, baby potatoes or new potatoes will take less time to cook than larger potatoes such as russets or Yukon Golds.

To get the perfect crispy texture, it is important to cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces before placing them in the air fryer. This will ensure that they cook at a similar rate. It is also recommended to leave the skin on, as it provides crispiness and protects the potato from burning.

Additionally, when seasoning the potatoes, make sure to use a light coating of olive oil or another type of oil to help them crisp up and brown nicely. Avoid using aerosol cooking sprays as they can damage the coating of your air fryer basket. Instead, toss the potatoes in olive oil or another type of oil to prevent them from sticking.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer roast potatoes are a great side dish for a variety of meals. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Meat dishes: Pan-seared steak, creamy Tuscan chicken, juicy pork tenderloin, or a roast such as chicken, lamb, or duck.
• Vegetables: A fresh green salad, roasted cauliflower, or roasted asparagus.
• Salads: A Greek salad with feta cheese, olives, and tomatoes, or a potato salad with mayonnaise, mustard, and chopped onions.
• Fish: Air fryer salmon, or salmon with Swedish meatballs or prime rib.
• Other sides: Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, or gravy.

You can also experiment with different seasonings to mix up your roast potatoes. For example, you could try:

• Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
• Smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Ranch seasoning.
• Taco seasoning.
• Cajun spice.
• Chili lime: Ground cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
• Lemon and herb: Dried or fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or dill with a squeeze of lemon.

Frequently asked questions