Air Fryer Potatoes: Can You Smother Them?

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, with many people swearing by them for the perfect roast potato. They're a quick and easy way to get crispy spuds, with a tender inside and a golden crust. You can use a variety of potatoes, from baby potatoes to Yukon Golds, and there are endless seasoning options, from Italian herbs to Cajun spice. So, can you smother potatoes in an air fryer? Absolutely!

What types of potatoes are best for air frying?

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, giving them a crispy, golden crust and soft, tender insides. The best types of potatoes for air frying include:

• Russets: These potatoes 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 will turn out a bit deeper in golden colour because of the lower starch and higher sugar content. Their crisp will be a tad softer than russets, however, 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: These are regular potatoes that have been harvested early. They have a high sugar content and hold their shape well. They can be hard to find in grocery stores as they are somewhat seasonal.

Other types of potatoes that can be used include fingerlings, baby russets, and baby red potatoes.

Tips for Air Frying Potatoes:

• Leave the skins on for added crispness and nutrition.
• Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Use oil or an oil spray to help the seasonings stick to the potatoes.
• Preheat your air fryer for maximum crispiness.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.

How long should you cook potatoes in an air fryer?

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, offering a quicker and healthier alternative to oven-roasted potatoes. The cooking time depends on the type of potatoes you are using, the size of the potatoes, and the desired level of crispiness. On average, air-fried potatoes are ready in 20 minutes, but they can take up to 50 minutes for a crispier finish.

Preparation

Before cooking, scrub the potatoes thoroughly and dry them with a paper towel. You can also soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch and achieve a crispier texture. Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces, leaving the skin on for added crispness and nutrition.

Cooking Time

For baby potatoes or potatoes cut into 3/4-inch chunks, cook at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. For larger potatoes or potatoes cut into 1-inch pieces, cook at the same temperature for 10 minutes, then shake the basket and cook for an additional 8 to 10 minutes.

Doneness

Your air-fried potatoes are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. You can test this by piercing the potatoes with a fork. If the fork inserts easily and the potatoes are soft, they are ready to be served.

Serving

Air-fried potatoes make a delicious and versatile side dish. They can be served with proteins such as steak, chicken, or fish, or used in breakfast dishes like tacos, burritos, or alongside scrambled eggs. Enjoy your air-fried potatoes!

What temperature should the air fryer be set to?

The optimal temperature to set your air fryer to for making smothered potatoes is 400°F. This is the temperature at which the potatoes will cook to a crispy finish on the outside, while remaining tender on the inside.

Most recipes recommend cooking the potatoes for 10 minutes at 400°F, tossing them, and then cooking for a further 8-10 minutes. However, cooking times may vary depending on the size of the potato chunks. It is recommended to cook the potatoes until they are tender and browned around the edges.

If you are using a Cuisinart Air Fryer, it is important to note that it tends to run hotter than basket-style air fryers. Therefore, you might need to lower the temperature by up to 50ºF when using air fryer recipes, to prevent the potatoes from burning.

How do you prepare potatoes for air frying?

Preparing potatoes for air frying is simple and can be done in a few easy steps. First, select your potatoes. Yukon Gold, Yellow, Red, Russet, and Baby or New Potatoes are all great options for air frying. Next, wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly. Leave the skin on for that extra crispiness and added nutrition. Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces, about 1/2- to 3/4-inch thick. Soaking the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes or overnight is optional but can help remove excess starch and result in crispier potatoes. Just remember to pat them dry before the next step.

Now it's time to season your potatoes. Place the potatoes in a bowl and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. You only need enough to coat the potatoes lightly. Then, add your choice of seasonings. Popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and Parmesan cheese. You can also experiment with different combinations like Cajun, Mexican, Greek, or Ranch. Give the potatoes a good toss to ensure they are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them. Cooking in batches may be necessary to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 10 minutes, then flip or toss the potatoes for even cooking. Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

Your air-fried potatoes are now ready to be served! Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for garnish, if desired. Enjoy the perfect combination of crispy exteriors and creamy, fluffy interiors.

What should you serve with air fryer potatoes?

Air fryer potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air fryer potatoes:

For a Weeknight Dinner

Pair air fryer potatoes with any simply cooked protein, such as chicken, salmon, or steak, and a green salad. You can also serve them with black bean burgers or veggie burgers.

As a Comforting Main Course

Turn baked air fryer potatoes into a hearty main dish by loading them with toppings. Try the classic combination of butter, salt, and pepper, or go for cool sour cream and chives. For a cheesy creation, top your potato with cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked gouda. If you're feeling adventurous, add avocado salsa and slow cooker Mexican shredded beef for a south-of-the-border twist.

For a Hearty Breakfast

Air fryer potatoes also make a great breakfast side dish. Serve them with chicken apple sausage and cheesy scrambled eggs. You can even top your potatoes with bacon and cheese for a scrumptious morning meal.

For Special Occasions

Include air fryer potatoes as part of a holiday menu alongside classic dishes like stuffing and green bean casserole. You can also set up a baked potato bar for game day, complete with meatballs, stuffed French bread pizza, and meatloaf muffins.

Soup's Best Friend

Air fryer potatoes pair well with a variety of soups. Try serving them with a bowl of butternut squash soup or broccoli cheddar soup for a comforting meal.

Egg-cellent Combination

For a quick and easy meal, throw some green beans on top of your air fryer potatoes and top it all off with a fried egg.

With their crispy exterior and fluffy interior, air fryer potatoes are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Get creative and enjoy your potatoes your way!

Frequently asked questions