How To Soften Potatoes In An Air Fryer

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, and for good reason. They are easy to use, make healthy and tasty food, and keep cleanup to a minimum. One of the best things to cook in an air fryer is potatoes. They come out crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside. The circulating air in the air fryer crisps the outsides of the potatoes to a perfect golden crust while keeping the insides soft, making them a great side dish for any meal.

The best types of potatoes for air frying

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, giving them a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. The circulating air in an air fryer crisps the outsides of potatoes with a golden crust, while keeping the insides soft and tender.

When choosing potatoes for air frying, there are several types that work particularly well:

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are a great choice for air frying. They crisp up beautifully with a pale golden colour, and their insides become soft and fluffy with a mild flavour.

Yukon Gold or Yellow Potatoes

These potatoes are a favourite for air frying because they crisp up perfectly and turn a deeper golden colour due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. The crisp may be slightly softer than a Russet, but their insides will be creamy and full of flavour.

Red Potatoes

Red potatoes will turn 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. Their insides will be creamy and soft.

Baby Potatoes or New Potatoes

Baby potatoes or "new" potatoes are not a specific variety but rather regular potatoes that have been harvested early. They have thinner skins, which is ideal for crisping, and a high sugar content, making them perfect for air frying. They can be hard to find in grocery stores as they are somewhat seasonal, but they are usually a favourite when available.

White Potatoes

White potatoes are another good option for air frying, as they have a white or yellow skin. They are a good source of vitamin C and potassium, and their skins are packed with nutrients.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a nutritious alternative, offering higher levels of vitamin A, calcium and fibre than white potatoes. They are also delicious when air-fried, especially with a sprinkle of sea salt.

In general, when choosing potatoes for air frying, look for those that are uniform in size and free from eyes and blemishes. It is also important to wash them thoroughly, especially if you plan to leave the skins on for added nutrients and crispiness.

With these types of potatoes and a good air fryer, you're well on your way to creating delicious, crispy, and tender potatoes as a side dish or snack!

How to prepare potatoes for air frying

Preparing potatoes for air frying is a simple process. First, select the type of potato you want to use. Baby potatoes, such as fingerlings, Yukon golds, baby russets, and baby red potatoes, are great options as they have thinner skin, which is perfect for achieving a crispy texture. If you can't find baby potatoes, you can use larger Yukon Gold or other yellow potatoes cut into 3/4-inch chunks. It is recommended to avoid russet potatoes for this recipe as they are starchier and better suited for making air fryer French fries.

Once you have your potatoes, give them a good scrub and pat them dry. You don't need to peel them as the skins will add a nice crispy texture to your dish. Next, cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces. This will ensure that they cook at a similar rate. For baby potatoes, halve or quarter them, while for larger potatoes, cut them into 3/4-inch chunks.

Now it's time to season your potatoes. Place them in a large bowl and toss them with extra-virgin olive oil, which will help with browning and softening. For seasoning, you can use garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. You can also add some freshly chopped parsley for a burst of fresh flavor. If you want to get creative, try other seasonings like smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, or Cajun seasoning.

After your potatoes are seasoned, it's time to arrange them in the air fryer. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, 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. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the potatoes for about 10 minutes. Then, pull out the basket, give it a shake or stir, and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy, and tender air-fried potatoes that can be served as a side dish or enjoyed on their own.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature for cooking potatoes in an air fryer is 400°F. This temperature will ensure that the potatoes are cooked through, with a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy, or creamy interior.

The timing will depend on the type of potato and the size of the pieces. For example, halved or quartered baby potatoes will take around 15-20 minutes at 400°F. Larger potatoes, such as Yukon Gold, cut into 3/4-inch chunks, may take a little longer, around 20-30 minutes. It is important to cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

When cooking potatoes in an air fryer, it is best to cook them in a single layer, leaving a little space between each potato to allow for even browning and to prevent steaming. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in multiple batches.

For best results, preheat the air fryer to 400°F before adding the potatoes. Additionally, it is recommended to flip or toss the potatoes halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.

Some recipes suggest boiling or par-cooking the potatoes before placing them in the air fryer, especially if you are aiming for a crispy exterior. However, this is not necessary, as the air fryer will cook the potatoes through, and boiling may add an extra step to the process.

The ideal timing for air-fried potatoes is when they are golden and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. This usually takes around 15-20 minutes, depending on the type and size of the potatoes.

It is worth noting that air fryers can vary, so it is important to refer to your air fryer's manual for specific temperature and timing recommendations.

Seasoning and flavour combinations

The great thing about potatoes is that they are a blank canvas for flavour combinations. You can keep it simple with salt and pepper, or go bold with a spice blend. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Italian

A classic combination of Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can also add Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for extra flavour and colour.

Greek

Go Mediterranean with a blend of garlic, onion, oregano, basil, dill, salt, and pepper. These flavours will transport you to the Greek islands.

Mexican

Spice things up with a Mexican blend of cumin, chilli powder, onion, and garlic powder. These potatoes will be the perfect sidekick to any Mexican main course.

Ranch

Use a packet of ranch seasoning or make your own blend. These potatoes will be tangy and savoury.

Smoky

For a smoky flavour, replace the Italian seasoning with smoked paprika. This will give your potatoes a deep, rich flavour.

Spicy

If you like it hot, replace the Italian seasoning with chilli powder, taco seasoning, or Cajun seasoning. Your potatoes will have a kick!

Cheesy

Who doesn't love cheese? Toss your potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese before serving. You can also try other types of cheese, such as cheddar or Gruyere.

Tangy

For a tangy twist, drizzle your potatoes with Italian dressing. This will add a punch of flavour to your spuds.

Lemon and Herb

Add a squeeze of lemon juice and some fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary. This combination is refreshing and bright.

Sea Salt and Vinegar

For a classic chip shop flavour, sprinkle your potatoes with flakey sea salt and drizzle with white vinegar. These potatoes will be addictive!

Crispy Onion

Top your potatoes with caramelised or crispy onions. The sweet and savoury onions will take your potatoes to the next level.

Sour Cream and Chive

For a creamy and tangy flavour, top your potatoes with sour cream and chives. This combination is always a crowd-pleaser.

Garlic and Herb

A simple yet classic combination of garlic and herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives. This will give your potatoes a savoury kick.

How to store and reheat air-fried potatoes

Air-fried potatoes are a delicious and convenient side dish, and they're even tasty as leftovers! Here's how to store and reheat them to perfection:

Storing Air-Fried Potatoes:

It is best to store your leftover air-fried potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days. If you don't plan on eating them within that time frame, you can freeze them for up to 6-8 months.

Reheating Air-Fried Potatoes in an Air Fryer:

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover potatoes, the air fryer is the best option to retain their crispy texture. Here's how to do it:

• Preheat your air fryer to 370°F to 400°F.
• Place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. Make sure they have some space around them for proper air circulation.
• Reheat for 3-5 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes.
• Check the potatoes and give them a shake or a toss.
• Continue reheating for another 2-5 minutes, or until they are warmed through and crispy.

Alternative Reheating Methods:

If you don't have access to an air fryer, you can also reheat your potatoes in the oven or on the stovetop:

Reheating Air-Fried Potatoes in the Oven:

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

Reheating Air-Fried Potatoes on the Stovetop:

• Heat a tablespoon of butter or olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat.
• Add the potatoes to the skillet 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 for an additional 3 minutes, undisturbed, to restore some crispiness.

Frequently asked questions