Air Fryer Raw Potato: Can You Turn It Up?

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying, and they can cook a wide variety of foods. You can cook raw potatoes in an air fryer, and they will come out with a similar flavor and texture to deep-fried potatoes. Air-fried potatoes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They are also much quicker to cook than oven-baked potatoes, usually taking less than 30 minutes.

What types of potatoes are best for the air fryer?

Yes, you can cook raw potatoes in an air fryer. In fact, air-fried potatoes are a healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes, as they use less oil. The circulating air in the air fryer crisps the outsides of the potatoes, while the insides remain soft, tender, and flavourful.

Now, onto the types of potatoes that are best for the air fryer.

Russets

Russet potatoes will air fry beautifully. They will crisp up with a pale golden colour and have soft, fluffy insides with a mild flavour.

Yukon Golds or Yellow Potatoes

These are a favourite for air frying because they crisp up perfectly but also turn a deeper golden colour due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. 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 air fryer but will soften quickly. Their insides will be creamy and soft.

Baby Potatoes or New Potatoes

These are potatoes that have been harvested before they are fully grown, so they have thinner skin, which is great for achieving a crispy texture. Varieties include fingerlings, Yukon golds, baby russets, and baby red potatoes.

Tips for Air Frying Potatoes

• Leave the skin on for added crispiness and nutrients.
• Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer for maximum crispiness.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to avoid steaming instead of crisping the potatoes.
• Turn the potatoes halfway through cooking for even browning.
• Know your air fryer and adjust timings and temperatures according to the make and model.

How long do you cook potatoes in an air fryer?

Yes, you can cook raw 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.

For example, baby potatoes, also known as new potatoes, will take around 10 minutes to cook in an air fryer. You can also use larger potatoes, such as Yukon Golds, cut into 3/4-inch chunks, which will take around 15-20 minutes to cook. Red potatoes, russets, and yellow potatoes are also good options for air frying.

When preparing potatoes for air frying, it is recommended to cut them into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. You can cut them into wedges, cubes, or slices. It is also important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and to preheat the air fryer before adding the potatoes.

• Cut the potatoes into the desired shape and size.
• Toss the potatoes with olive oil and your desired seasonings. Some popular seasonings include garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between each potato.
• Air fry at a temperature between 360-400°F for 10-20 minutes, depending on the size and type of potato. Shake the basket or toss the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• The potatoes are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender and fluffy on the inside. You can use a fork to check if they are done.

How do you prepare potatoes for air frying?

Air-fried potatoes are a great, healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes. They have a crispy texture and a fluffy inside without the high fat or calories. Here's how to prepare potatoes for air frying:

Choosing the Right Potatoes

First, choose the right type of potatoes. Yukon Golds, baby potatoes, red potatoes, fingerlings, and russet potatoes all work well. Look for potatoes that are similar in size and free from eyes and blemishes. If you're using baby potatoes, you don't need to peel them as their thinner skin is great for crisping. For other types of potatoes, you can choose to peel them or leave the skin on. The skin will give a delicious crispy bite, but leaving it on may result in a higher amount of solanine, which is not removed by cooking or frying.

Cutting the Potatoes

Cut the potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces. For baby potatoes, cut them in half. If they are very small, you can simply poke them with a fork to allow steam to escape. For larger potatoes, cut them into 1-inch pieces. Try to cut the potatoes into similar sizes so that they cook evenly.

Seasoning the Potatoes

In a large bowl, toss the potato pieces with olive oil and your desired seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings such as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, paprika, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the potatoes are well coated with the oil and seasonings. You can also add a squeeze of lemon over the potatoes before serving, but be sure to do this right before serving to avoid sogginess.

Arranging the Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket as this may create a steaming effect instead of crisping the potatoes. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches.

Cooking the Potatoes

Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F. Cook the potatoes for about 10 minutes, then pull out the basket and give it a shake or a stir. Cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. You can check if they are done by piercing them with a fork, which should go through easily.

Serving the Potatoes

Air-fried potatoes make a great side dish for any meal. You can serve them as they are or with a dip. They can also be added to breakfast tacos or burritos, or served with steak or chicken dinners.

What oil is best for air frying potatoes?

Yes, you can cook raw potatoes in an air fryer.

Now, to answer your question about the best oil for air frying potatoes, it is recommended to use oils with a high smoke point, such as olive oil, canola oil, or avocado oil. These oils can withstand the high temperatures of air frying without burning or smoking.

Olive oil is a popular choice for air frying potatoes as it adds flavour and helps the spices adhere to the potatoes. It also results in a crispy texture on the outside, while keeping the inside tender. Avocado oil can be used as a substitute, or any other vegetable oil of your preference.

When using olive oil, it is important to note that its smoke point is around 410°F (210°C). Therefore, it is recommended to keep the temperature of your air fryer below this point to avoid the oil burning or smoking.

The amount of oil used will depend on your preference. You can get crispy results with less oil than you would use for deep frying. Using about a tablespoon of oil will help the potatoes achieve a golden colour and a melt-in-your-mouth texture. You can experiment with the amount to find your desired level of crispiness.

What seasonings work well with air fryer potatoes?

Air fryer potatoes are a great healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes. They are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and they cook in less time. The high, dry heat and light coating of olive oil help to crisp up the potatoes.

There are many seasonings that work well with air fryer potatoes. Here are some ideas:

• Salt and pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cajun seasoning
• Lemon juice
• Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme or rosemary
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Ranch seasoning
• Taco seasoning
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Oregano
• Basil
• Dill
• Parmesan cheese
• Bacon

You can also experiment with different combinations of spices and herbs to find your favourite flavour profile.

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