Air Fryer Hack: Fresh Cut Potatoes, Good Or Bad?

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, and you can use fresh potatoes in an air fryer. In fact, air-fried potatoes are a quick, easy, healthy, and delicious side dish that goes well with a variety of meals. The cooking time is also significantly reduced compared to oven-baked potatoes, and they come out crispier.

What type of potatoes should be used?

When it comes to choosing potatoes for your air fryer, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, look for potatoes that are uniform in size and free from eyes and blemishes. This will ensure even cooking and help you avoid overloading your air fryer.

In terms of potato varieties, there are three main categories to choose from: waxy, starchy, and all-purpose. Here's a breakdown of each type and their suitability for different recipes:

• Waxy potatoes: These potatoes have more resilient skins, which makes them ideal for recipes where you want to retain the shape and texture of the potato, such as roasted potatoes or potato salads. Examples include baby reds and fingerlings.
• Starchy potatoes: This type of potato is characterised by its fluffy texture when cooked. They are perfect for recipes where you want the potatoes to absorb other flavours, such as baked potatoes loaded with sour cream and butter. Russets are a common variety of starchy potatoes.
• All-purpose potatoes: As the name suggests, these potatoes are suitable for a wide range of recipes. They offer a good balance of texture and flavour absorption. Yukon Golds are a popular variety of all-purpose potatoes.

For air fryer recipes, it's generally recommended to use waxy or all-purpose potatoes. These varieties will hold their shape better during cooking and result in a crispier texture. However, starchy potatoes can also be used, especially if you're making French fries or wedges, as they will give you a softer, fluffier texture.

• Baby potatoes: These include varieties such as fingerlings, Yukon Golds, baby russets, and baby red potatoes. They have thinner skins, which makes them ideal for crisping.
• Red potatoes: These potatoes have a higher sugar and lower starch content, resulting in a darker golden-brown colour when roasted. They will be crispy coming out of the air fryer but will soften quickly.
• Yukon Golds 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 inside will be creamy and full of flavour.
• Russets: These potatoes will air fry beautifully, crisping up with a pale golden colour. Their insides will be soft and fluffy with a mild flavour.

So, when choosing potatoes for your air fryer, consider the variety that best suits your recipe and desired texture. Remember to look for potatoes that are uniform in size and always wash and dry them thoroughly before cooking!

How long should they be cooked for?

The cooking time for fresh cut potatoes in an air fryer depends on the type of potato and the size of the cut. For example, baby potatoes or new potatoes will take less time to cook than larger potatoes. Similarly, thinner cuts will cook faster than thicker ones.

On average, air fryer potatoes are cooked at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 25 minutes. Some recipes suggest cooking at this temperature for 10 minutes, tossing the potatoes, and then cooking for another 8 to 10 minutes. This ensures even browning and cooking.

It is important to note that not all air fryers are created equal, and cooking times may vary depending on the model. Therefore, it is always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's manual for specific temperatures and timings. Additionally, if your air fryer requires preheating, make sure to factor that into the total cooking time.

When cooking fresh cut potatoes in an air fryer, it is recommended to cut them into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. This way, you can avoid having some pieces overcooked or undercooked. It is also suggested to leave the potato skins on, as they crisp up nicely in the air fryer, adding to the texture and taste.

In summary, the cooking time for fresh cut potatoes in an air fryer can range from 15 to 25 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, depending on the type of potato, the size of the cuts, and the specific air fryer model. For the best results, refer to your air fryer's manual and adjust the cooking time as needed.

What temperature should the air fryer be set to?

The optimal temperature for cooking fresh-cut potatoes in an air fryer is between 380 °F and 400 °F.

Sources recommend cooking potatoes in an air fryer for around 10 to 20 minutes at 400 °F. This temperature setting will give you crispy potatoes with a fluffy, soft, or creamy inside.

If you are cooking French fries, you might want to set the air fryer to 380 °F and cook them for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You can also cook them at 400 °F for 20 to 30 minutes.

For diced potatoes, you can cook them at 400 °F for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

It's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so it's a good idea to check the potatoes regularly to ensure they don't overcook or burn.

How to cut the potatoes?

When preparing potatoes for an air fryer, it is important to cut them into similar sizes so that they cook evenly. You can cut the potatoes into bite-sized chunks, about 1/4"-3/4" thick slices or cubes. If you are using baby potatoes, halve or quarter them. If you are using larger potatoes, cut them into slightly larger chunks or slices. You can peel the potatoes if you like, but leaving the skin on adds nutrients and crispiness.

To get the potatoes ready for the air fryer, toss them in a large bowl with olive oil and your desired spices and seasonings. You can use a spoon, but using your hands may help to get them as evenly coated as possible.

Some common spices and seasonings used for air fryer potatoes include:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Dried rosemary
• Parmesan cheese
• Lemon juice

What to serve with air fryer potatoes?

Air fryer potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Main Courses

Air fryer potatoes make a great side dish for burgers, sandwiches, grilled meats, or black bean burgers. They also pair well with proteins such as chicken, salmon, or steak. For a vegetarian option, serve them with a bowl of butternut squash soup or broccoli cheddar soup. If you're feeling creative, try making Swedish meatballs or salmon to go with your potatoes.

Breakfast

Believe it or not, air fryer potatoes can also be a breakfast food! Serve them with chicken apple sausage and cheesy scrambled eggs for a filling morning meal.

Appetizers and Snacks

If you're looking for something to serve as an appetizer or snack, air fryer potatoes are a great base for various toppings. Try loading them up with butter, salt, and pepper, or get creative with cool sour cream and chives. For a cheesy creation, sprinkle on some cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked gouda.

Holiday and Special Occasions

Air fryer potatoes are a fantastic addition to your holiday menu. Serve them with classic dishes like stuffing and green bean casserole, or set up a baked potato bar for game day, complete with toppings and sides like meatballs, stuffed French bread pizza, and meatloaf muffins.

Potato Toppings and Variations

For a south-of-the-border twist, top your air fryer potatoes with avocado salsa and slow cooker Mexican shredded beef. You can also turn them into a main dish by adding a spoonful of Bloody Mary chili, then topping with cheese and sour cream. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different seasonings like Cajun spices, Mexican blends (cumin, chili powder, onion, and garlic powder), or Greek spices (garlic, onion, oregano, basil, dill, salt, and pepper).

With their versatility and quick cooking time, air fryer potatoes are a fantastic option for a weeknight side dish or a special occasion.

Frequently asked questions