Roasted Red Potatoes: Air Fryer Magic

Air fryers are a convenient and quick way to make roasted red potatoes. The circulating air of an air fryer makes the potatoes soft and tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes as they require less oil and still produce an ultra-crispy, golden texture. The potatoes are seasoned with olive oil, rosemary, salt, pepper, garlic, and sometimes parmesan cheese. The cooking time is usually between 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the air fryer model.

How to make roasted red potatoes in the air fryer

Ingredients:

• Red potatoes (baby or regular)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic (freshly minced) or powder
• Spices/seasonings of your choice (e.g. Italian seasoning, paprika, rosemary, thyme)
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Method:

• Cut the red potatoes into halves or quarters, aiming for uniform pieces that are about 1 inch in size.
• In a medium-sized bowl, combine the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and your choice of spices/seasonings. Toss well to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. If needed, cook in batches.
• Set the air fryer to 380-400°F and cook for 10 minutes.
• Flip or toss the potatoes and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until they are tender and crispy.
• Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or rosemary (optional).
• Serve immediately as a side dish or appetizer.

Tips:

• Soaking starchy potatoes in cold water for 10-15 minutes before roasting can help remove excess starch and improve crispness. Make sure to pat the potatoes dry before adding oil and seasonings.
• Preheating the air fryer for 5 minutes can result in crispier potatoes.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Toss or flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking process to ensure even roasting.
• For maximum crispiness, serve the potatoes immediately after cooking.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• To reheat, place the potatoes in the air fryer at 350-400°F for 5-7 minutes or until warmed through.

What ingredients you need to make roasted red potatoes in the air fryer

Making roasted red potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a tasty side dish. The circulating air of the air fryer makes the potatoes soft and tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.

• Red potatoes: You can use regular-sized red potatoes or baby red potatoes. Cut them into uniform pieces, about 1 inch wide.
• Oil: Olive oil is a good option as it helps the potatoes crisp up and also allows the herbs and seasonings to stick to the potatoes. You only need enough oil to coat the potatoes lightly.
• Seasonings: You can use a variety of seasonings to flavour the potatoes. Some options include Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also add Parmesan cheese for extra flavour.
• Fresh herbs: You can use fresh herbs like rosemary, parsley, or chives to garnish the potatoes and add extra flavour.

Once you have your ingredients, simply toss the potatoes with the oil and seasonings, place them in the air fryer basket, and cook at 380-400°F for 10-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. And that's it! Your delicious roasted red potatoes are ready to be served.

Step-by-step instructions for making roasted red potatoes in the air fryer

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For roasted red potatoes, you will need red potatoes, olive oil, and your choice of seasonings. Common seasoning choices include salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and rosemary. You can also add Parmesan cheese for extra flavour.

Next, prepare the potatoes. Wash the potatoes thoroughly, especially if you plan to leave the skin on. Cut the potatoes into evenly-sized pieces, about 1 inch wide. For baby red potatoes, this may involve halving or quartering them, while larger potatoes will need to be cut into eighths.

Now, it's time to season the potatoes. In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil and your desired seasonings. Make sure the potatoes are well coated. If using starchy potatoes, you can soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes before roasting to reduce excess starch. Be sure to pat the potatoes dry before placing them in the air fryer.

Place the seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (or 380°F, depending on your recipe). Cook the potatoes for about 10 minutes, then remove the basket and give it a shake or stir. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 8-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and tender.

Finally, serve the potatoes. For a special touch, you can squeeze a little lemon juice over the potatoes and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary. Enjoy your delicious, crispy roasted red potatoes!

Tips for making the perfect roasted red potatoes in the air fryer

Choosing the right potatoes

Firstly, it's important to select the right type of potatoes. Red potatoes are a great option as they have a thin skin, which is perfect for crisping. You can also use baby red potatoes, which are simply halved or quartered. If you're using larger red potatoes, cut them into at least eighths. Other types of potatoes that work well in the air fryer include Yukon Gold, yellow potatoes, and russet potatoes.

Preparing the potatoes

Once you've chosen your potatoes, give them a good wash to remove any bacteria and debris. Then, cut them into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. For baby potatoes, you can simply poke them with a fork to allow steam to escape. If you're using larger potatoes, cut them into 1-inch pieces.

Seasoning the potatoes

To add flavour to your potatoes, toss them with olive oil, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can also get creative with your seasonings and use Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, or even a blend of cumin, chili powder, onion, and garlic powder for a Mexican-inspired twist. Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and herbs to find your perfect combination.

Cooking the potatoes

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer. Cook for 10 minutes, then shake the basket or stir the potatoes. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and tender.

Serving the potatoes

These crispy roasted red potatoes make a great side dish for any meal. Serve them with steak, chicken, or your favourite dipping sauce. You can also add them to breakfast tacos or a breakfast burrito. They are best served fresh, but if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Serving suggestions for roasted red potatoes

Air fryer roasted red potatoes make a great side dish for any meal, any time of the day. Here are some serving suggestions:

Breakfast

Add these crispy potatoes to your breakfast plate, or include them in breakfast tacos or a breakfast burrito.

Appetizers

Serve the potatoes with a dip as an appetizer or game-day snack. Some dip suggestions include ranch dressing, yum yum sauce, lime crema, or guacamole.

Mains

Air fryer roasted red potatoes are a great side for a variety of mains, including:

• Steak
• Chicken dinners
• Air fryer ribeye
• Roasted chicken
• Salmon
• Swedish meatballs
• Prime rib
• Baked chicken kabobs
• Air fried cornish hens
• Beef dishes, such as reverse seared tenderloin or pot roast

Other Sides

If you're making a spread of sides, air fryer roasted red potatoes go well with:

• Cheesy scalloped potatoes
• Smothered potatoes
• Instant pot buttered potatoes
• Air fryer baby potatoes
• Parmesan herb air fryer sweet potatoes

Frequently asked questions