Air-Fryer Baby Potatoes: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryers are a quick and convenient way to cook baby potatoes, with the added benefit of using less oil than traditional roasting methods. The small size of baby potatoes means they are perfect for air frying, as they cook quickly and evenly, resulting in a crispy exterior and a fluffy, tender interior. The versatility of baby potatoes means they can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices to create a simple yet flavorful side dish that pairs well with a range of main courses.

How do I cook baby potatoes in the air fryer?

How to season baby potatoes for the air fryer

To season baby potatoes for the air fryer, you can use a variety of herbs and spices. Here are some steps and tips to help you get started:

Choosing the Right Potatoes and Preparing Them:

Start by selecting the right type of baby potatoes. You can use gold potatoes, red baby potatoes, or even tri-color potatoes. These potatoes are known for their small size and delicious flavour. Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly before cutting them in half. This helps to remove any dirt or moisture that might affect the cooking process.

Seasoning Options:

For a classic and simple seasoning, you can use a combination of olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and rosemary. Mix these ingredients together with the halved potatoes in a large bowl, ensuring that the potatoes are evenly coated. You can also experiment with other herbs and spices, such as thyme, oregano, or sage or Italian seasoning. Additionally, you can add parmesan cheese or a drizzle of melted butter for an extra indulgent touch.

Cooking and Serving:

Once your potatoes are seasoned, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and arrange the potatoes in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Cook the potatoes for around 15 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing them halfway through. To check if they're done, pierce the potatoes with a fork; if they're easily poked through, they're ready! These seasoned baby potatoes make a great side dish and can be served with a variety of main courses, including meat or fish.

Feel free to experiment with different seasoning combinations to find your favourite flavours. You can also adjust the cooking time based on your preferred level of crispiness and doneness. Enjoy your delicious air-fried baby potatoes!

How long to cook baby potatoes in the air fryer

The cooking time for baby potatoes in an air fryer depends on the size of the potatoes and the model of the air fryer. Small raw baby potatoes will cook in an air fryer in 14 to 20 minutes. Larger potatoes will take a few minutes longer. If you are using an air fryer oven, it may take an extra 3 to 4 minutes to get them nice and fluffy on the inside.

Most recipes recommend cooking baby potatoes in the air fryer at 400°F/204°C for 15 minutes. You should shake the basket or toss the potatoes halfway through. If the potatoes are not done, continue cooking in 2-minute increments until they are easily pokeable with a fork.

If you are cooking halved baby potatoes, you should air fry them at 400°F for 18-22 minutes until fork-tender in the middle and golden brown on the outside. For oven models, rotate the racks halfway through cooking. For basket models, shake the basket halfway through.

What type of potatoes to use for air fryer baby potatoes

When it comes to choosing potatoes for your air fryer, you have a few options. Baby potatoes, also known as creamer potatoes, petite potatoes, or new potatoes, are a great choice for air frying as they cook up with a crispy skin while staying fluffy on the inside. You can use a variety of potato types, such as gold potatoes, baby red potatoes, or even tri-color baby potatoes. If you want to get creative, you can also use fingerlings, cut into thirds or smaller, or Russet potatoes cut into wedges. The key is to ensure that the potatoes are cut into similar sizes as halved baby potatoes so that they cook evenly in the air fryer.

It's important to note that you should avoid wrapping the potatoes in aluminum foil, as this will prevent them from getting crispy. The crispy skin is a beloved part of air-fried baby potatoes, so there's no need to peel them before cooking. In fact, leaving the skin on will add to the crispy texture of the potatoes.

When preparing your potatoes for the air fryer, make sure they are washed and fully dried before seasoning and cooking. This will help ensure that the oil and seasonings stick to the potatoes properly, resulting in a delicious crispy texture.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that air fryers may vary, so you may need to adjust the temperature and timing settings to achieve the perfect crispy baby potatoes. As a general guideline, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and cook the potatoes for 14 to 16 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

How to store leftover air fryer baby potatoes

Air fryer baby potatoes are a delicious and convenient dish to make, and they're even tasty as leftovers! Here's how to store leftover air fryer baby potatoes to ensure they stay fresh and tasty:

Storing Leftover Air Fryer Baby Potatoes:

Firstly, it's important to note that cooked baby potatoes should be stored in the fridge and can be kept for up to 3 to 7 days. It is recommended to store them in a airtight container. This will help keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out or absorbing other flavours in your fridge.

Reheating:

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover potatoes again, simply preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the desired amount of potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for approximately 3 to 4 minutes, or until they are heated through. You may want to add a sprinkle of salt to enhance their flavour.

Food Safety:

It's important to practice good food safety habits when storing and reheating leftover food. Always ensure your potatoes are properly cooled before placing them in the fridge. Additionally, when reheating, make sure the potatoes reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to kill any potential bacteria.

Freezing:

If you have a large batch of leftover potatoes and won't be consuming them within a week, you can also freeze them. Place the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and put them in the freezer until they are frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen potatoes to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 3 months.

Defrosting and Reheating Frozen Potatoes:

To defrost the frozen potatoes, simply move the desired portion to the fridge overnight to thaw. Once they are thawed, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they are heated through.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy delicious leftover air fryer baby potatoes multiple times throughout the week!

What to serve with air fryer baby potatoes

Air fryer baby potatoes make a great side dish and can be served with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas for what to serve with them:

Meat and Fish

Air fryer baby potatoes pair well with meat and fish. You can serve them with a juicy ribeye steak, a hearty meatloaf, or pork chops. They also go well with chicken, so you could include them as a side with your favourite chicken dish.

Breakfast

Baby potatoes cooked in an air fryer can be served as a breakfast side. They can be added to breakfast tacos or burritos.

Appetizers and Snacks

Air fryer baby potatoes can be served as an appetizer or snack. They can be paired with dips such as whipped feta.

Vegetables

Carrots are a good option to serve with air fryer baby potatoes, as they have a similar cooking time.

Other Sides

Air fryer baby potatoes can be served with other side dishes such as sour cream.

Garnishes like parsley, thyme, or rosemary can also be added to the potatoes for extra flavour and colour. A squeeze of lemon can also help to cut through the richness of the potatoes.

Frequently asked questions