Emilie Meyer
Air fryers have become a popular appliance for home cooks, and for good reason. They're easy to use, require minimal cleanup, and can cook a wide variety of foods, from bacon to stale croissants. One of the most popular dishes to make in an air fryer is roast potatoes, which come out crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The air fryer also requires less oil than traditional roasting methods, making it a healthier option. In this article, we'll explore the steps to make perfect roast potatoes in an air fryer, the types of potatoes that work best, and some seasoning suggestions to elevate your dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time | Ready in 20 minutes or less |
| Oil | Olive oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, duck fat |
| Temperature | 380°F (195°C) or 400°F (200°C) |
| Potatoes | Russets, Yukon Golds, red potatoes |
| Seasoning | Smoked paprika, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning |
| Crispy Skin | Leave the skin on for a crispier texture |
| Soaking | Soak in cold water to remove excess starch |
| Parboiling | Parboiling is optional |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right potatoes
When it comes to choosing the right potatoes for air frying, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to select potatoes that are uniform in size and free from eyes and blemishes. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture.
The type of potato you choose will also impact the final result. Starchier potatoes, such as russets (also known as Idaho potatoes), Yukon Golds, and red potatoes, tend to be better for air frying than waxy varieties. The higher starch content in these potatoes breaks down during cooking, creating a fluffy interior and a crispy exterior. Russets, in particular, are known for developing a satisfyingly crisp crust when roasted.
If you're looking for a deeper golden colour, red potatoes or Yukon Golds might be your best bet due to their higher sugar content. However, keep in mind that their lower starch content may result in a slightly softer crisp. On the other hand, if you prefer a paler golden colour, russet potatoes are the way to go.
To reduce the starchiness of your chosen potatoes, you can soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes before roasting, especially if you're using starchier varieties. This will help remove any excess starch, preventing the potatoes from browning too quickly and making them less likely to stick to the air fryer tray.
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Preparing the potatoes
Then, place the potatoes in a large bowl and toss them with oil and your choice of seasonings. You can use extra virgin olive oil, and season with smoked paprika, garlic powder or granules, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. You could also add Cajun seasoning, rosemary, thyme, or Parmesan cheese. Make sure the potatoes are well coated.
If you have time, you can parboil the potatoes before placing them in the air fryer. This is not necessary, but it can make them extra crispy. To parboil, boil the potatoes in an alkaline solution of half a teaspoon of baking soda to two quarts of water for five minutes, then drain. This helps break down the outer layer of the potatoes, creating a starchy slurry that coats the chunks of potato.
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Seasoning the potatoes
When it comes to seasoning your potatoes, the options are endless. You can use any combination of salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder or granules, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, shawarma seasoning, or stone house seasoning. For a more intense flavour, you can infuse the cooking oil with aromatics such as garlic, rosemary, or thyme.
If you want to add a cheesy twist to your potatoes, you can season them with Parmesan cheese. Alternatively, you can squeeze lemon juice over the cooked potatoes and garnish with parsley.
When choosing your potatoes, it is recommended to use russet potatoes, Yukon Golds, or red potatoes. These varieties are starchier and have a floury, low-moisture interior, which means they will crisp up nicely and develop fluffy insides. However, if you are using starchy potatoes, it is recommended to soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes before roasting to remove excess starch.
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Cooking the potatoes
Next, place the potatoes in the air fryer. It's recommended to use a shallow tray insert, but it's not necessary. Set the air fryer to cook at a temperature between 190°C and 200°C (some sources recommend 380°F or 400°F) for 10 minutes. Then, flip, toss, shake, or stir the potatoes and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until tender and crisp with a golden crust. If the potatoes are not crispy enough, you can cook them for another couple of minutes. Finally, sprinkle the potatoes with salt, thyme, or chopped parsley before serving.
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Storing and reheating the potatoes
Allow the potatoes to cool completely after cooking. Place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat the potatoes, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Place the desired amount of potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them for even heating. Reheat for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they are crispy and heated through.
You can also reheat the potatoes in a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and heat for 5 to 10 minutes, or until warmed through.
For a softer, less crispy texture, you can reheat the potatoes in a microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe dish and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals until they are heated through.
If you have leftover uncooked potatoes, you can store them in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days before cooking. Place them in an airtight container with a layer of paper towels to absorb any excess moisture.
Alternatively, you can freeze uncooked potatoes for later use. Cut them as desired and blanch them in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes. Then, cool them quickly in ice water and place them in freezer bags or containers. Frozen potatoes can be stored for up to 2 months.
When you're ready to cook the frozen potatoes, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C). Place the frozen potatoes in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for even cooking. Increase the cooking time by a few minutes, and cook until they are crispy and golden.
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Frequently asked questions
Starchier potatoes such as russets, Yukon golds, and red potatoes are great for roasting because they crisp up more easily and develop fluffy insides.
Cook your potatoes at between 380°F (195°C) and 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes, then flip and cook for another 10 minutes or until golden and tender.
First, peel and chop your potatoes into evenly-sized, bite-sized chunks. You can then parboil them in an alkaline solution of baking soda and water to create a starchy slurry that will help the potatoes develop a crunchy crust. After this, toss the potatoes in a bowl with oil and seasonings such as smoked paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Roast potatoes in an air fryer will take around 20 minutes to cook.
