Air-Fried Roast Potatoes: A Quick, Crispy Delight

Cooking roast potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious side dish. The air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and it can also be used to cook other types of potatoes, such as chips or wedges. To make roast potatoes in an air fryer, simply chop your potatoes into bite-sized chunks, toss them in olive oil and seasoning, and then air fry for around 20 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

How to prepare potatoes for air frying

Preparing potatoes for air frying is simple and only takes a few minutes. First, wash your potatoes, then chop them into bite-sized chunks. You can leave the skin on for a crispy texture and added nutrition. Next, place the potatoes in a bowl and toss them in olive oil and your choice of seasoning. You can also add Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, pepper and Parmesan cheese for extra flavour. Make sure the potatoes are fully coated in oil. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook at 400˚F for 10 minutes. After this, toss the potatoes in the basket and continue to cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until they are tender and crisp. If you are using starchy potatoes, it is a good idea to soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes before cooking to remove the excess starch.

How long to cook roast potatoes in an air fryer

Cooking roast potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. First, prepare your potatoes by washing them and chopping them into bite-sized chunks. You can peel the potatoes if you prefer, but leaving the skins on will make them crispier and more nutritious. Next, toss the potatoes in a bowl with olive oil and your choice of seasoning. You can add Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese if you like. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in an even layer and cook at 400˚F for 10 minutes. Then, toss the potatoes in the basket and continue cooking for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are tender and crisp. The total cooking time is around 18 to 20 minutes. If you are using starchy potatoes, it is recommended to soak them in cold water for 10 to 15 minutes before roasting to remove the extra starch. You can also preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes to achieve crispier potatoes.

Whether to peel potatoes before air frying

If you do choose to leave the skins on, make sure to give your potatoes a good wash before chopping them into bite-sized chunks. This will help to remove any dirt or residue. Aim for pieces that are about ½” to ¾” thick, or approximately 3-3.5cm.

On the other hand, if you prefer to peel your potatoes, simply use a vegetable peeler or a small, sharp knife to remove the skins before chopping. Again, rinse the potatoes under cold water to remove any excess starch, and then pat them dry with a clean tea towel or kitchen paper.

Regardless of whether you peel your potatoes or not, the cooking method remains the same. Drizzle your potatoes with oil and season generously, ensuring an even coating. Then, place them in the air fryer basket and cook at 400˚F for 18-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You may also want to preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes beforehand to achieve an even crispier result.

So, whether you choose to peel your potatoes or not, air fryer roast potatoes are a quick, easy, and delicious side dish that can be tailored to your personal preference.

Whether to preheat the air fryer

Preheating the air fryer is not necessary when cooking roast potatoes, but doing so for five minutes will make the potatoes crispier.

To cook roast potatoes in an air fryer, first wash and chop the potatoes into bite-sized chunks, leaving the skin on if desired. Then, place the potatoes in a bowl and toss them in olive oil and seasoning. Add the potatoes to the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 10 minutes. After this, toss the potatoes in the basket and continue to cook for 8-10 minutes, or until tender and crisp.

What type of potatoes to use for air frying

When it comes to choosing the right potatoes for air frying, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it's important to select the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are a great option as they crisp up beautifully, resulting in a pale golden colour and a soft, fluffy texture. Yukon Golds or yellow potatoes are also a popular choice for air frying as they achieve a deeper golden colour due to their lower starch and higher sugar content.

Another factor to consider is the size and shape of the potatoes. For even cooking, it's best to chop the potatoes into bite-sized chunks, roughly 1 to 1 1/4 inches in size. This ensures that the potatoes cook through evenly and achieve a crispy texture.

The preparation of the potatoes is also key. Before air frying, it's recommended to rinse the potatoes under cold water and pat them dry. This helps to remove any excess starch, which can affect the final texture. Some recipes also suggest soaking the potatoes in cold water for 10-15 minutes, especially if they are starchy varieties.

Additionally, seasoning plays an important role in enhancing the flavour of air-fried potatoes. Coating the potatoes in olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese can add a delicious depth of flavour. Alternatively, keeping it simple with just salt and pepper can also be tasty, especially if you plan to serve the potatoes with other strongly flavoured dishes.

Lastly, the cooking time and temperature will depend on your air fryer and the desired level of crispiness. Most recipes recommend cooking at around 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, followed by tossing or flipping the potatoes and cooking for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until they reach the desired level of crispness.

Frequently asked questions