Air-Fried Baby Potatoes: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

how do you cook baby potatoes in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook baby potatoes, and they're so versatile that they can be paired with almost any meal. They're also a quick and easy way to cook potatoes, taking less than half the time it would take to roast them in an oven. The key to getting them crispy is to ensure they're in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and to shake the basket or toss the potatoes halfway through cooking.

How to cook baby potatoes in an air fryer

Characteristics Values
Temperature 400°F/204°C
Timing 12-25 minutes
Potato type Baby potatoes (red, gold, tri-color, purple, yellow)
Potato size Halved or quartered
Potato preparation Rinse, dry, leave the skin on
Oil Olive oil, butter
Seasoning Garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, rosemary, salt, pepper, parsley, thyme, oregano, sage, Parmesan cheese
Cooking method Preheat the air fryer, place potatoes in a single layer, shake the basket halfway through
Serving suggestions Meat, fish, steak, chicken, seafood

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Preparation and seasoning

First, select your baby potatoes. You can use any variety of baby potatoes, such as yellow, red, gold, or tri-color. You can also use larger potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or Russet, but cut them into smaller, evenly sized pieces, so they cook at a similar rate to baby potatoes.

Next, rinse the potatoes and dry them off with a paper towel. It is important to remove any moisture from the potatoes before adding oil and seasonings, as this will ensure the oil sticks to the potatoes and they become crispy.

Now, it's time to season your potatoes. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle olive oil over them. Toss the potatoes until they are well coated in oil. Then, add your desired seasonings and toss again to combine. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add fresh or dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, or parsley. If you want a cheesier flavor, you can add grated Parmesan or pecorino romano.

Finally, transfer the seasoned potatoes to the air fryer. Place them in a single layer, leaving a little space between each potato, to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy. If you are using an oven model air fryer, you may need to arrange them on two racks. If using a basket model, you may need to cook in batches.

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Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for baby potatoes in an air fryer depend on the size of the potatoes and the model of the air fryer. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400°F/204°C. For smaller potatoes, cooking time ranges from 10 to 15 minutes. For larger potatoes, the cooking time can be up to 20 minutes or more.

It is important to shake or flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning. If the potatoes are not done after the initial cooking time, continue cooking in 2-minute increments until they are easily poke-able with a fork.

For oven-model air fryers, it is recommended to rotate the racks halfway through cooking. For basket-model air fryers, shake the basket halfway through. It is also important to ensure that the potatoes are in a single layer in the air fryer to allow hot air to circulate and promote even cooking and browning.

The cooking time may vary depending on the specific air fryer, as some may run hotter or cooler than others. It is recommended to adjust the cooking time as needed and use a fork to check if the potatoes are done before removing them from the air fryer.

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How to get crispy potatoes

Air fryer baby potatoes are a quick and easy recipe, making a perfect side dish to go with your meal. They are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.

Ingredients

  • Baby potatoes (red, gold, purple, or yellow)
  • Olive oil
  • Fresh rosemary
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Method

  • Wash the potatoes and pat them dry.
  • Cut the potatoes in half or quarter them, depending on their size.
  • Place the potatoes in a large bowl and add the olive oil, rosemary, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated.
  • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil and place the potatoes inside, ensuring they are in a single layer with space around each one.
  • Set the air fryer to 400°F/204°C and cook for 15 minutes. Smaller potatoes will take around 12-14 minutes, while larger ones may take a few minutes longer.
  • Shake or toss the potatoes halfway through the cooking time.
  • Test the potatoes with a fork. If they are tender inside and crispy outside, they are done. If not, cook for another 2 minutes and check again.
  • Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and serve with your favourite meat or fish.

Tips

  • You can add other herbs or grated parmesan cheese to the potatoes before cooking for extra flavour.
  • Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the potatoes in batches if necessary.
  • Preheat the air fryer for maximum crispiness.

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Reheating and storing

Leftover baby potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 to 7 days. To reheat them, use an air fryer to get them crispy again. Place the leftover baby potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for approximately 3 to 4 minutes until heated thoroughly. You may need to add a little more salt to the potatoes to recreate the same flavor as the first day.

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What to serve with air-fried baby potatoes

Air-fried baby potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served with a wide range of dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Main Course Options:

  • Meat: Air-fried baby potatoes make a great side dish for meat-based mains. They pair well with steak, including filet mignon or ribeye, and can also accompany a hearty meatloaf.
  • Chicken: These potatoes can be served as a side to complement a variety of chicken dishes.
  • Seafood: The potatoes' versatility extends to seafood as well. They can be a tasty side for a light seafood meal.

Breakfast Ideas:

Breakfast Tacos or Burritos: Air-fried baby potatoes can be a tasty addition to breakfast tacos or burritos, providing a hearty start to your day.

Appetizers and Snacks:

  • Dips: Pair the potatoes with dips such as whipped feta or tzatziki for a delicious appetizer. You can also serve them with sauces like tahini.
  • Cheese: Top the potatoes with grated cheese, such as Parmesan or pecorino romano, for an extra indulgent touch.

Side Dish Suggestions:

  • Vegetables: Air-fried baby potatoes can be served alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad to round out your meal.
  • Herbs: Garnish the potatoes with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary to enhance their flavour and presentation.

Remember, air-fried baby potatoes are a versatile side dish that can complement a variety of main courses, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations!

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