Air Fryer Cubed Potatoes: How Long Until They're Done?

Air fryers are a game-changer when it comes to cooking potatoes, offering a healthier alternative to deep-frying with a crisp, golden exterior and fluffy interior. The cooking time for cubed potatoes in an air fryer varies from 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the model and desired crispiness. With minimal prep and a variety of seasonings, you can easily make delicious, crispy potatoes as a side dish or snack.

How to cut potatoes for the air fryer

Preparation

Before cutting your potatoes, it's important to wash them thoroughly. You can peel the potatoes if you prefer, but it's not necessary. Leaving the skin on can add to the crispiness of your potatoes.

Cutting

For air fryer potatoes, it's best to cut your potatoes into even-sized cubes. The ideal size is around 1/2-3/4 inch cubes, or roughly 2 cm. You don't need to be too precise, but try to keep the sizes as uniform as possible to ensure even cooking.

Soaking (Optional)

To achieve extra crispiness, you can soak your cubed potatoes in cold water for about 10 minutes to remove excess starch. Rinse them again in running water, then pat them dry with a clean towel before seasoning and cooking.

Seasoning

Add your diced potatoes to a large bowl and toss them with olive oil or avocado oil. You can also use an oil spray if you prefer. Then, add your desired seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, rosemary, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, or chilli powder. Don't be shy with the spices, and give the potatoes a good shake or toss to ensure an even coating.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). Place your seasoned potato cubes into the air fryer basket in a single layer, cooking in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for about 15-25 minutes, shaking the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even cooking and crispiness. Your potatoes are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Serving

Air fryer diced potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served with almost anything. They make a great side dish for meats like chicken, beef, or lamb, or they can be a tasty breakfast potato served with bacon, eggs, or added to burritos or kebab wraps. Get creative with your seasonings and serving options to find your favourite combinations!

How to season potatoes for the air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, giving them a crispy texture on the outside and a fluffy or tender inside. They are also a healthier alternative to deep frying, as less oil is required.

Preparing the Potatoes

First, cut your potatoes into cubes or slices, depending on the type of potato and the end result you want. You can peel the potatoes, but leaving the skin on will make them crispier. If you are using a type of potato with thin skin, such as fingerlings, baby potatoes, or new potatoes, it is best to leave the skin on for extra crispiness.

Once cut, you can soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to overnight. This will help remove the starch from the surface, allowing them to crisp up even more in the air fryer. Be sure to pat them dry before cooking!

Choosing Your Oil

You can use a variety of oils for air frying potatoes, including olive oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, or safflower oil. Oils with a high smoke point are recommended.

Seasoning Ideas

Now, for the fun part! There are endless possibilities when it comes to seasoning your potatoes for the air fryer. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Cajun seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Parsley
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Lemon juice
• Parmesan cheese
• Paprika
• Black pepper
• Dried rosemary
• Chili powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper

Simply toss the potatoes in a large bowl with your chosen oil and seasonings. You can also add some lemon juice and zest for a tangy kick.

Cooking Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket or liner, ensuring they are in a single layer. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy, and perfectly seasoned air fryer potatoes to enjoy as a side or snack.

How long to cook potatoes in the air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying, with less oil used and a crispier texture. The cooking time will depend on the type of potato and the size of the cubes, but generally, you're looking at around 15-25 minutes in the air fryer. Here's a more detailed guide:

Preparation

First, you'll want to peel and dice your potatoes into cubes of roughly the same size. This ensures even cooking. You can leave the skin on if you prefer, but peeled potatoes will give you a crispier texture. Soak the potatoes in cold water for 10 minutes to an hour to remove excess starch, then pat them dry with a clean towel.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). Add the potatoes to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Depending on your air fryer model, cook the potatoes for 15-25 minutes at 380°F (195°C). Shake the basket several times during cooking to ensure even browning.

Serving

Air fryer diced potatoes are a versatile side dish. They go well with meats such as chicken, beef, or lamb, and they're also great for breakfast, served with bacon and eggs. You can also add them to burritos or wraps, or enjoy them on their own with ketchup or mayonnaise.

Tips for Extra Crispiness

• Cut the potatoes into uniform cubes for even cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer before adding the potatoes.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• Use a small amount of olive oil or vegetable oil to coat the potatoes before cooking.
• Shake or toss the potatoes halfway through the cooking process.

Seasoning

You can experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste. A simple combination of olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper will give you delicious, crispy potatoes. You can also try adding Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, or fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, cook in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 390°F (200°C) to regain crispiness.

Potato Types

The best potatoes for air frying have a blend of waxy and floury characteristics. Yukon gold, russet, and red potatoes are all good options.

Spice Variations

• Lemon juice and oregano, with feta cheese sprinkled on top.
• Cajun spice seasoning with paprika.
• Mixed herbs and garlic powder, with Parmesan cheese.
• Italian seasoning with the juice of half a lemon.

There you have it! A comprehensive guide to cooking potatoes in your air fryer. Enjoy your crispy, tasty potatoes!

How to reheat potatoes in the air fryer

If you're looking to reheat potatoes in an air fryer, there are a few simple steps to follow. Firstly, it's important to note that the cooking time will depend on the type and amount of potatoes you're reheating, so you may need to adjust the timing accordingly. Here is a step-by-step guide:

How to Reheat Potatoes in an Air Fryer:

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to around 350-390°F (180°C). The ideal temperature may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model, so refer to the instructions if necessary.

Step 2: While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your leftover potatoes. If they are frozen, you don't need to thaw them first. Simply take them out of the freezer and proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with some space around each potato. This helps the hot air circulate effectively and promotes even cooking. Depending on the quantity of potatoes, you may need to cook them in batches.

Step 4: Reheat the potatoes for around 3-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as the exact time will depend on their size and the power of your air fryer. Shake the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even heating.

Step 5: Once the potatoes are crispy and heated through, they're ready to serve! You can serve them as a side dish or use them in other recipes, such as breakfast casseroles or burrito bowls.

Reheating potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and convenient way to enjoy leftover potatoes. They will regain their crispy texture, making them a tasty addition to various meals.

What type of potatoes to use in the air fryer

Air fryer potatoes are a quick, easy, and delicious way to cook potatoes. They are a great side dish for any meal and can be made with a variety of potatoes. Here are some tips on choosing the right potatoes for your air fryer.

Types of Potatoes

There are several types of potatoes that work well in an air fryer. Here are some of the most popular options:

• Yukon Gold: These potatoes have a naturally buttery flavor and will crisp up perfectly in the air fryer. They are a good choice for those who want a deeper golden color on their potatoes.
• Russets: Russet potatoes will air fry beautifully, giving you a pale golden color. Their insides will be soft, fluffy, and mild in flavor.
• Yellow Potatoes: Similar to Yukon Golds, yellow potatoes will turn a deeper golden color due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. Their crisp will be a tad softer, but their insides will be creamy and full of flavor.
• Reds: Red potatoes will turn an even darker golden brown due to their high sugar and low starch content. They will be crispy at first but will soften quickly. Their insides will be creamy and soft.
• Baby Potatoes or New Potatoes: These are regular potatoes that have been harvested early. They have a high sugar content and roast perfectly in the air fryer. They can be hard to find in stores as they are somewhat seasonal.

Tips for Choosing Potatoes

When selecting potatoes for your air fryer, look for ones that are uniform in size and free from eyes and blemishes. Try to find potatoes with thin skin, as this will help with crisping. You can also leave the skin on for added crispiness and nutrients. If you do peel your potatoes, be aware that they may over-crisp or burn more easily.

Seasoning and Serving

Once you've chosen your potatoes, the next step is to season and cook them. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. You can also get creative with your seasonings, adding things like smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, or a blend of cumin, chili powder, onion, and garlic powder for a Mexican twist.

Air fryer potatoes go well with many main dishes and can be served as a hearty side or in a breakfast taco or burrito. They are a versatile and delicious option for any meal!

Frequently asked questions