Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryers have revolutionised the way we cook, and they are especially handy for making roast potatoes. The circulating air in an air fryer crisps the outsides of potatoes to a golden, crunchy texture while keeping the insides soft and tender. They are also healthier than deep-fried potatoes as they require less oil. Depending on the type of potato and the method used, air fryer roast potatoes can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes to cook.

Choosing the right potatoes

Potato Variety

The ideal potatoes for air frying are those that strike a balance between being waxy and starchy. While waxy potatoes hold their shape well, they may take longer to crisp up. On the other hand, starchy potatoes crisp up nicely but can lose their shape and fluff up in the centre. Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent choice as they fall right in the middle of this spectrum. They have a thin skin, a creamy centre, and just the right amount of waxiness and starchiness, making them perfect for roasting.

Size and Shape

When it comes to size, aim for potatoes that are uniformly sized and shaped. This ensures that they cook at the same rate, preventing a mix of overcooked and undercooked potatoes. If you end up with a variety of sizes, simply cut the larger ones into quarters and the smaller ones in half so they are all roughly the same size.

Freshness and Quality

Look for potatoes that are free from blemishes, eyes, and sprouts. They should have smooth, unblemished skin and feel firm to the touch. Avoid potatoes with green or black spots, which indicate the presence of solanine, a toxin that can be harmful if consumed in large amounts.

Storage

When storing potatoes, keep them in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area. Avoid exposing them to sunlight or storing them in the refrigerator, as this can affect their texture and taste.

Preparation

Before air frying, give the potatoes a thorough wash, especially if you plan to leave the skin on. Cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. You can also parboil the potatoes before air frying to help break down their surfaces and create a starchy slurry for added crispness.

Preparing the potatoes

The first step in making roast potatoes in an air fryer is to select the right type of potatoes. The best potatoes for roasting are Yukon Golds, red potatoes, and russet potatoes. However, you can use any type of potato for roasting.

Once you have selected your potatoes, the next step is to cut them into evenly sized pieces. If you are using baby potatoes, cut them in half. If they are tiny, you can just poke them with a fork to allow the steam to escape. If you are using larger potatoes, cut them into 1-inch pieces.

After cutting the potatoes, place them in a large bowl and toss them with extra-virgin olive oil, and your choice of seasonings. Make sure that the potatoes are well coated in oil and seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. You can also get creative with your seasonings and try things like ranch, taco, or Cajun spice.

Some recipes recommend steaming or parboiling the potatoes before placing them in the air fryer. This can help to reduce the cooking time and ensure that the potatoes are cooked through. However, it is not necessary, and you can achieve good results without this step.

If you are using starchy potatoes, it is recommended to soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes before roasting to remove the excess starch. Make sure to pat the potatoes dry before placing them in the air fryer, as they will steam instead of roast if they are too wet.

Finally, place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If your air fryer has a preheat setting, use it to preheat the device to 400°F. Cook the potatoes for 10 minutes, then flip or toss them and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

Air fryer settings

The ideal air fryer temperature for roasting potatoes is between 380°F and 400°F (190°C to 200°C). Depending on the model of your air fryer, you may need to preheat it for around 5 minutes to achieve the best results.

When it comes to cooking time, most sources recommend cooking potatoes in the air fryer for around 20 minutes in total. However, this can vary depending on the size of your potatoes and your desired level of crispness. It's a good idea to check on your potatoes periodically and adjust the cooking time as needed.

To ensure even cooking, cut your potatoes into evenly sized pieces before placing them in the air fryer. For optimal crispness, it's best to cook your potatoes in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If you're cooking a large batch, it's better to cook the potatoes in multiple batches.

Some air fryers come with accessories like shallow tray inserts, which can help you achieve a crispier result. Placing the potatoes in a shallow tray allows them to sit in the hot fat, creating a thicker skin of crunch. If you don't have a tray insert, you can still cook the potatoes directly in the air fryer basket, but they may not be as crunchy.

Cooking time

The cooking time for roasting potatoes in an air fryer varies depending on the type of potato, the size of the potato pieces, and the desired level of crispness. On average, it takes around 18 to 25 minutes to roast potatoes in an air fryer.

• Preparation: Before cooking, it is recommended to cut the potatoes into evenly-sized pieces, usually about 1-inch thick. Some recipes suggest steaming or parboiling the potatoes for a few minutes before placing them in the air fryer. This can help remove excess starch and ensure even cooking. It is also important to pat the potatoes dry after steaming or parboiling to prevent them from steaming instead of roasting in the air fryer.
• Seasoning: The cooking time also depends on the type of seasoning used. Most recipes suggest tossing the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and various seasonings such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, or Cajun seasoning. Make sure the potatoes are well-coated with oil and seasonings before placing them in the air fryer.
• Air Frying: For the cooking process, preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F (195-200°C). Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket or a shallow tray insert. Spread them into a single layer to ensure even cooking and crispness.
• Cooking Duration: For the first round of cooking, set the timer for 10 minutes. Then, remove the basket and give it a good shake or stir to toss the potatoes. Place the basket back and continue cooking for another 8 to 10 minutes. The total cooking time at this stage is around 18 to 20 minutes.
• Checking for Doneness: After the initial cooking time, check if the potatoes are fork-tender and crispy on the outside. If they need more time, cook in additional 5-minute intervals until they reach the desired level of doneness.
• Garnishing: Once the potatoes are cooked to your liking, sprinkle them with fresh herbs such as chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary for added flavor and presentation.

Remember that cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of your potato pieces. Always refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions and guidelines.

Seasoning

The fun part about making roasted potatoes in an air fryer is that you can get creative with the seasonings. You can stick to the basics with salt and pepper, or go all out with a variety of spices and herbs. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Italian Seasoning

A blend of Italian herbs such as basil, oregano, and rosemary can add a delicious Mediterranean flavour to your potatoes. You can also add some garlic powder to enhance the taste.

Cajun Spice

If you like a little kick in your food, Cajun seasoning is a great option. It adds a spicy and savoury flavour to your potatoes. You can adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your preference.

Greek Seasoning

For a Greek twist, combine garlic, onion, oregano, basil, dill, salt, and pepper. This blend of herbs and spices will transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean.

Ranch Seasoning

A packet of dry ranch seasoning can be added to your potatoes for a creamy and savoury flavour. Adjust the amount of seasoning to your taste preference.

Taco Seasoning

For a southwestern flair, add some taco seasoning to your potatoes. It will bring a blend of spices such as chilli powder, cumin, and paprika to your dish.

Chili Lime

A combination of ground cumin, chilli powder, garlic powder, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice will give your potatoes a tangy and spicy kick.

Lemon and Herb

The freshness of lemon paired with herbs like basil, oregano, or dill creates a bright and aromatic flavour for your potatoes. Squeeze the lemon juice over the potatoes just before serving to avoid making them soggy.

Bacon

For a savoury and smoky flavour, toss your potatoes with some cooked and crumbled bacon bits. The bacon adds a nice crispy texture as well.

Parsley

While not a seasoning per se, garnishing your roasted potatoes with some freshly chopped parsley adds a touch of colour and freshness to your dish. You can also try other herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to taste as you go and adjust the amounts to your preference. You can always start with a smaller amount and add more if needed. Happy roasting!

Frequently asked questions