Air Fryer Potatoes: How Long To Fry Raw Potatoes?

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying, as they use hot air to create the crispy texture of fried food without the excess oil. You can cook almost anything in an air fryer, from potatoes to vegetables and meat. The time it takes to cook raw potatoes in an air fryer depends on the type of potato and the style in which they are cut. For example, thin potato slices for homemade chips will take 20-30 minutes, whereas chunks of potato for a side dish will take 10-20 minutes.

How to prepare raw potatoes for air frying

Air fryers are a healthier way of cooking potatoes, as they require less oil than traditional frying methods. The hot air creates a crispy texture and tasty results in a fraction of the time.

Step 1: Choosing and Preparing the Potatoes

First, select your potatoes. You can use almost any type of potato in the air fryer, including sweet potatoes, Russets, Yukon Golds, baby potatoes, and red potatoes. Give them a good scrub to remove any residual dirt, and then dry them with a paper towel. If you have time, it is best to do this step at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow the potatoes to dry thoroughly.

Step 2: Soaking the Potatoes (Optional)

Although not necessary, soaking the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to overnight can help remove starch from the surface, resulting in crispier potatoes. Be sure to pat them dry before proceeding to the next step.

Step 3: Cutting the Potatoes

Cut the potatoes into your desired shape and size. For even cooking, it is important to cut the potatoes into similar-sized pieces. For baked potatoes, cut them into 1-inch pieces. For French fries, cut them into matchsticks, and for potato chips, slice them into thin rounds.

Step 4: Seasoning the Potatoes

Place the potatoes in a large bowl and toss them with your desired seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings like olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also experiment with different combinations, such as Cajun seasoning, chili powder, or taco seasoning.

Step 5: Arranging the Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in multiple batches.

Step 6: Cooking the Potatoes

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, which can range from 360°F to 400°F. The cooking time will depend on the type of potato and the desired level of doneness, but it typically takes around 10 to 20 minutes for the potatoes to become tender and golden. Be sure to shake the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even browning.

Step 7: Serving the Potatoes

Air fryer potatoes make a delicious and versatile side dish. They can be served with a variety of main courses, including steak, chicken, black bean burgers, or veggie burgers. Get creative with your toppings and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy!

How long to air fry raw potatoes

Air-fried potatoes are a quick and easy way to get crispy, fluffy potatoes without the need for deep frying. The length of time it takes to air fry raw potatoes will depend on the type of potato and the style of potato dish you are making.

Air Frying Potato Chips/Fries

If you are making potato chips or French fries, you will first need to cut your potatoes into thin rounds or matchsticks. It is recommended that you soak the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water for 1-2 hours to remove the starch and achieve a crispier texture. Once you have drained and dried the potatoes, you can add them to a bowl and drizzle with vegetable oil (about 1 teaspoon per potato) and a pinch of salt.

Add the fries to your air fryer, spreading them out in a single layer, and cook for 15-20 minutes until crispy, shaking the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even cooking.

Air Frying Baked Potatoes

To air fry baked potatoes, you will need to preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Rub the potatoes with a little vegetable oil and sprinkle with salt. Place the potatoes in the air fryer in a single layer and cook for 30-45 minutes, or until they are fork-tender, turning them over once during cooking to ensure even cooking.

Air Frying Roasted Potatoes

For roasted potatoes, you will need to cut your potatoes into bite-sized chunks, leaving the skin on for extra crispiness. Toss the potato chunks in olive oil and your desired seasonings, then place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure the potatoes aren't touching.

Cook the potatoes at 400°F for 10 minutes, then remove the basket and shake or stir. Return the potatoes to the air fryer and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden and tender.

Tips for Perfect Air-Fried Potatoes

• Soaking potatoes in cold water before cooking helps to remove starch and achieve a crispier texture.
• Pat potatoes dry before cooking to ensure even cooking and prevent sogginess.
• Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This will help ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Leave a little space between potatoes in the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate and promote browning.
• Preheat your air fryer for maximum crispiness.
• Don't peel your potatoes! The skin will crisp up nicely and give you that extra crunch.

How to serve air-fried potatoes

Air-fried potatoes are a quick and easy dish to make, and they go with almost anything! Here are some ideas for how to serve them:

As a Side Dish

Air-fried potatoes are a perfect side for a weeknight dinner. Pair them with any simply cooked protein and a green salad, or serve them with black bean burgers or veggie burgers. They also go well with soup—try butternut squash or broccoli cheddar. You could also serve them with a quiche or frittata.

For Breakfast

Air-fried potatoes are a great breakfast side. Try them with chicken apple sausage and cheesy scrambled eggs, or put them in breakfast tacos or a breakfast burrito.

As an Appetiser

Pair air-fried potatoes with a dip and serve them as an appetiser.

With a Holiday Meal

Air-fried potatoes can be a great addition to a holiday menu. Serve them with classic dishes like stuffing and green bean casserole.

Reheating and Storing

If you have any leftover potatoes, you can store them in an airtight container for up to four or five days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, reheat them in the air fryer until hot and crispy, or pop them in the microwave.

What to serve with air-fried potatoes

Air-fried potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. Here are some ideas for what to serve with air-fried potatoes:

Breakfast

Air-fried potatoes can be a great addition to your breakfast plate. Serve them alongside dishes like:

• Chicken apple sausage
• Cheesy scrambled eggs
• Breakfast tacos or burritos

Lunch and Dinner

Air-fried potatoes are a fantastic side dish for lunch or dinner. They go well with a variety of proteins and can be served with:

• A juicy steak
• Chicken
• Salmon
• Swedish meatballs
• Prime rib
• Baked cod
• Chimichangas
• Greek salad

Appetizers and Snacks

If you're looking for something more casual, air-fried potatoes can also be served as an appetizer or snack. Try pairing them with:

• Dips like whipped feta
• As part of a charcuterie board

Other Meals

The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving air-fried potatoes. They can be a tasty side dish for various meals, including:

• A holiday or special occasion dinner, where they can be garnished with herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary
• A weeknight dinner, where their quick preparation and versatility shine

No matter the meal, air-fried potatoes are a delicious and convenient option that can be tailored to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Tips for making the best air-fried potatoes

Air fryers are a healthier way of cooking potatoes, as they require less oil than typical roasting while still achieving an ultra-crispy, golden outside. Here are some tips to help you make the best air-fried potatoes:

Choose the right potatoes

Select baby potatoes, also known as "new" potatoes, which have thinner skin that crisps up nicely. Varieties include fingerlings, Yukon golds, baby russets, and baby red potatoes.

Prepare the potatoes properly

Scrub the potatoes to remove any residual dirt, then pat them dry with a paper towel. If you have time, let them air dry for 30 minutes, rotating them after 15 minutes to ensure both sides of the skin dry. You can also soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to overnight to remove excess starch and achieve a crispier texture. Ensure the potatoes are thoroughly dried before cooking.

Cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces

Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces, about 1 to 2 inches thick. This ensures they cook at a similar rate, resulting in a more consistent texture and doneness.

Season generously

Toss the potato pieces in a large bowl with olive oil and your desired seasonings. Seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and Cajun seasoning can add great flavour to your potatoes. Don't skimp on the salt and pepper, as these enhance the flavours of the other seasonings.

Preheat your air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically between 360-400°F (180-200°C). Placing your potatoes in a preheated air fryer will help achieve maximum crispiness in a shorter amount of time.

Cook in a single layer

Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each potato. This allows the hot air to contact all sides of the potatoes, promoting even browning. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.

Shake the basket occasionally

During cooking, remember to shake the air fryer basket a few times to ensure even cooking and browning.

Adjust timing as needed

The cooking time will vary depending on the size and thickness of your potato pieces. Smaller or thinner pieces will cook faster, while larger or thicker pieces may require additional time. Check the potatoes periodically to ensure they don't overcook.

Serve immediately

Air-fried potatoes are best served fresh and crispy. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.

Frequently asked questions