Air Fryer Potatoes: The Perfect Timing For Crispiness

Air fryer potatoes are a quick and easy dish to make, requiring minimal preparation and cooking time. The circulating air of the fryer creates a golden, crispy exterior with a soft and tender inside. The cooking time depends on the type of potato and the size of the pieces, but generally, they are ready in under 30 minutes.

How to get the perfect crisp

To get the perfect crisp, there are a few things to keep in mind when preparing and cooking your potatoes in an air fryer.

Preparation

First, it is important to choose the right type of potato. Yukon gold, red, russet, and baby or new potatoes are all great options for air frying as they will crisp up nicely. The key to achieving that perfect crisp is to leave the skin on. Not only does the skin provide a delicious crispy texture, but it is also more nutritious. However, be sure to give the potatoes a thorough wash and scrub to remove any dirt or residual.

Next, cut your potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This will ensure even cooking and allow for maximum crispiness. Place the potatoes in a bowl and toss them with olive oil and your desired seasonings. You can get creative with your seasonings, but some popular options include salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika.

Cooking

Now it's time to cook your potatoes in the air fryer! Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. This is crucial as the potatoes need space for the air to circulate and crisp up properly. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the potatoes for 10 minutes. Then, remove the basket, shake or stir the potatoes, and return them to the air fryer for another 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

Tips for Success

• Avoid using cooking spray as it can damage the coating of your air fryer basket. Instead, toss the potatoes in olive oil to prevent sticking.
• If you have time, soak your cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to overnight before cooking. This helps remove starch from the surfaces, allowing them to crisp up even more. Just be sure to pat them dry before adding oil and seasonings.
• For extra crispiness, preheat your air fryer before adding the potatoes.
• If you are doubling the recipe, cook the potatoes in batches to ensure maximum crispiness.
• When seasoning your potatoes, don't be afraid to taste as you go! This will help you achieve the perfect flavor to complement that crispy texture.

The best potatoes to use

Russets

Russet potatoes are a good all-rounder. They will air fry beautifully, with a pale golden colour and a soft, fluffy texture. Their mild flavour and versatility make them a safe choice for air frying.

Yukon Golds or Yellow Potatoes

Yukon golds are a favourite for air frying. They will crisp up well and turn a deeper golden colour due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. The crisp will be slightly softer than a russet, but the inside will be creamy and full of flavour.

Reds

Red potatoes will turn an even darker golden brown than Yukon golds due to their higher sugar and lower starch content. They will be crispy when they first come out of the fryer but will quickly soften. The insides will be creamy and soft.

Baby Potatoes or New Potatoes

Baby potatoes are not a variety in themselves but regular potatoes that have been harvested early. They have a high sugar content and hold their shape well in the air fryer. They can be hard to find in grocery stores as they are somewhat seasonal, but they are usually a favourite when available.

Fingerlings, Baby Russets, and Baby Red Potatoes

These varieties of "new" potatoes have thinner skin, which is great for achieving a crispy texture.

How long to cook for

The cooking time for potatoes in an air fryer depends on the type of potatoes used and the desired level of crispiness. On average, air-fried potatoes are ready in 20 minutes, but they can take anywhere from 10 to 50 minutes.

For baby potatoes, also known as "new" potatoes, a variety of potato harvested before they are fully grown, it is recommended to cook them for around 10 minutes, shake the basket or stir, and then cook for another 10 minutes or until they are golden and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. This shorter cooking time is due to their thinner skin, which allows them to crisp more quickly.

For larger potatoes, such as baking potatoes, a longer cooking time is required. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the potatoes for 40 to 50 minutes, depending on their size, until they are soft.

The key to achieving crispy potatoes in the air fryer is to ensure they are dry before cooking. It is recommended to scrub the potatoes to remove any residual dirt at least 30 minutes before cooking and then pat them dry with a paper towel. Soaking the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to overnight can also help remove starch and enhance crispness, but they must be thoroughly dried before cooking.

Additionally, it is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Arranging the potatoes in a single layer and working in batches if needed is recommended.

When cooking potatoes in an air fryer, it is generally recommended to cook them at 400°F for 10 minutes, toss or stir them, and then continue cooking for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until they reach the desired level of doneness.

For baby red potatoes or yellow potatoes, halving or quartering them is recommended. Larger potatoes, such as Yukon Gold, should be cut into 3/4-inch or 1-inch chunks. Leaving the skin on is preferable, as it adds to the crispiness and is more nutritious.

In terms of seasoning, a variety of options are available. A simple combination of olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper is often used. Other popular choices include Cajun seasoning, Parmesan cheese, paprika, and fresh herbs like parsley. Experimenting with different spices and herbs can add a unique twist to the dish.

How to prepare the potatoes

Ingredients

First, you'll need to gather your ingredients. For roasted potatoes, you'll need potatoes (baby potatoes or new potatoes are great, but you can use any kind), olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic (freshly minced) or powder, salt, and pepper. You can also add Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for garnish.

Wash and Cut

Once you have your ingredients, give the potatoes a good wash, especially if you plan to leave the skins on (which is recommended for added crispiness). Then, cut the potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces. If you're using baby potatoes, you can simply cut them in half. If they're larger potatoes, cut them into 1-inch pieces.

Season

Place the cut potatoes in a medium-sized bowl and add your olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper. You can also add Parmesan cheese to the mix if you like. Toss the potatoes until they are well coated with the oil and seasonings.

Cook

Now it's time to cook your potatoes! Place them in the basket of your air fryer, making sure they are in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10 minutes. Then, remove the basket, give it a shake or stir, and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

Serve

Your potatoes are now ready to serve! You can squeeze a little lemon juice over them and garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy!

What to serve them with

So, you want to know what to serve with your air fryer potatoes, eh? Well, you're in luck because there are plenty of options!

First of all, air fryer potatoes are a versatile side dish that can complement a range of meals. They can be served as a hearty side to a steak or chicken dinner, or they can be a tasty breakfast option alongside chicken apple sausage and scrambled eggs.

If you're looking for something more specific, here are some ideas:

• Sour cream and chives
• Cheese! Cheddar, pepper jack, or smoked Gouda
• Avocado salsa and slow cooker Mexican shredded beef for a south-of-the-border twist
• Bloody Mary Chili, then topped with cheese and sour cream to turn it into a main dish
• Set up a baked potato bar for game day, along with meatballs, stuffed French bread pizza, and meatloaf muffins
• For a simple yet classic option, serve with butter, salt, and pepper

And there you have it! Your air fryer potatoes will be the perfect side dish with any of these delicious pairings.

Frequently asked questions