Air Fryer Baby Potatoes: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryer baby potatoes are a quick and easy dish to make. The cooking time depends on the size of the potatoes and the desired crispiness, but generally, they are done in under 20 minutes. The intense heat of the air fryer means the potatoes cook faster and get great charred bits that are full of flavor.

How to get the perfect crispy skin

To get the perfect crispy skin on your baby potatoes, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, make sure to preheat your air fryer to around 400°F. This will help to ensure that your potatoes achieve maximum crispiness. It is also important to place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, as this allows the hot air to circulate properly and crisps up the skins.

Before cooking, rinse and thoroughly dry your potatoes. This is an important step as any excess moisture can lead to soggy potatoes. Once dry, toss the potatoes in oil and your desired seasonings. Avocado oil, olive oil, and melted butter are all great options to use. For seasonings, you can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or you can get creative with garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or even a pinch of Cajun seasoning for a kick.

Once your potatoes are prepared and seasoned, place them in the preheated air fryer for around 10-15 minutes. Shake the basket or toss the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking. Depending on your desired level of crispiness, you may need to cook them for a few minutes longer. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking!

Finally, when your potatoes are done to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy the perfect combination of crispy skin on the outside and fluffy, tender potatoes on the inside!

The best types of potatoes to use

When it comes to choosing the best potatoes for air frying, there are several varieties that are known to yield excellent results. Here are some of the top options to consider:

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are a versatile choice for air frying. They have a lower sugar and higher starch content, which allows them to crisp up beautifully with a pale golden colour. The insides of russet potatoes become soft and fluffy with a mild flavour, making them a great option for those who prefer a classic, creamy texture.

Yukon Gold or Yellow Potatoes

Yukon Gold potatoes, also known as yellow potatoes, are a favourite for air frying due to their ability to crisp up perfectly. They develop a deeper golden colour compared to russets because of their lower starch and higher sugar content. While the crisp may be slightly softer, the insides remain creamy and full of flavour.

Red Potatoes

Red potatoes, when air fried, will result in an even darker golden brown colour due to their higher sugar and lower starch content. They will emerge crispy from the air fryer but will soften quickly. The insides will be creamy and soft, making them a tasty option for those who enjoy a contrast in textures.

Baby Potatoes or New Potatoes

Baby potatoes, or new potatoes, are not a specific variety but rather regular potatoes that have been harvested early. They have thinner skins, which is ideal for achieving a crispy texture. Baby potatoes can be hard to find in grocery stores as they are somewhat seasonal, but they are worth the search as they hold their shape and have a high sugar content, making them perfect for air frying.

When selecting potatoes for air frying, it is best to choose those that are uniform in size and free from eyes and blemishes. Additionally, always wash the potatoes thoroughly, as the skins contain most of the nutrients.

How to season your baby potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Wash and fully dry your baby potatoes. You can use a mix of red, gold, purple, or yellow baby potatoes, or fingerlings, Yukon golds, baby russets, and baby red potatoes. You can also leave the skin on to get that crispy texture. Then, slice them in half.

Step 2: Add Oil and Seasoning

Place the potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or another high smoke point oil. Toss the potatoes until they are well coated.

Now it's time to add your seasoning. You can try a blend of fresh and dried herbs and spices, such as:

• Fresh or dried rosemary
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Cajun seasoning
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Sage

Mix the potatoes until they are evenly coated with the seasoning.

Step 3: Air Fry

Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil and place the seasoned potatoes inside, ensuring they are in a single layer. Set the air fryer to 400°F/204°C and cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing the potatoes halfway through. The potatoes are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

Step 4: Serve

Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and serve them with your favourite meat or fish. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley for garnish. Enjoy!

How long to cook them for

How Long to Cook Baby Potatoes in an Air Fryer

Baby potatoes are a great side dish for a variety of meals, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy option. The length of time you need to cook them for will depend on the size of the potatoes and the temperature of the air fryer.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Most sources recommend cooking baby potatoes in an air fryer at a temperature of 400°F/204°C. At this temperature, the cooking time will be around 15 minutes. However, some sources suggest cooking for up to 20 minutes, and one source recommends cooking at 375°F for 20 minutes.

Checking for Doneness

Regardless of the cooking time and temperature, it is important to check that the potatoes are cooked through. You can do this by poking them with a fork—if the fork goes through easily, they are done. If the potatoes are not yet tender, continue cooking in 2-minute increments until they are cooked to your liking.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheating the air fryer is not always necessary, but it can help to crisp up the edges of the potatoes. If you are looking for maximum crispiness, preheat the air fryer for a few minutes while you prepare the potatoes and other ingredients.

Cooking in Batches

If you are cooking a large batch of potatoes, it is best to cook them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. This may mean that you need to cook the potatoes in batches.

Reheating

Leftover baby potatoes can be reheated in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook the potatoes for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until they are heated through.

How to reheat them

How to Reheat Baby Potatoes in an Air Fryer

Air fryer baby potatoes are a quick and easy dish to make, and they're even simpler to reheat! If you have any leftover baby potatoes cooked in an air fryer, you can easily reheat them in the same appliance. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F. This temperature will ensure that your potatoes are heated thoroughly and efficiently.

Step 2: Prepare the Leftover Baby Potatoes

Take your leftover baby potatoes out of the refrigerator. It is recommended to use them within 3-7 days of cooking and storing them. Place the desired amount of potatoes in the air fryer basket.

Step 3: Reheat the Potatoes

With the air fryer preheated to 400°F, place the basket of potatoes inside and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes. This will ensure they are warmed thoroughly without overcooking them.

Step 4: Check for Doneness and Enjoy

After 3-4 minutes, remove the potatoes from the air fryer and check if they are heated to your liking. If needed, you can add a little more salt to enhance the flavor. Then, they are ready to be served and enjoyed!

Reheating baby potatoes in an air fryer is a convenient way to enjoy your leftovers. It's quick, easy, and ensures that your potatoes retain their crispy texture and flavorful taste.

Frequently asked questions