Air Fryer Crispy Potatoes: How Long To Perfection?

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy potatoes, and it only takes about 20 minutes. The circulating air crisps the outsides with an impeccable golden crust, while the insides remain tender and soft. The high, dry heat and a light coating of olive oil help to create the perfect crisp. The key to getting the potatoes crispy is to leave the skins on, as this is what gives them that delicious bite. You can also soak the potatoes before cooking to remove the starch and create a nice outer crust.

How to get potatoes crispy in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Here are some steps and tips to help you achieve the perfect air-fried potatoes.

Ingredients

You will need the following:

• Potatoes (baby red, Yukon gold, white, yellow, or russet potatoes work well)
• Olive oil (extra virgin olive oil is recommended)
• Seasonings (such as garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary) for garnish (optional)

Preparation

First, wash and cut the potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Leave the skin on for extra crispiness and nutrition. You can cut the potatoes into halves, quarters, or cubes, depending on your preference.

Next, toss the potatoes with olive oil and your desired seasonings in a large bowl. You can also add Parmesan cheese to the mixture for extra flavour.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer, but generally, cook the potatoes for about 10 minutes, then shake the basket and stir the potatoes. Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

Tips for Crispy Potatoes

• Soaking the potatoes in water for 30-45 minutes before cooking can help remove excess starch and ensure a crispier texture. However, avoid soaking them for too long, as they can absorb water and become soggy.
• Avoid using cooking spray in the air fryer, as it can damage the coating of the basket. Instead, toss the potatoes in olive oil to prevent sticking.
• If your potatoes are not crispy enough, you can try frying them a second time at a lower temperature or placing them under the broiler for a few minutes.
• For maximum crispiness, it is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the potatoes in batches if needed.
• Leave the skins on for a crispy, salted bite, and be sure to wash them thoroughly before cooking.
• Preheating your air fryer to 400°F will help the potatoes achieve maximum crispiness.
• To ensure even cooking, cut the potatoes into uniform sizes and flip or stir them halfway through the cooking process.

Serving

Air-fried potatoes make a great side dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can serve them with meat, chicken, fish, or vegetarian dishes. They also go well with dips and sauces.

Enjoy your crispy air-fried potatoes!

How long to air fry potatoes

Air-fried potatoes are a quick, tasty, and healthy alternative to oven-roasted potatoes. They are perfectly seasoned, crispy, and tender. The circulating air in the air fryer crisps the outsides with an impeccable golden crust, while the insides remain soft, tender, and incredibly flavorful.

The time it takes to air fry potatoes will depend on the type of potato, the size of the potato pieces, and the desired crispiness. On average, it takes 18 to 25 minutes to air fry potatoes at 400°F.

For example, baby potatoes or new potatoes, which are smaller and have thinner skin, may take less time to cook, around 10 minutes. Larger potatoes, such as russets, Yukon Golds, or sweet potatoes, may take longer, up to 20 minutes or more.

It is important to note that different air fryer models may vary in terms of cooking time and temperature settings. Therefore, it is always a good idea to refer to the specific instructions for your air fryer and adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.

Tips for Crispy Potatoes:

• Soaking or parboiling the potatoes before air frying can help remove excess starch and result in crispier potatoes.
• Leaving the skin on also contributes to a crispier texture.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
• Preheating the air fryer and flipping the potatoes halfway through the cooking process can also enhance crispness.

Seasonings and Variations:

The beauty of air-fried potatoes is that they can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some popular seasoning combinations:

• Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Ranch seasoning, Cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, or chili lime.
• Bacon, lemon, and herb (basil, oregano, dill).
• Cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a Mexican twist.
• Greek seasoning: garlic, onion, oregano, basil, dill, salt, and pepper.

Storing and Reheating:

Air-fried potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 6 months. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer at 400°F for a few minutes until warm and crispy again.

So, there you have it! Air-fried potatoes are a quick, tasty, and healthy side dish that can be customized to suit your preferences. With the right techniques and seasonings, you can achieve the perfect crispiness and flavor every time. Enjoy!

Best potatoes for air frying

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, giving them a crispy texture and golden colour, whilst keeping the insides soft and tender. The circulating air in the fryer crisps the outsides and cooks the insides evenly. They are also a healthier option, requiring less oil than traditional frying methods.

Types of Potato

There are several types of potato that work well in an air fryer. The best options include:

• Russets/Idaho potatoes — these will crisp up well and have a pale golden colour. Their insides will be soft and fluffy with a mild flavour.
• Yukon golds/yellow potatoes — these are a favourite for air frying as they crisp up well and turn a deeper golden colour. Their insides are creamy and full of flavour.
• Reds/baby reds — these will turn an even darker golden brown and be crispy when they come out but will soften quickly. Their insides will be creamy and soft.
• Baby potatoes/new potatoes — these are thinned from the crop early and have a high sugar content. They roast well in the air fryer and hold their shape.

Tips for Air Frying Potatoes

• Wash the potatoes thoroughly, especially if you are keeping the skins on (where most of the nutrients are).
• Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.
• Soak the potatoes in water before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure they are extra crispy.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket — cook in batches if necessary, leaving space for the air to circulate.
• Preheat the air fryer for maximum crispiness.
• Use a spatula or spoon to turn the potatoes — shaking the basket may cause them to break apart.
• Know your air fryer — be sure to read the manual and understand the best temperatures and timings for your make and model.
• You can also boil the potatoes before air frying to give them a "double fried" effect.

Seasoning

There are endless options for seasoning your potatoes. Here are some ideas:

• Italian seasoning
• Cajun seasoning
• Ranch seasoning
• Taco seasoning
• Chili lime
• Lemon and herb
• Paprika
• Parsley
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder

Air fryer temperature for crispy potatoes

To make crispy potatoes in an air fryer, the temperature should be set to around 400°F (200°C). This temperature will ensure the potatoes get crispy on the outside while remaining soft and tender on the inside.

Steps for Making Crispy Potatoes in an Air Fryer:

First, wash and cut your potatoes into similar-sized pieces. Leave the skin on for added crispiness and extra nutrients. You can use a variety of potatoes, such as Yukon gold, red potatoes, russets, or baby potatoes.

Next, toss the potatoes with olive oil and your desired seasonings. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or get creative with seasonings like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, paprika, or parsley.

Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If your air fryer needs preheating, do so now. Then, cook the potatoes at 400°F for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, shake the basket and stir the potatoes.

Cook for another 8-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. You can check their progress by piercing them with a fork.

Finally, serve the potatoes with your favourite dipping sauce or as a side dish. Enjoy!

How to make potatoes crispy in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need:

• Potatoes (baby reds, Yukon golds, white potatoes, yellow potatoes, or russets)
• Olive oil (extra virgin is recommended)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Fresh parsley (optional)

Method

• Cut the potatoes into small, evenly sized pieces. You can halve or quarter them, depending on their original size.
• Place the potatoes in a large bowl and toss them with the olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Make sure the potatoes are well-coated.
• If your air fryer needs to be preheated, set it to 400°F.
• Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between them to allow for even cooking. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Cook the potatoes at 400°F for 10 minutes. Then, shake the basket and stir the potatoes.
• Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.
• Optional: Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Tips for extra crispiness:

• Soak the potatoes in water for 30-45 minutes before cooking to remove excess starch. This will help them get crispier.
• Leave the potato skins on, as they will get nice and crispy. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly first.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
• If your potatoes aren't crispy enough, put them under the broiler for a couple of minutes after air frying.

Storing and reheating:

• Air fryer potatoes will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
• To reheat, cook them in the air fryer at 400°F for a few minutes until warm and crispy.

Frequently asked questions