Air Fryer Cubed Potatoes: How Long To Cook?

Air fryer potatoes are a quick, easy, and healthy dish to make. They are a great side to any meal and can be made in under 30 minutes. The best types of potatoes to use are red-skinned potatoes, baby potatoes, russet potatoes, or Yukon gold potatoes. The key to getting crispy potatoes is to soak them in water before cooking and to ensure they are all cut to the same size.

How to prepare cubed potatoes for the air fryer

Ingredients

You will need potatoes, oil, and your choice of seasonings.

For the potatoes, you can use any type, but some varieties will crisp up better than others. Russet, Yukon Gold, and red-skinned potatoes are good options.

For the oil, olive oil or avocado oil are recommended. You only need a small amount (about 1/2 tablespoon per 2 cups of potatoes).

For seasonings, you can use salt and pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, rosemary, cayenne, chili powder, Italian seasoning, or any other spices you like.

Step-by-Step Guide

• Start by scrubbing the potatoes, especially if you plan on eating the skin. Then, dry them off with a kitchen towel.
• Cut the potatoes into cubes. First, cut the potato in half lengthwise, then place the halves cut-side down and cut into 1/2-inch matchsticks. Finally, cut the matchsticks into 1/2-inch cubes.
• Place the cubed potatoes into a large bowl and drizzle with oil. Add your desired seasonings and toss well to ensure all the potatoes are evenly coated.
• Add the potatoes to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket, as this will cause the potatoes to steam and prevent them from crisping up. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Cook the potatoes at a temperature between 360-400°F for 10 minutes.
• Remove the basket and shake it to toss the potatoes. This helps them cook evenly on all sides.
• Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown.

Tips:

• For extra crispy potatoes, soak the cubed potatoes in water for at least 10 minutes before cooking. This helps remove excess starch, resulting in a crispier texture. Be sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly before adding oil and seasonings.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
• Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
• The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of your potato cubes, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

How to cook cubed potatoes in the air fryer

Ingredients

You will need potatoes, oil, and your choice of seasonings. For the potatoes, you can use any type, but some types will crisp up better than others. Russet potatoes, Yukon Gold, and red-skinned potatoes are good options. For the oil, olive oil or avocado oil is recommended, but you can also use melted coconut oil, melted butter, or ghee. For seasonings, you can use salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and oregano, or choose from the list of alternatives below.

Method

• Start by scrubbing your potatoes, especially if you are going to be eating the skin.
• Once the potatoes are dry, cut them into cubes. First, cut the potato in half from top to bottom, then place the halves flat on the cutting board and cut into 1/2 inch matchsticks. Finally, cut the matchsticks into cubes.
• Add the cubed potatoes to a bowl and drizzle with oil and your chosen seasonings. Stir well to ensure all the potatoes are coated.
• Add the potatoes to the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 23 minutes.
• After the first 13 minutes, pause the air fryer and shake the basket to ensure the potatoes cook evenly. Resume cooking and pause 2-3 more times to shake the basket again.
• For crispy potatoes, it is important not to overcrowd the air fryer, so cook in batches if necessary.

Seasoning alternatives

• Taco: add 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning to the mix.
• Cajun: omit the oregano and add 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.
• Ranch: omit the smoked paprika and oregano and instead add 1 tablespoon of dried chives, 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried dill.
• Curry: omit the smoked paprika and oregano and instead add 1/2 tablespoon of curry powder and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
• Italian: omit the smoked paprika and add 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning.
• Greek: omit the smoked paprika, add 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, and the juice of half a lemon.

How to serve cubed potatoes cooked in the air fryer

So, you've cooked your cubed potatoes in the air fryer and now you want to know how to serve them? Well, you're in luck! Here are some ideas on how to make the most of your delicious, crispy spuds.

Firstly, these potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served as a side dish for almost any meal. For breakfast, you could serve them with eggs, breakfast tacos, frittatas, or breakfast burritos. For lunch, they go well with a burger, sandwich, or salad. And for dinner, they're a perfect match for meatloaf, salmon, chicken, or veggies. You can even serve them as a snack with your favourite dipping sauce!

If you're looking for some specific dish pairings, try serving them with lemon herb grilled chicken and spicy roasted broccoli, or honey chicken and garlic green beans. They also pair well with oven-cooked sausages, stuffed portobello mushrooms, or easy hunters chicken. And if you're feeling creative, you can load them up with some grated cheese and chopped bacon and put them back in the air fryer for a cheesy, crispy treat.

Don't forget, these potatoes can be adapted to suit your taste buds. Why not try adding some diced onion and bell pepper to make breakfast potatoes? Or experiment with different seasonings like cayenne and paprika, Cajun seasoning, or garlic powder. You could even sprinkle on some grated Parmesan cheese towards the end of the cooking process.

And if you have any leftovers, don't worry! These potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or frozen for a later date. Simply reheat them in the air fryer, oven, or on the stove when you're ready to enjoy them again.

How to store leftover cubed potatoes cooked in the air fryer

To store leftover cubed potatoes cooked in the air fryer, let them cool down to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

If you don't think you will eat the potatoes within 5 days, you can freeze them instead. Put them in a freezer-safe container and they will last for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to enjoy your leftover potatoes, you can reheat them in the air fryer. Reheat refrigerated potatoes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 4 minutes, and frozen potatoes for 15 minutes. You can also reheat them in the oven or microwave.

Health benefits of potatoes cooked in the air fryer

Air fryers have gained popularity as a healthier alternative to deep frying, as they use less oil. This is beneficial as a high intake of fried foods is linked to a higher risk of obesity. Air fryers can also be safer than deep fryers as they do not involve a container full of scalding oil, reducing the risk of spilling or splashing.

Air-fried potatoes cooked in an air fryer can be healthier than deep-fried potatoes as they have a lower fat content. This is because air fryers require a fraction of the oil that deep fryers need. For example, you can make air fryer potatoes with just a tiny bit of oil such as canola, olive, or avocado oil.

Air fryers also reduce the risk of toxic acrylamide formation. Acrylamide is a dangerous compound that forms when frying food in oil, which may be linked to the development of certain cancers.

In addition to the health benefits of using an air fryer, there are also benefits specific to cooking potatoes in an air fryer. Air-frying potatoes can increase the levels of slowly digestible starch, which could have a slightly lower impact on blood sugar.

Air fryer potatoes are also a very easy and quick dish to make. They usually take less than 30 minutes to cook and require minimal prep. They are also versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes, making them a perfect side.

Frequently asked questions