Air Fryer Potatoes: How Long To Fry Raw Potatoes?

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying. The cooking time varies depending on the type of potato, the size of the potato chunks, and the type of air fryer. On average, it takes between 15 to 30 minutes to cook potatoes in an air fryer.

How long to cook raw potatoes in an air fryer

Cooking raw potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy, tender potatoes to serve as a side dish or snack. The cooking time will depend on the type of potato, the size of the potato pieces, and the desired level of crispiness. Here is a guide to help you achieve the perfect air-fried potatoes.

Preparation

Before cooking, scrub the potatoes and chop them into evenly sized pieces. You can peel the potatoes if you prefer, but leaving the skin on can help create a crispier texture. For best results, cut the potatoes into bite-sized chunks, about 1 to 2 inches thick. Smaller pieces will cook faster and more evenly, so try to maintain a uniform size.

Next, toss the potato pieces in a large bowl with a small amount of olive oil or avocado oil. You can also use a cooking spray or an oil spray. This step helps the potatoes brown beautifully and adds a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Use about a tablespoon of oil or adjust the amount to your preference.

After coating with oil, season the potatoes with your desired spices. Popular seasonings include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and Cajun seasoning. You can also add fresh or dried herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary.

Cooking Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to between 360°F and 400°F. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. If your air fryer has a basket, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches to allow for proper airflow.

Cook the potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes at 360°F or 10 to 15 minutes at 400°F. For best results, shake the basket or stir the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. The potatoes are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender and easily pierced with a fork on the inside.

If you are cooking a larger batch of potatoes, you may need to cook them in multiple batches or increase the cooking time accordingly. Keep in mind that compact air fryers may take longer to cook the potatoes compared to larger tray-style air fryers.

Serving Suggestions

Air-fried potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served with almost any meal. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Serve them as a side dish with burgers, sandwiches, grilled meats, or breakfast.
• Pair them with dips like ketchup, mustard, chipotle sauce, chimichurri, or vegan cheese.
• Toss them with fresh herbs, spices, or your favorite dipping sauce.
• Serve them in breakfast tacos or burritos.
• Use them as a base for skillet meals or casseroles.

Tips for Best Results

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed to ensure proper airflow and even cooking.
• Shake the basket or stir the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to prevent undercooked or unevenly cooked potatoes.
• Avoid using too much oil, as it can make the potatoes soggy. About 1/2 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon of oil is usually sufficient.
• Cut the potatoes into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
• If you prefer a crispier texture, increase the cooking time by a few minutes or adjust the temperature accordingly.

What temperature to cook raw potatoes in an air fryer

Air fryers are a healthier way of cooking potatoes, as they require less oil than deep frying. They also cook potatoes quicker than ovens, producing crispier results.

Air Fryer Temperature for Baked Potatoes

To cook baked potatoes in an air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Rub the potatoes in vegetable oil and sprinkle with salt. Place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 30 to 45 minutes, or until fork-tender. Turn them over once during cooking to ensure even cooking.

Air Fryer Temperature for French Fries

For French fries, preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Cut the potatoes into matchsticks and soak them in cold water for 1 to 2 hours to remove starch and achieve a crispier texture. After soaking, pat the potatoes dry, then add them to a bowl with vegetable oil (about 1 teaspoon per potato) and a pinch of salt. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Air Fryer Temperature for Potato Chips

To make potato chips, preheat the air fryer to 300°F (150°C). Cut the potatoes into thin rounds and soak them in cold water for 1 to 2 hours to remove starch. After soaking, pat the potatoes dry, then add them to a bowl with vegetable oil (about 1 teaspoon per potato) and a pinch of salt. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 20 to 30 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally to prevent the chips from flying around. If your chips are flying around, you can cover them with an air fryer grill plate.

Air Fryer Temperature for Roasted Potatoes

For roasted potatoes, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Cut the potatoes into bite-sized chunks, about 1 to 2 inches thick. Toss the potato chunks in olive oil and your desired seasonings. Place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. Remove the basket, shake or stir the potatoes, then cook for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

How to prepare raw potatoes for air frying

Air-fried potatoes are a quick, easy, and healthy way to cook potatoes. They are a great side dish for any meal and can be seasoned in a variety of ways. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare raw potatoes for air frying:

Step 1: Choosing the Right Potatoes

The type of potato you choose can impact the crispiness and colour of your air-fried potatoes. Baby potatoes, such as fingerlings, Yukon golds, baby russets, and baby red potatoes, are ideal as they have thinner skin, which crisps up nicely. If you can't find baby potatoes, regular Yukon golds or red potatoes will also work. Russet potatoes are another good option as they have a mild flavour and will crisp up nicely.

Step 2: Cutting the Potatoes

For even cooking, it is important to cut the potatoes into uniform-sized pieces. Aim for bite-sized chunks or slices about 1 to 2 inches thick. If you are making French fries, you can cut the potatoes into 1/4-inch thick sticks. The smaller you cut the potatoes, the faster they will cook, so try to keep the sizes consistent.

Step 3: Soaking the Potatoes (Optional)

Although not necessary, soaking the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to overnight can help remove starch from the cut sides, resulting in crispier potatoes. Be sure to pat them dry before cooking!

Step 4: Seasoning the Potatoes

In a large bowl, toss the potato pieces with your desired seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings such as olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can also experiment with different blends like Cajun, Mexican, or Greek seasoning. Don't be afraid to get creative!

Step 5: Preheating the Air Fryer

For maximum crispiness, it is recommended to preheat your air fryer to 400°F before adding the potatoes. This will help achieve that golden, crispy exterior.

Step 6: Arranging the Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Cooking in a single layer ensures that the hot air circulates around each potato, resulting in even cooking and crispiness.

Step 7: Cooking the Potatoes

Cook the potatoes for about 10 minutes, then remove the basket and give it a shake or stir. Return the potatoes to the air fryer and cook for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. You can check their doneness by piercing them with a fork; they should be easily pierced when done.

Step 8: Garnishing and Serving

Once the potatoes are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and garnish with chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary if desired. Serve them as a side dish, in breakfast tacos or burritos, or with your favourite dip. Enjoy!

How to avoid uneven cooking in an air fryer

Air fryers are a great way to cook food quickly while keeping it crispy and warm. However, it is common for people to end up with unevenly cooked food. Here are some tips to avoid that:

Cut your potatoes evenly

Cutting your potatoes into similar sizes is essential to ensure even cooking. The smaller the chunks, the faster they will cook. Aim for a size of about 1/4 to 2 inches thick. This way, they will cook at the same rate and you will avoid having some pieces burnt while others are still raw.

Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket

It is important to not overcrowd the air fryer basket. This will allow hot air to come into contact with all sides of the potatoes, resulting in an even cook. Make sure the potatoes are in a single layer and are not touching each other. You might need to cook in batches.

Shake the basket during cooking

Don't just switch on the air fryer and walk away. Shake the basket or stir its contents occasionally during the cooking process. This will help ensure that the food cooks evenly and doesn't get stuck to the basket. Some air fryers have a programmed setting that beeps to remind you to shake the food. If yours doesn't have this feature, set a timer to remind you to shake the basket every five minutes.

Preheat your air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is crucial to ensuring even cooking. It allows the appliance to heat up so that the food starts to cook immediately when placed inside. This prevents the food from getting soggy or unevenly cooked.

Choose the right air fryer

Not all air fryers are created equal. Consider the size of the basket, the cooking functions, and whether you want an oven-style or basket-style model. If you have a large family or plan to cook large batches, look for an extra-large model. Oven-style air fryers are better suited for cooking lighter foods.

What types of potatoes are best in an air fryer

Air fryers are perfect for cooking potatoes. They make the outside crispy and the inside tender and fluffy in under 30 minutes. When choosing potatoes for air frying, there are a few types that work best:

Russets

Russet potatoes are a good choice as they will air fry beautifully. They will crisp up nicely with a pale golden colour and their insides will be soft and fluffy with a mild flavour.

Yukon Golds or Yellow Potatoes

These are a favourite for air frying because they will turn a deeper golden colour and crisp up perfectly due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. Their insides will be creamy and full of flavour.

Reds

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

Baby Potatoes or New Potatoes

These are regular potatoes that have been harvested early and are therefore smaller and have a higher sugar content. They roast in the air fryer perfectly and hold their shape.

Fingerlings

A type of baby potato with a thinner skin, which is great for crisping.

Baby Russets

A smaller version of the Russet, these will have the same mild flavour and soft, fluffy inside but will be crispier due to their smaller size.

Baby Red Potatoes

Same as above, but with a darker golden colour.

How to cook potatoes in an air fryer

First, cut the potatoes into bite-sized chunks, about 1 to 2 inches thick. Try to keep the sizes similar so that they cook evenly. Then, toss the potato chunks in a little olive oil and your choice of seasonings. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren't touching.

Cook for 15 minutes at 360ºF. When the timer goes off, remove any smaller pieces that might be done, then shake the basket and return the remaining potatoes to cook for another 5 minutes. The potatoes are done when they are golden on the outside and tender on the inside. They should be easily pierced with a fork.

Tips for crispy potatoes

• Wash the potatoes thoroughly, leaving the skins on for crispiness.
• Use an oil spray to help the seasonings stick.
• Preheat your air fryer for maximum crispiness.
• Use a spatula or spoon to turn the potatoes, as shaking the basket can cause them to break apart.
• Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
• Soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes (or overnight) to remove starch and make them crispier.

Frequently asked questions