Air Fryer Small Potatoes: How Long Until They're Done?

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook potatoes, yielding a crispy exterior and a soft interior. The time it takes to cook small potatoes in an air fryer depends on the size of the potatoes and the air fryer used. On average, it takes about 15–25 minutes to cook small potatoes in an air fryer at 400°F. However, it is important to note that air fryers are not all created equal, and cooking times may vary.

How to season small potatoes in the air fryer

Ingredients

• Baby potatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Fresh rosemary
• Parsley or thyme (optional)

Method

• Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly under water and pat dry with a kitchen towel.
• Cut the potatoes in half. If the potatoes are small and thin-skinned, you can leave them whole.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and fresh rosemary. Mix until the potatoes are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches.
• Cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing the potatoes halfway through.
• Check for doneness by poking the potatoes with a fork. If they are easily pierced and crispy on the outside, they are done. If not, continue cooking in 2-minute increments until they are tender.
• Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and serve as a side dish or appetizer.

Tips:

• For even crispier potatoes, preheat your air fryer before adding the potatoes.
• If you want to skip a step and air fry your baby potatoes whole, you can do so, but they will take longer to cook.
• You can customise the seasoning to your taste. For example, add parmesan cheese, fresh garlic, or smoked paprika.

How long to cook small potatoes in the air fryer

Small potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be cooked in an air fryer in a few simple steps. The length of time it takes to cook small potatoes in an air fryer depends on a few factors, such as the size of the potatoes and the air fryer used. On average, it takes around 15 to 25 minutes to cook small potatoes in an air fryer at a temperature of 400°F (200°C).

Step-by-Step Guide:

First, wash the potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a kitchen towel. Cut the potatoes in half, especially if they are bigger than half an inch in diameter. This ensures even cooking and browning. Place the potatoes in a bowl and drizzle them with a little bit of oil—you can use grapeseed oil, vegetable oil, olive oil, or any other oil of your choice.

Add your preferred seasonings to the bowl of potatoes. You can use garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, or any other combination of spices you like. Toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer is not big enough, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches. Cook the potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing the potatoes halfway through.

Check for doneness by poking the potatoes with a fork. If they are easily pierced and have a golden, crispy exterior, they are done. If they need more time, continue cooking in 2-minute increments until they are tender inside.

Once the potatoes are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and serve them with your favourite meat or fish, or as a side dish.

Tips and Variations:

• For an extra crispy exterior, preheat your air fryer before adding the potatoes.
• If you are doubling the recipe, cook the potatoes in batches to ensure they cook evenly and maximize crispiness.
• You can parboil the potatoes before air frying, but it is not necessary as most air fryers are powerful enough to cook them from raw.
• For a creamy garlic dip to serve with the potatoes, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, and chives in a small bowl.
• You can use any type of baby potato you prefer, such as gold, red, purple, yellow, or a multicoloured combination. Fingerling potatoes also work well.
• For extra crispiness, shake or flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
• To store leftovers, place the potatoes in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 to 5 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 400°F until crispy and warm.

How to prepare small potatoes for the air fryer

Ingredients

You will need:

• Small potatoes (baby potatoes)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Fresh rosemary or dried herbs (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

• Wash the potatoes thoroughly under water to remove any dirt or debris. You can also lightly scrape them with a knife or spoon, especially if they are freshly dug baby potatoes with thin skins.
• Dry the potatoes with a kitchen towel or paper towel. This step is important to ensure that the potatoes cook evenly and get crispy.
• Cut the potatoes in half or into equal-sized pieces, especially if they are larger than 1/2 inch in diameter. This will help them cook more evenly and at the same time. You can also leave some potatoes whole for variety.
• Place the potatoes in a mixing bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Add your desired seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and/or fresh or dried herbs. Mix until the potatoes are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Some air fryers have a preheat setting, while others may not require preheating. Check your air fryer's instructions for the best results.
• Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches to ensure even cooking.
• Cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Shake the basket or toss the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
• Check for doneness by poking the potatoes with a fork. If they are easily pierced and have a crispy, golden exterior, they are done. If not, continue cooking in 2-minute increments until they are tender and crispy.
• Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and serve immediately. They can be enjoyed as a side dish or appetizer, paired with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips:

• For even quicker preparation, you can leave the potatoes whole, but this may increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes.
• If you want to add some extra flavor, you can parboil the potatoes before air frying. This step is not necessary, as air fryers are powerful enough to cook the potatoes without pre-cooking.
• If you have any leftover potatoes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes at 400°F to crisp them up again.

What type of potatoes to use for air frying

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, giving them a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. But what type of potatoes should you use?

Baby Potatoes

Baby potatoes, also known as "new" potatoes, are a popular choice for air frying. They are harvested before they are fully grown, which gives them thinner skins that crisp up nicely. Varieties of baby potatoes include fingerlings, Yukon golds, baby russets, and baby red potatoes. You can usually find these in your local grocery store or market.

When preparing baby potatoes, it is best not to peel them, as the skin helps to create that crispy texture. Simply wash them and cut them into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are another good option for air frying. They will crisp up beautifully with a pale golden color, and their insides will be soft and fluffy with a mild flavor.

Yukon Golds or Yellow Potatoes

Yukon gold or yellow potatoes are a favorite for air frying because they strike the perfect balance between crispiness and creaminess. Their lower starch and higher sugar content give them a deeper golden color when cooked.

Red Potatoes

Red potatoes will turn an even darker golden brown when air-fried due to their high sugar and low starch content. They will be crispy when they first come out of the air fryer but will soften quickly. Their insides will be creamy and soft.

Other Tips

• No matter which type of potato you choose, be sure to wash them thoroughly, as the skins contain most of the nutrients.
• Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook at a similar rate.
• Don't crowd the air fryer basket. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer with a little space between each one to allow for even browning.
• You can also get creative with your seasonings! While garlic powder and Italian seasoning are popular choices, you can also try smoked paprika, chili powder, Cajun seasoning, or even grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist.

So, which potato will you choose for your next air-frying adventure?

How to store and reheat leftover air-fried potatoes

Air-fried potatoes are a delicious and versatile dish that can be served at any meal. But what do you do when you have leftovers? Here are some tips on how to store and reheat your leftover air-fried potatoes to ensure they stay crispy and tasty.

Storing Leftover Air-Fried Potatoes:

It is recommended to store your leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for up to 3-7 days.

Reheating Air-Fried Potatoes in an Air Fryer:

The air fryer is an excellent option for reheating leftover potatoes as it helps retain their crispy texture. Here are the steps:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place your leftover potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray.
• Reheat the potatoes for 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket or tossing the potatoes halfway through.
• Continue cooking in 1-2 minute increments until the potatoes are warmed through and crispy.

Reheating Air-Fried Potatoes in an Oven:

If you don't have an air fryer, you can also reheat your potatoes in an oven. Here's how:

• Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Arrange the leftover potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Cover the potatoes with aluminium foil.
• Bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until crispy.

Reheating Air-Fried Potatoes in a Frying Pan:

For smaller amounts of leftover potatoes, a frying pan on the stovetop is an option. Here's what to do:

• Heat a tablespoon of butter or olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
• Add the potatoes and stir to coat them with the fat.
• Cover the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, until the potatoes are warmed through.
• Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for an additional 3 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy.

What Not to Do:

It is not recommended to reheat your air-fried potatoes in the microwave, as this can make them soggy and unpleasant.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your leftover air-fried potatoes as a delicious side dish or snack, retaining their crispy texture and delicious flavour.

Frequently asked questions