Air Fryer Diced Potatoes: Quick, Crispy, And Golden

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, and they can be served with almost anything. They are healthier than deep-fried potatoes and take less time than oven-baked potatoes. The circulating air in an air fryer crisps the outsides of potatoes with a golden crust and the insides remain soft and tender. The air fryer also reduces the amount of oil required to cook the potatoes. The ideal temperature to air-fry diced potatoes is 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on the size of the potato cubes, the cooking time may vary from 15 to 25 minutes. It is important to shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.

How to get the perfect crisp

Preparation

Before cooking, it's important to prepare your potatoes properly. Firstly, wash your potatoes thoroughly, especially if you plan to leave the skins on. Leaving the skins on is a good way to ensure your potatoes become crispy, but be sure to remove any eyes, scars or sprouts, and give them a good scrub.

Next, cut your potatoes into evenly-sized cubes. The more uniform your potato pieces are, the more evenly they will cook. Aim for cubes of around 1-inch in size.

Soaking

Once your potatoes are cut, it's a good idea to soak them in cold water for at least 10 minutes. This helps to remove excess starch, which can inhibit your potatoes from achieving the perfect crispiness. After soaking, be sure to pat your potatoes dry with a clean tea towel or paper towel.

Seasoning

Now it's time to season your potatoes. Add them to a large bowl and toss with olive oil, vegetable oil, or another oil of your choice. You only need a small amount of oil—around 1/2 a teaspoon per 2 cups of potatoes. You can also use an oil spray.

Next, add your seasonings. You can experiment with different combinations of spices and herbs to find your favourite flavour profile. Popular options include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried parsley, rosemary, chilli powder, Italian seasoning, and cayenne pepper. Give the bowl a good shake or stir to ensure your potatoes are evenly coated.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F. Place your seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. If needed, cook your potatoes in batches.

Cook for around 20 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even browning. Your potatoes are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside.

Serving

Air fryer diced potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. They go well with meats such as chicken, beef, or lamb, and are also great for breakfast alongside bacon and eggs. You can also add them to burritos or kebab wraps, or simply enjoy them on their own with ketchup or mayonnaise.

Tips for Extra Crispiness

• Preheat your air fryer before adding the potatoes.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and cook in batches if necessary.
• Use a small amount of oil to toss your potatoes in before cooking.
• Shake or toss the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to expose all sides to the hot air.
• If you have time, soak your potatoes for longer than 10 minutes to remove as much starch as possible.
• Experiment with different types of potatoes to find the variety that gives you the best crispiness.

The best potatoes to use

When it comes to choosing the best potatoes to use in your air fryer, there are a few factors to consider. Different types of potatoes will yield varying results in terms of texture and colour. Here are some options to consider:

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are a good choice for air frying as they will crisp up wonderfully. They will turn a pale golden colour and have soft, fluffy insides with a mild flavour. This variety is readily available and affordable, making it a popular choice for air fryer potatoes.

Yukon Gold or Yellow Potatoes

Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes are a favourite 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 colour than russets. The insides of these potatoes will be creamy and full of flavour.

Red Potatoes

Red potatoes will turn an even darker golden brown due to their higher sugar and lower starch content. They will be crispy when they first come out of the air fryer but will soften quickly. The insides will be creamy and soft, making them a tasty option.

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 a high sugar content, which makes them ideal for air frying, and they hold their shape well. However, they can be harder to find in grocery stores as their availability is somewhat seasonal.

King Edwards and Maris Pipers (UK-specific)

If you're in the UK, King Edwards and Maris Pipers are excellent choices for air fryer potatoes. They offer a blend of waxy and floury characteristics, resulting in a crunchy exterior while maintaining their shape.

In summary, the best potatoes to use in your air fryer will depend on your personal preference for texture and colour. Russets are a safe choice for a classic crispy roast potato, while Yukon Golds or yellow potatoes will give you a deeper golden colour and a creamier texture. Red potatoes and baby potatoes are also great options, but they may be harder to come by. If you're in the UK, King Edwards and Maris Pipers are a fantastic choice for that perfect blend of crispy and fluffy.

How to store and reheat leftovers

To store your diced potatoes, allow them to cool and then place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze them for up to three months.

To reheat your diced potatoes, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-8 minutes. You can also reheat them in the oven at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, or in the microwave, though this may make them soggy.

• Steak: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the steak in the basket and cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the chicken in the basket and cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Fried chicken: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Let the chicken come to room temperature, then place it in the basket and cook for about 4 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Chicken wings: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the wings in the basket and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Chicken tenders: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the tenders in the basket and cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• French fries: Set the air fryer to 350°F and preheat for a couple of minutes. Spread the fries in the basket in a single layer and heat for 3-4 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Pizza: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the pizza in the basket and cook for 3-4 minutes. If you're worried about toppings burning, cover them with foil.
• Ribs: Wrap the ribs in foil and brush with BBQ sauce. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for around 6 minutes.

How to make frozen diced potatoes in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Frozen diced potatoes
• Olive oil (optional)
• Salt and pepper (optional)

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Large mixing bowl
• Kitchen knife
• Cutting board

Method

• First, spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray.
• Fill the basket with the frozen diced potatoes in an even layer, trying not to overlap them.
• Set the temperature to 400°F and the time to 15 minutes.
• After 5 minutes, remove the basket and pour the now-defrosted potatoes into a large mixing bowl.
• (Optional) Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. (Skip this step if your potatoes are pre-seasoned.) Stir.
• Return the potatoes to the air fryer basket.
• Continue cooking for another 5 minutes. Then, remove the basket and shake to ensure even browning.
• Return the basket to the air fryer and finish cooking.
• The potatoes are done when they are golden brown and crispy. You can cook them for a few minutes longer if you want them to be more well done.

Serving Suggestions

These air-fried diced potatoes are a great side for breakfast or brunch, especially when served with eggs. They also go well with condiments like BBQ sauce, or healthier options like vegetable sides.

How to avoid uneven cooking

To avoid uneven cooking when air frying diced potatoes, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, don't cook too many potatoes at once. The amount you can cook at one time will depend on the size of your air fryer. For example, one source recommends cooking no more than 2 cups of diced potatoes in a compact air fryer, while a 7-quart air fryer can easily cook 4 cups.

Second, if you're using a basket-style air fryer, remember to shake the basket at the halfway point. This ensures that the potatoes at the bottom of the basket move to the top and don't end up undercooked. A good shake is essential for even cooking.

Third, cut your potatoes into evenly sized cubes. This helps ensure even cooking, as all pieces will achieve the desired level of crispiness.

Fourth, preheat your air fryer before adding the potatoes. This jump-starts the cooking process and helps create a crispy exterior.

Fifth, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer, giving the hot air room to circulate and promoting even cooking and crispiness.

Finally, use a small amount of olive oil or vegetable oil when tossing your potatoes before air frying. This will help you achieve crispier results.

Frequently asked questions