Air-Frying Red Potatoes: Perfect Timing For Crispy Spuds

Air fryers are a convenient way to make crispy and flavourful red potatoes in less than 30 minutes. The circulating air of an air fryer ensures that the potatoes are cooked evenly, with a tender inside and a super crispy outside. The use of an air fryer also reduces the amount of oil required compared to traditional frying methods, making it a healthier alternative.

How to prepare the potatoes for the air fryer

Preparing potatoes for the air fryer is simple and requires very few steps. First, you'll want to wash the potatoes thoroughly, especially if you plan on leaving the skin on—which is recommended for optimal crispiness. Leaving the skin on also provides added nutrients. If you're using baby potatoes, simply halve or quarter them. For larger red potatoes, cut them into at least eighths, aiming for 1-inch-wide pieces.

Next, add the chopped potatoes to a large bowl, drizzle them with olive oil, and sprinkle them with your desired seasonings. For a basic recipe, use rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper. However, you can get creative and experiment with different seasonings like Cajun, Old Bay, Italian, or Tuscan blends. You can also make your own Mexican-inspired blend with cumin, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder, or go for a Greek-inspired mix with oregano, basil, and dill.

After seasoning, give the potatoes a good toss to ensure they are evenly coated with oil and seasonings. Then, transfer them to the air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.

How long to cook the potatoes for

To cook red potatoes in an air fryer, you should first cut them into pieces about 1 inch wide. For baby red potatoes, this may just mean halving or quartering them, while larger red potatoes will need to be cut into eighths. You should then add the chopped potatoes to a large bowl along with olive oil and your choice of spices. Toss the mixture together, and then transfer it to an air fryer.

It is important to ensure that the potatoes are arranged in a single layer and not piled on top of each other. This will help them to cook evenly and get nice and crispy. You should then roast the red potatoes at 400°F for 18-22 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through or switch the positioning of the racks in an oven model so the potatoes cook evenly.

Once the potatoes are fork-tender in the middle with crispy, golden brown edges, they are ready to be removed from the air fryer. You can then garnish them with additional fresh herbs, such as rosemary, parsley, or chives, and serve them warm.

The cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer and how crispy you like your potatoes. For crispier potatoes, you can increase the cooking time by a few minutes.

How to get the potatoes crispy

To get your red potatoes crispy in the air fryer, follow these steps:

Preparation

First, cut your red potatoes into halves or quarters for baby red potatoes, or eighths for larger red potatoes. You want to aim for pieces that are about 1 inch wide. Place the chopped potatoes into a large bowl and add your desired seasonings and a small amount of olive oil. Toss the potatoes until they are well coated.

Cooking

Place the seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer with space for air to circulate. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, shake the basket or stir the potatoes. Cook for another 8-12 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and tender.

Serving

For an extra crispy finish, serve the potatoes with a drizzle of lemon juice and a garnish of fresh herbs such as rosemary, parsley, or chives.

Tips for Crispy Potatoes

• Soaking the potatoes before cooking can help remove excess starch and result in crispier potatoes. However, this is not necessary for air frying, as the air fryer's convection cooking method will crisp up the potatoes without this step.
• If you want to add cheese to your potatoes, parmesan is a good option as it has a rich and salty flavor that melts well.
• For extra crispy potatoes, cut them into smaller pieces, as this will increase the surface area that gets crispy during cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper air circulation.
• Always wash potatoes before cooking to remove any dirt.
• Preheat your air fryer for best results.
• Don't peel your potatoes, as the skin helps to create a crispy texture.

How to store leftover potatoes

Storing leftover potatoes correctly is essential to prevent food wastage and avoid foodborne illnesses. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive guidelines on how to store leftover potatoes:

• Cooling and Storing Time: It is important to let the potatoes cool down before storing them. Storing hot food increases the chances of spoilage by salmonella bacteria. Potatoes should be allowed to cool to room temperature or slightly warmer before placing them in the fridge or freezer. An ice bath can be used to quickly cool the potatoes if you are short on time.
• Storage Containers: Leftover potatoes can be stored in airtight containers, plastic bags, or plastic wrap. Airtight containers and sealed bags are ideal for keeping air out and preventing bacterial growth. If using plastic bags, ensure they are sealed tightly with no air pockets. Plastic wrap can be used to wrap the potatoes tightly, ensuring no air bubbles are left inside.
• Storage Temperature and Duration: Leftover potatoes should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. At room temperature, bacteria can grow and cause spoilage within a couple of hours. In the refrigerator, cooked potatoes can be stored for up to five days, while frozen potatoes can last for up to six months.
• Reheating: Reheat the potatoes only once after the initial cooking. Reheating multiple times increases the risk of foodborne illnesses. The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350° F for around 20 minutes. Microwaving can be used for quicker reheating, but it may dry out the potatoes.
• Avoid Aluminium Foil: Do not use aluminium foil to store leftover potatoes in the refrigerator. It does not provide an airtight seal, allowing bacteria to grow.
• Avoid Storing Twice: Once the potatoes have been reheated, they should not be stored again. Reheated potatoes are more susceptible to bacterial growth and spoilage.

By following these guidelines, you can safely store and enjoy your leftover potatoes without worrying about food spoilage or foodborne illnesses.

What to serve the potatoes with

Now that you know how to make them, it's time to think about what to serve with your air-fried red potatoes. The good news is that potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served with almost anything. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Meat Dishes

Roasted red potatoes are a great side for a variety of meat dishes. Try them with:

• Chicken: Air Fryer Chicken Legs, Tuscan Chicken, or Chicken Francaise.
• Pork: Sheet Pan Pork Chops or Instant Pot Ribs.
• Beef: Air Fryer Steak, Italian Beef, or Corned Beef Brisket.
• Fish: Grilled Swordfish, Grilled Shrimp, or Broiled Salmon.

Vegetarian Dishes

For a vegetarian option, roasted red potatoes go well with:

• Salads: Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette, Spinach, Apple, and Walnut Salad, or Roasted Bean and Potato Salad.
• Stuffed vegetables: Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers or Enchilada Zucchini Boats.
• Quinoa dishes: Spinach Mushroom Quinoa Skillet or Roasted Potato and Chickpea Quinoa Bowl.
• Mushroom dishes: Portobello Mushrooms with Spinach and Feta or Creamy Poleta and Red Wine Mushrooms.

Breakfast Dishes

Roasted red potatoes are also a great breakfast side. Try them with:

• Eggs: Huevos Rancheros, Breakfast Casserole with Turkey Sausage, or Eggs Benedict.
• Pancakes: 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Pancakes.
• Parfait: Fruit Yogurt Parfait.
• Burrito: Potato Breakfast Burrito.

Main Dishes

If you want to make roasted red potatoes the star of the show, try using them in one of these main dishes:

• Salad: Roasted Potato Salad or Poutine with roasted potatoes.
• Tacos: Potatoes and Cauliflower Tacos.
• Bowls: Spicy Potato Kale Bowls or Buddha Bowls.
• Burrito: Potato Breakfast Burrito.

Frequently asked questions