Boiling Baby Potatoes: Air Fryer Quick Tips

Air fryer baby potatoes are a quick and easy dish to make, and they come out crispy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside. The cooking time varies depending on the type of air fryer and the size of the potatoes, but generally, they take between 15 and 20 minutes to cook.

How to get the perfect level of crispiness

Air fryer baby potatoes are a quick and easy dish to make, and they come out crispy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside. Here are some tips to ensure you get the perfect level of crispiness:

Preparation

Before cooking, ensure your potatoes are washed and fully dried. You can peel them, but leaving the skin on will make them crispier. If you're short on time, you can skip pre-boiling or steaming the potatoes, but this step will help speed up the cooking process and give the potatoes a fluffier texture.

Seasoning

Coat the potatoes in oil and your choice of seasoning. You can use any oil you prefer, but avocado, olive, or vegetable oil are popular choices. For seasoning, salt and pepper are a must, and you can add garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for extra flavour. You can also experiment with Cajun seasoning, parsley, lemon, or parmesan cheese.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your potatoes, but for small baby potatoes, cook for around 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The potatoes are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Serving

Air fryer baby potatoes are a versatile side dish that goes well with almost any meal. They're perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as a snack. You can serve them as-is or pair them with meat, fish, or vegetables.

Reheating

To reheat, cook the potatoes in a preheated air fryer at 400°F for 3-4 minutes until they are heated through. You may need to add a little more salt to recreate the same flavour as when they were first cooked.

The best potatoes to use for air frying

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes. They give you crispy potatoes with a soft and creamy inside, and they're much faster than an oven. Plus, you need less oil, so they're healthier too!

The type of potato you use will depend on the result you want. Here are some of the most common types of potatoes and what they'll bring to your dish:

• Russets: These potatoes will give you the classic "fried" look with a pale golden colour and a crisp outside. The insides will be soft and fluffy.
• Yukon Golds or Yellow Potatoes: These are a favourite for air frying as they will crisp up perfectly and turn a deeper golden colour. Their insides will be creamy and full of flavour.
• Reds: Red potatoes will turn an even darker golden brown and will be crispy coming out but will soften quickly. Their insides will be creamy and soft.
• Baby Potatoes or New Potatoes: These are not a variety in themselves but regular potatoes that have been harvested early. They have a high sugar content and hold their shape. They roast perfectly in the air fryer.

Tips for the perfect air-fried potatoes:

• Wash the potatoes thoroughly, leaving the skin on for extra crispiness.
• Dry your potatoes after washing to ensure the oil sticks to the skins.
• Preheat your air fryer to get the maximum crispiness.
• Use a spatula or spoon to turn your potatoes – shaking the basket can cause them to break apart.
• Cut your potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
• Soak your potatoes in hot water for 10 minutes before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure maximum crispiness.

How to season your baby potatoes

Preparation

Before seasoning your baby potatoes, it is important to ensure they are washed and fully dried. You can either leave them whole or slice them in half, depending on your preference.

Seasoning Options

There are numerous ways to season your baby potatoes, depending on your taste preferences and the other components of your meal. Here are some seasoning options:

• Butter and Herbs: This is a simple and elegant way to season your baby potatoes. You can use a combination of butter, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs such as dill, chives, and parsley. Boil or steam the potatoes until tender, then add the butter, salt, and pepper. Toss until the butter melts and coats the potatoes, and add the herbs just before serving.
• Olive Oil, Garlic, and Rosemary: Toss your baby potatoes in olive oil, garlic (either minced or powder), rosemary, salt, and pepper. Then, bake or roast them until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
• Italian-Style: Season your baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bake or roast them until fork-tender and crispy.
• Cajun-Style: Season your baby potatoes with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook them in an air fryer until golden and tender. For added flavour, squeeze a lemon wedge over the cooked potatoes.
• Parmesan and Rosemary: For a crispy and flavourful coating, you can add grated Parmesan cheese to your baby potatoes, along with rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Other Options: You can also experiment with other seasonings such as ginger paste, cumin seeds, chilli powder, turmeric, red pepper flakes, paprika, or thyme.

Cooking Tips

When cooking your seasoned baby potatoes, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• If using an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F and cook the potatoes in a single layer to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
• If boiling or steaming your potatoes, use enough water and consider adding salt to infuse flavour into the potatoes.
• For baked or roasted potatoes, preheat your oven to 400°F or 450°F, depending on the recipe, and roast the potatoes until fork-tender and crispy.

Enjoy your delicious and flavourful baby potatoes!

How to reheat baby potatoes in an air fryer

Reheating baby potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get them tasting crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect reheated baby potatoes.

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Firstly, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the optimal temperature for achieving the desired crispy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Baby Potatoes

While the air fryer is heating up, prepare your leftover baby potatoes. You can use any variety of baby potatoes, such as yellow, red, gold, or purple. Simply ensure they are thoroughly dried with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture, which can lead to sogginess.

Step 3: Season the Baby Potatoes (Optional)

At this point, you can choose to season your baby potatoes. A simple seasoning of sea salt and black pepper will enhance their flavour, but you can also get creative and experiment with other spices and herbs, such as garlic powder, rosemary, paprika, or Italian seasoning.

Step 4: Place the Baby Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Once your potatoes are seasoned to your liking, it's time to place them in the air fryer. Ensure that they are arranged in a single layer with some space between them to allow for even cooking and maximum crispiness. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to sogginess.

Step 5: Reheat the Baby Potatoes

Now, it's time to reheat your baby potatoes. Place the air fryer basket into the preheated air fryer and cook the potatoes for approximately 3-4 minutes. This should be enough time to thoroughly heat them while maintaining their crispy texture.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Once the time is up, remove the baby potatoes from the air fryer and enjoy! You can serve them as a side dish or incorporate them into other recipes, such as breakfast tacos or salad bowls.

Reheating baby potatoes in an air fryer is a simple and efficient way to enjoy crispy and fluffy potatoes without the lengthy process of traditional oven roasting. By following these steps, you can have delicious, crispy baby potatoes ready in no time!

How to store leftover baby potatoes

When it comes to storing leftover baby potatoes, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure they stay fresh and tasty. Here are some detailed instructions:

Storing Cooked Baby Potatoes:

Firstly, it's important to note that cooked baby potatoes should be stored differently from raw potatoes. Place the leftover baby potatoes in an airtight container or a covered container, and store them in the refrigerator. This will help keep them fresh and dry. Do not leave cooked baby potatoes at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as it could lead to food safety issues. Aim to finish leftover cooked potatoes within 3 to 5 days, for the best taste and texture.

Storing Raw Baby Potatoes:

Raw baby potatoes, on the other hand, are best stored in a cool, dry, and dark place, like a pantry or root cellar. They should be kept at a temperature of around 43-50°F (or 45-50°F, according to another source). Avoid sealed containers, as these trap moisture and can cause the potatoes to spoil faster. Instead, opt for a paper bag, an open bowl, or a ventilated container like a mesh bag or crate. Make sure the potatoes are not too crowded and have enough air circulation.

Additionally, it's best not to wash raw baby potatoes before storing them, as the moisture can promote bacterial and fungal growth. Only wash them right before cooking. Regularly check your stored potatoes for any signs of spoilage, such as sprouting, soft spots, or discolouration. If you spot any bad potatoes, remove them from the rest, as one spoiling potato can affect the others.

Finally, avoid storing raw baby potatoes with onions, as the gas emitted by onions can cause the potatoes to spoil faster. With these tips in mind, your raw baby potatoes can last up to two months in a pantry or root cellar, or 1-2 weeks at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions