Air Fryer Baby Potatoes: Perfect Timing For Crispy Spuds

Air fryers are a quick and convenient way to cook baby potatoes, with most recipes requiring only 15 to 20 minutes of cooking time. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes and the desired level of crispiness. Before air frying, the potatoes should be tossed in oil and seasonings to ensure they emerge crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.

How long to cook baby potatoes in the air fryer?

Baby potato varieties for air frying

Baby potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be paired with almost any meal, from a steak dinner to a lighter seafood meal. They are also incredibly easy to cook in an air fryer, making them a great option for beginners and experts alike.

When it comes to choosing baby potato varieties for air frying, there are a few different types that work particularly well. One option is to use yellow baby potatoes, which are known for their buttery flavor and creamy texture when roasted in the air fryer. Red baby potatoes are also a popular choice and can be used interchangeably with yellow potatoes in most recipes. In addition, tri-color baby potatoes can add some visual interest to your dish, while still delivering the same great taste. If you're looking for something a little different, fingerlings can be cut into smaller pieces and air-fried to perfection. And don't be afraid to get creative - any soft-skinned potato can be used as long as it's cut to the right size.

For those who prefer a more classic potato flavor, gold potatoes are a great option for air frying. These potatoes have a crispy skin and fluffy interior that is similar to roasted potatoes cooked in an oven. Purple potatoes are another variety that can be used in air frying, offering a unique color and flavor profile to your dish.

No matter which variety of baby potato you choose, the key to success when air frying is to ensure that the potatoes are properly cleaned, dried, and seasoned before cooking. This will help create that desirable crispy texture on the outside, while maintaining a soft and fluffy interior. So, whether you're a fan of yellow, red, tri-color, or gold potatoes, give air frying a try and enjoy a delicious and versatile side dish that's hard to beat.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The temperature and timing for cooking baby potatoes in an air fryer depend on the type of potato, the size of the potato, and the desired texture.

For small raw baby potatoes, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 14 to 16 minutes. Larger potatoes will take a few minutes longer. For a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior, cook at this temperature for 18 to 22 minutes. If you prefer a softer, cooked-through texture, you can cook the potatoes at 400°F for 10 minutes, shake the basket, and then cook for an additional 8 to 10 minutes.

For reheating leftover baby potatoes, place them in an air fryer set to 380°F for a few minutes until they are warmed through.

How to prep baby potatoes for air frying

Baby potatoes are a great side dish to cook in an air fryer as they take very little time to cook and go with almost any main meal. You can use any type of baby potatoes, such as red, yellow, gold, or purple.

Step 1: Rinse and dry the potatoes

Rinse the baby potatoes and dry them off with a paper towel. This step is important as it ensures the oil sticks to the skins and makes them crispy.

Step 2: Season the potatoes

Place the potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with oil. Toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated. You can use olive oil or avocado oil, depending on your preference.

Next, add your choice of seasonings to the bowl and toss again to combine. Popular seasoning choices include garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary, oregano, thyme, or sage. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese or sour cream after cooking for extra flavor.

Step 3: Place the potatoes in the air fryer

Transfer the seasoned potatoes to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. If you have an oven model air fryer, you may need to arrange them on two racks. If your potatoes don't fit in one layer, cook them in batches to ensure maximum crispiness.

Step 4: Cook the potatoes

Set the air fryer to 400°F/204°C and cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, depending on their size. For smaller baby potatoes, 14-16 minutes should be sufficient. Shake the basket or toss the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

To check if the potatoes are done, pierce them with a fork. If they are fork-tender and golden brown on the outside, they are ready. If not, cook in 2-minute increments until they reach the desired doneness.

Seasoning and spices for baby potatoes

Baby potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be paired with just about any main meal. They are also incredibly easy to make and can be seasoned in a variety of ways.

To start, you'll need to preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While the air fryer is preheating, rinse and dry your baby potatoes. You can use any type of baby potato, such as red, gold, yellow, or even purple potatoes. Cut the potatoes to your preferred size, keeping in mind that smaller potatoes will cook faster.

Once your potatoes are prepared, it's time to season them. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil or melted butter. Toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated. Now, it's time to add your seasonings. You can use a variety of spices and herbs to flavor your baby potatoes. Here are some ideas:

• Garlic powder
• Fresh or dried rosemary
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Sage
• Red pepper flakes
• Cumin seeds
• Chili powder
• Turmeric

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of spices and herbs to find your perfect blend. You can also add some grated parmesan cheese or sour cream after cooking for extra flavor.

After seasoning, transfer the potatoes to the air fryer basket and cook for 12 to 20 minutes, depending on their size. For best results, shake or flip the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping. Your baby potatoes are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender and fluffy on the inside.

With their crispy skin and fluffy interior, air fryer baby potatoes make a delicious and quick side dish that can be customized to your taste.

Reheating baby potatoes in an air fryer

Step 1: Prepare the Baby Potatoes

Start by taking your cooked baby potatoes out of the fridge. It is recommended to use an airtight container to store them, and they will last for up to 3 days in the fridge. If you have leftover baby potatoes, you can also reheat them in the air fryer to get that crispy texture back.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 380°F. Preheating is essential to ensure that your potatoes get crispy. It also helps to cook them evenly.

Step 3: Place the Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Place the desired amount of baby potatoes in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Step 4: Reheat the Potatoes

Reheat the baby potatoes in the air fryer for a few minutes. Keep an eye on them and check frequently to ensure they don't overcook. They are ready when they are warmed through and have reached your desired level of crispiness.

Step 5: Serve

Once the baby potatoes are warmed through and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can enjoy them as a side dish or even add them to breakfast dishes like tacos or burritos.

Frequently asked questions