Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes: Perfect Timing For Crispy Spuds

Breakfast potatoes are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that can be prepared in an air fryer. The cooking time varies depending on the type of potato and the desired level of crispiness, but generally, they can be ready in as little as 15 minutes. The air fryer's high heat and circulating air ensure even cooking, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior. To make them, potatoes are cut into cubes, seasoned with oil and spices, and cooked in the air fryer for the desired amount of time.

How to get the perfect crisp

To get the perfect crisp, there are a few key steps to follow. Firstly, it is important to cut the potatoes into uniform, equally-sized pieces. This ensures that the potatoes cook evenly, resulting in that desired crispy texture across all the potatoes. Next, spread the potatoes out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This is crucial, as it allows the hot air to circulate effectively, crisping the potatoes rather than steaming them.

The type of potato you use also makes a difference. Red potatoes and Yukon gold potatoes are excellent choices for achieving a crispy exterior, while russet potatoes are better for a fluffier inside. If you want to experiment with different varieties, sweet potatoes and Maris Piper potatoes are also worth trying.

The amount of oil used can impact the crispiness of the potatoes. While air frying requires significantly less oil than deep frying, adding a tiny bit of olive oil will help achieve that crispy exterior without making the potatoes greasy. Additionally, be mindful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook the potatoes in batches to allow for proper air circulation, which is essential for crispiness.

Finally, don't forget to shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning. Depending on your desired level of crispiness, you can also shake the basket at the 10-minute mark and then cook for an additional 5 minutes. Repeat this process until you achieve your desired crispiness.

The best potatoes to use

The type of potato you use for air frying can vary depending on your preference for texture and taste. Red potatoes and Yukon gold potatoes are great options if you want your potatoes to crisp up beautifully. Red potatoes cook quickly and are a good option if you want a crispy texture. Yukon gold potatoes are in between a "starchy" and "waxy" potato, and they can be a good substitute for red potatoes.

Russet potatoes are another option, but they are considered "starchy" and have a higher chance of falling apart when cooked. They are more likely to be fluffy on the inside due to their low moisture content. If you want to use russet potatoes, it is recommended that you choose this type if you are adding vegetables to your potatoes, as they are less starchy.

Maris Piper potatoes are also mentioned as a possible option, but there are no additional details provided.

The size of the potato cubes also affects the cooking time and texture. For even cooking and browning, it is important to cut the potatoes into similar-sized cubes. Smaller pieces will cook faster and result in a crispier texture.

How to prepare the potatoes

Preparing potatoes for air frying is a simple process. First, decide whether you want to peel the potatoes or simply scrub them thoroughly. If you opt to peel them, you can enhance the texture of the potatoes by soaking the peeled potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to an hour to remove excess starch. However, this step is not mandatory.

Next, dice the potatoes into 1-inch cubes or 0.5-inch cubes, depending on your preference. If you want to save time in the morning, you can do this step the night before and store the diced potatoes in water to be seasoned just before cooking.

After dicing, it's time to season the potatoes. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil, tossing until they are well coated. For additional flavour, you can add seasonings such as dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated with the seasonings.

Finally, spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on an air fryer basket or baking sheet. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. If you are using a baking sheet, cover it with foil before placing the potatoes in the oven.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for breakfast potatoes in an air fryer depend on the type of potatoes used and the desired level of crispiness. On average, the cooking time is around 15 to 20 minutes, but this can vary depending on the size and type of potatoes.

For red potatoes, the cooking time is typically 15 minutes, resulting in a crispy and creamy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes also take around 15 minutes to cook and yield a fluffy interior with a crispy exterior. Russet potatoes are another option, taking a similar amount of time to cook as the other varieties, but resulting in a slightly different texture.

To ensure even cooking and optimal crispiness, it is important to cut the potatoes into uniformly sized pieces. Additionally, the air fryer basket should not be overcrowded, allowing enough room for the hot air to circulate. If cooking a large batch of potatoes, it may be necessary to cook them in smaller batches.

The ideal temperature for cooking breakfast potatoes in an air fryer is around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. However, some recipes suggest a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 15 minutes, while others recommend increasing the temperature to 450 degrees Fahrenheit for the last 2 to 3 minutes to achieve extra crispiness.

During the cooking process, it is important to shake the air fryer basket halfway through to ensure even browning and cooking. This can be done at the 10-minute mark, and the potatoes can be returned to the air fryer for an additional 5 minutes. If needed, the potatoes can be shaken again and cooked for another 5 minutes or until the desired level of crispiness is achieved.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer breakfast potatoes are a versatile dish that can be served as a side or incorporated into a larger meal. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your breakfast potatoes:

As a Side

Air fryer breakfast potatoes are a delicious and crispy addition to any breakfast plate. They pair well with traditional breakfast fare like eggs, bacon, and sausage. For a vegetarian option, serve them with a vegetable frittata or a tofu scramble. If you're feeling indulgent, add a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped scallions or fresh herbs on top of your potatoes. You can also try adding some shredded cheese, such as Parmesan or cheddar, for a savoury touch.

In a Hearty Breakfast

These potatoes can also be incorporated into a heartier breakfast. Try making breakfast burritos or breakfast tacos filled with scrambled eggs, potatoes, and your choice of meat, like bacon or sausage. If you're feeling adventurous, add some diced peppers and onions to the mix. For a spicier kick, include some jalapeños or hot sauce. You can even serve them with French toast or pancakes for a sweet and savoury combination.

With a Main Course

While typically a breakfast item, air fryer breakfast potatoes can also be a tasty side dish for lunch or dinner. They pair well with grilled meats like ribeye or herb-roasted chicken. For a vegetarian option, serve them with a portobello mushroom burger or a vegetable stir-fry. You can also use them as a base for a steak and potato hash or a hearty salad.

As a Snack

These crispy potato bites can also be enjoyed as a snack on their own. Season them with your favourite spices and herbs, and enjoy them as a midday treat or an appetizer before a big meal.

No matter how you serve them, air fryer breakfast potatoes are a quick, easy, and delicious addition to your meal. Get creative and experiment with different seasonings, herbs, and toppings to find your favourite combinations!

Frequently asked questions