Tillie Doyle
Cooking potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get crispy, tender potatoes. The circulating air in the fryer crisps the outsides of the potatoes with a golden crust, while the insides become soft, tender, and flavorful. Air-fried potatoes are a healthy option, as they require less oil than traditionally roasted potatoes, and they cook much faster. Depending on the size of the potatoes and the desired crispness, they can be ready in as little as 10 minutes or up to an hour.
Characteristics of cooking little potatoes in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 360-400°F |
| Cook time | 10-25 minutes |
| Potato type | Baby potatoes, gold potatoes, baby red potatoes, russet potatoes |
| Potato preparation | Halved, unpeeled, coated in oil, seasoned |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, parsley, dill, basil, mint, lemon |
| Potato texture | Crispy, golden, fluffy |
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What You'll Learn
Cook time and temperature
When cooking little potatoes in an air fryer, it's important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the desired level of crispiness. For baby potatoes, which are typically small, ranging from 1 to 1.5 inches in size, the cooking time can range from 12 to 25 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
To achieve the perfect crisp, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit before adding the potatoes. This will help to reduce the overall cooking time and promote even cooking. Once the desired temperature is reached, place the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for the recommended time.
For baby potatoes, the cooking time is generally between 12 and 25 minutes. However, it's important to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Check for doneness by poking the potatoes with a fork or a sharp knife. If they can be easily pierced and have a tender texture, they are likely done. If not, continue cooking in 2-3 minute increments until they reach the desired level of doneness.
Additionally, tossing or shaking the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process is crucial for even cooking. This ensures that all the potatoes are exposed to the hot air circulating in the fryer, resulting in an even and consistent crisp. After the initial 10 minutes of cooking, open the basket, give it a good shake, and then return it to the air fryer for the remaining time.
It's worth noting that larger potatoes will take a few minutes longer to cook. For example, baked potatoes like russets can take up to an hour, depending on their size. So, if you're working with larger potatoes, adjust the cooking time accordingly, adding a few minutes to the overall cooking duration.
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Potato varieties
There are over 200 varieties of potatoes sold in the United States alone, and they can be categorized into seven types: russet, red, white, yellow, blue/purple, fingerling, and petite. Here are some examples of potato varieties:
Russet Potatoes
Russet potatoes are ideal for making light and fluffy mashed potatoes. They also fry up crisp and golden brown, making them perfect for baking. Their delicate flavor and fluffy texture go well with various toppings, from traditional sour cream and chives to bolder Mediterranean or Latin flavors.
Red Potatoes
Red potatoes have vibrant red skin and white or yellow flesh. Their waxy texture helps the flesh stay firm during cooking. Red potatoes are commonly used for potato salads, adding color and texture to side dishes, and can also be baked, mashed, or used in soups and stews.
White Potatoes
White potatoes are large, all-purpose potatoes with tan skin and white flesh. They are great for baking, mashing, frying, or shredding into latkes. White potatoes hold together well in boiling water and pair well with various seasonings.
Blue/Purple Potatoes
Some potatoes are blue or purple both inside and out. They have a dry texture but hold their shape well, making them ideal for baking and drizzling with butter or olive oil. They can also be boiled or steamed for a colorful potato salad.
Fingerling Potatoes
Fingerling potatoes are small and buttery, with a silky texture and a nutty flavor. They are excellent boiled or roasted and can be served as a side dish or sliced in a salad.
Petite Potatoes
Petite potatoes, also known as baby potatoes, come in various colors, including red, gold, and purple. They are perfect for air frying, requiring only a light spray of oil and a blend of seasonings before being cooked until crisp and creamy.
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Seasoning and flavouring
The great thing about cooking little potatoes in an air fryer is that they take on any spice flavour you coat them with. You can add various herbs and spices to season them, and they will come out roasted to perfection.
Firstly, you will need to cut your potatoes to the right size. If you are using baby potatoes, you can leave them whole, but if you are using larger potatoes, cut them into halves or wedges so that they are roughly the same size as a halved baby potato.
Now, for seasoning and flavouring. You can use any combination of herbs and spices you like, but here are some suggestions:
- Fresh rosemary
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Sage
- Parsley
- Lemon juice
You can also try onion powder, ground harissa, chilli powder, or curry powder. Simply drizzle some oil into a large bowl and toss the potatoes until they are well coated. Then add your chosen herbs and spices and toss again to combine. You can also add some grated parmesan cheese or sour cream after cooking for some extra flavour.
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Preparation and arrangement
The first step in preparing your little potatoes for air frying is to rinse them and dry them off with a paper towel. It is not necessary to peel the potatoes, as the skin will provide a delicious crispy bite. In fact, leaving the skin on is recommended for optimal crispiness. If you wish, you can cut the potatoes into halves or wedges to ensure they are all uniform in size, but this is not mandatory.
Once your potatoes are prepared, it's time to season them. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil or any oil of your choice. Toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated. At this point, you can add your desired spices and herbs. A common seasoning blend includes salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder. You can also add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, or sage. If you want a more crispy exterior, you can also try coating the potatoes with melted butter before adding the seasonings.
After your potatoes are seasoned, it's time to arrange them in the air fryer. Place the potatoes in the basket of your air fryer, ensuring they are in a single layer. This helps ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. If your potatoes do not all fit in a single layer, you may need to cook them in batches.
Now, you are ready to start cooking! Set your air fryer to 400°F and place the basket inside. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your potatoes and your desired level of doneness, but on average, it should take around 10-15 minutes for the potatoes to become golden and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.
During the cooking process, it is a good idea to shake or stir the potatoes at least once to ensure even cooking. You can also check for doneness by piercing a potato with a fork or sharp knife. If the potatoes are still firm, you can cook them for an additional 2-3 minutes or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Once your potatoes are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and serve them with your favorite meat or fish. Enjoy the delicious combination of crispy skin and fluffy or creamy interior!
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Reheating and storing
When cooking little potatoes in an air fryer, it is recommended to set the temperature to 400°F/204°C for 10–20 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes and the specific air fryer model. For larger potatoes, it is advisable to halve them to ensure uniform size before placing them in the air fryer.
To reheat little potatoes cooked in an air fryer, it is best to use the air fryer itself. This appliance allows you to quickly reheat leftovers while maintaining their crispy texture. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F, and arrange the leftover potatoes in a single layer on the crisper tray or basket. Reheat for 3–4 minutes or until warmed through.
If you are reheating a large batch of potatoes, it is advisable to shake or toss the potatoes halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Other reheating methods, such as using a microwave or a regular oven, are not recommended as they can make the potatoes soggy or dry.
When storing leftover little potatoes, place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They can be stored for up to 4–7 days, depending on the recipe and storage conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes about 40 to 50 minutes to cook little potatoes in an air fryer, depending on the size of the potatoes.
It is recommended to cook the potatoes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 to 205 degrees Celsius.
The potatoes are done when the skin is crispy and a knife inserted into the center meets little to no resistance.
To get crispy potatoes, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each potato. This allows hot air to contact all sides of the potatoes, promoting browning.
Yes, you can freeze leftover potatoes. Place them in freezer-safe bags and store them in the freezer for up to 3 to 8 months. To reheat, cook in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 10 minutes.
