Air Fryer Yellow Potatoes: Perfect Timing For Golden Spuds

Cooking potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, crispy spuds. With their creamy texture and lower starch content, yellow potatoes are a popular choice for air frying. They cook faster than baking potatoes in the oven and deliver a perfect golden crust with a soft, fluffy interior. The cooking time depends on the size of the potatoes, but generally, it takes around 15 to 20 minutes to cook yellow potatoes in an air fryer.

Cooking Yellow Potatoes in an Air Fryer

Cut potatoes into 1-inch cubes

To cut potatoes into 1-inch cubes, start by washing the potatoes. You can peel the potatoes if you prefer, but it's not necessary and leaving the skin on adds texture and extra nutrition. Give the potatoes a good scrub and pat them dry. Using a sharp knife, cut the potatoes into 1-inch pieces. If you are using baby potatoes, you can cut them in half or leave them whole if they are already 1 inch in diameter. For larger potatoes, cut them into cubes that are roughly 1 inch in size. Try to make the pieces as evenly sized as possible so that they cook at a similar rate.

Once you have cut your potatoes, place them in a medium-sized bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss the potatoes until they are well coated. You can also add other ingredients to the bowl at this stage to flavour the potatoes. For example, you might add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Give the bowl a good stir to combine the ingredients.

Next, transfer the potatoes to the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer, leaving a little space between each potato to allow hot air to circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.

Finally, set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, stir the potatoes or toss them in the basket, then cook for a further 8-10 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them. The potatoes are done when they are tender and golden brown. If you're not sure, pierce a potato with a fork – if the fork goes in easily, they're ready to serve.

Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and rosemary

Cooking yellow potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. The air fryer cooks the potatoes in a fraction of the time it would take to roast them in an oven, and they turn out just as crispy!

First, prepare your potatoes by giving them a good scrub and pat dry. Cut them into evenly sized pieces, about 1/2" to 3/4" thick. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and toss them with extra-virgin olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. You can also add some rosemary for extra flavor. Give the potatoes a good stir to ensure they are evenly coated.

Next, transfer the potatoes to the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave a little space between each potato to allow for even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the potatoes for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, pull out the basket and give it a stir or shake, then return it to the air fryer and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

Finally, serve the potatoes warm. You can garnish them with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Enjoy!

Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes

To cook yellow potatoes in an air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While the air fryer heats up, prepare your potatoes. Wash and pat them dry, then slice them into 1-inch cubes. You can also cut them in half if you prefer larger chunks. Place the potatoes in a mixing bowl and add olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic. You can also add other seasonings like Italian seasoning, paprika, or Parmesan cheese. Toss the potatoes until they are fully coated in the oil and seasonings.

Once your potatoes are prepared, arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded, as this will affect the cooking time and crispiness. Set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the potatoes for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, open the air fryer and toss or stir the potatoes to ensure even cooking. Depending on your preferred level of crispiness, cook the potatoes for an additional 8 to 10 minutes.

For a deeper golden color and a softer crisp, use Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes. These potatoes have lower starch and higher sugar content, resulting in a slightly different texture and color compared to Russets. Keep in mind that different types of potatoes will have varying cooking times due to their size and starch content.

Cooking times may also vary depending on your air fryer model, so it is important to keep an eye on your potatoes to prevent overcooking or burning. You can check the doneness by inserting a knife or fork into the center of a potato. If it goes in easily, your potatoes are ready.

Toss potatoes and cook for another 8-10 minutes

After the initial 10 minutes of cooking, it's time to toss the potatoes. This is a crucial step in the air-frying process, as it ensures even cooking and promotes the desirable crispy texture on the outside of the potatoes. By tossing the potatoes, you allow the hot air to circulate around them evenly, resulting in that perfect golden crust.

To toss the potatoes, use tongs or a spatula to turn them over in the air fryer basket. Try to flip them so that they cook evenly. It is important to ensure that the potatoes remain in a single layer and are not overcrowded. This allows the hot air to reach all sides of the potatoes, promoting even browning and crisping. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the potatoes in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.

After tossing, return the air fryer basket to the appliance and continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes. The total cooking time, including this additional 8-10 minutes, will be around 18-20 minutes. This duration is sufficient for the potatoes to reach the desired level of doneness, with a soft and fluffy interior and a golden, crispy exterior.

The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on your preferred level of crispness and the size of your potato pieces. For a deeper golden color and a crispier texture, you may consider adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. On the other hand, if you prefer your potatoes with a softer bite, you can reduce the cooking time slightly. Keep in mind that the size of the potato pieces also plays a role in the cooking time. Smaller pieces will cook faster and may require a shorter cooking time, while larger pieces may need a few extra minutes.

Garnish with fresh herbs

When it comes to garnishing your yellow potatoes with fresh herbs, there are several options to choose from.

Firstly, you can opt for the classic combination of salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. This simple yet effective garnish adds a burst of flavour and a pop of colour to your dish. If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, you can top your potatoes with cooked and crumbled bacon, providing a savoury and crispy contrast to the tender potatoes.

For those who enjoy a tangy twist, a squeeze of lemon juice over the potatoes before serving can cut through the richness of the dish. You can also experiment with different herbs such as basil, oregano, dill, or even a hint of rosemary or thyme. These herbs will add depth and complexity to the overall flavour profile.

Additionally, if you're feeling creative, you can try a unique blend of spices and ingredients. For instance, smoky potatoes can be achieved by replacing Italian seasoning with smoked paprika. If you're craving something spicy, swap out the Italian seasoning for chili powder, taco seasoning, or Cajun seasoning. Cheesy potatoes can be crafted by tossing them with grated Parmesan cheese, and a tangy variation can be created by drizzling Italian dressing over the potatoes.

Remember, the key to successful garnishing is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients that complement each other and enhance the natural flavours of the yellow potatoes.

Frequently asked questions