Frying Potatoes In An Air Fryer: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, with many recipes online. The cooking time depends on the type of potato and the air fryer being used, but it generally takes between 10 and 20 minutes to fry potatoes in an air fryer.

How to get the perfect crisp

Preparation

Before frying your potatoes, it is important to prepare them adequately. Firstly, ensure that you start with dry potatoes. Give the potatoes a thorough scrub to remove any residual dirt, and then pat them dry with a paper towel. If you have the time, it is recommended to let the potatoes air-dry for 30 minutes, rotating them after 15 minutes so that both sides can dry. If you are in a hurry, make sure to pat them as dry as possible before proceeding to the next step.

Soaking

Although not necessary, soaking the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to overnight is another helpful step to achieve the perfect crisp. This process helps remove the starch from the cut sides of the potatoes, allowing them to crisp up even more in the air fryer. After soaking, be sure to pat the potatoes dry again before cooking.

Seasoning

The beauty of air fryer potatoes is that they can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit your taste preferences. A simple combination of salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper is a popular choice, but you can also experiment with different spices and herbs. For example, you can try Cajun seasoning, chili lime seasoning, or even ranch seasoning for a unique twist.

Cooking

When it comes to cooking your potatoes in the air fryer, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure to preheat your air fryer to ensure maximum crispiness. Spread the seasoned potatoes in an even layer inside the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each potato to allow for proper air circulation.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time and temperature will depend on the type of potato and your desired level of crispiness. For baby potatoes or cut-up potatoes, cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, shake the basket or stir the potatoes, and then cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. For larger potatoes, such as a 7-ounce russet or Idaho potato, it will take approximately 35-40 minutes at 400°F.

Serving

Air fryer potatoes make a delicious and versatile side dish. They can be paired with a variety of main courses, such as steak, chicken, or fish. Get creative with your toppings and seasonings to suit your taste preferences and elevate your meal.

Tips for Success

• Leave the potato skins on for added crispiness and nutrition.
• Avoid using aerosol cooking sprays as they can damage the coating of your air fryer basket. Instead, toss the potatoes in olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking.
• Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to promote even cooking and browning.
• Work in batches if necessary to avoid crowding the basket.
• For extra crispiness, preheat your air fryer to 400°F before adding the potatoes.

By following these tips and techniques, you'll be able to achieve the perfect crisp with your air fryer potatoes every time!

The best potatoes to use

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are a good all-around choice for air frying. They will air fry beautifully, with a pale golden colour and fluffy insides. Their mild flavour makes them a great base for various dishes, and they pair well with many different seasonings.

Yukon Gold or Yellow Potatoes

Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes are a favourite for air frying because they strike the perfect balance between crispiness and creaminess. They will turn a deeper golden colour due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. Their insides will be especially creamy and full of flavour.

Red Potatoes

Red potatoes will roast up to an even darker golden brown because of their high sugar and lower starch content. They will be crispy when they first come out of the air fryer but will soften quickly. Their insides will be creamy and soft, making them a great choice for roasted potatoes or mashed potatoes.

Baby Potatoes or New Potatoes

Baby potatoes or new potatoes are not a specific variety but rather regular potatoes that have been harvested early. They have a high sugar content and hold their shape well during cooking. They are an excellent choice for air frying, especially if you are looking for a crispy exterior and creamy interior. However, they can be harder to find in grocery stores as they are somewhat seasonal.

Sweet Potatoes

If you are looking for a sweeter option, sweet potatoes are a great choice for air frying. They have a higher sugar content, which gives them a nice golden colour and a slightly sweeter flavour. Sweet potatoes are also a good source of fibre and vitamins, making them a nutritious option.

Potato Varieties to Avoid

While most potato varieties will work well in an air fryer, there are a few that you may want to avoid. For example, some sources recommend avoiding russet potatoes for roasted potatoes, as they can be too starchy. Similarly, Idaho potatoes may not be the best choice for air frying, as they can be a bit softer and may over-crisp or burn more easily.

In conclusion, the best potatoes to use in an air fryer will depend on the dish you are preparing and your desired level of crispiness and creaminess. Experiment with different varieties to find your favourite, and don't be afraid to get creative with your seasonings!

How long to fry for

The length of time you need to fry your potatoes in an air fryer depends on the type of potato, the size of the potato pieces, and the desired crispiness.

For baby potatoes, or new potatoes, which are smaller, you will need less time. These can be ready in as little as 10 minutes. Larger potatoes, such as Russets, will take longer, and can take up to 40 minutes.

For a crispy exterior, you should aim for a higher temperature, around 400°F, and a cooking time of 18-20 minutes. If you are happy with a softer exterior, a lower temperature of 350°F and a shorter cooking time of 15 minutes will suffice.

It is important to remember that air fryers can vary, so you should check your manual for specific temperatures and timings. You should also check your potatoes regularly to ensure they do not overcook.

Oil and seasoning

The amount of oil you'll need depends on how many potatoes you're frying. A good rule of thumb is to use enough oil to coat the potatoes so that the seasoning will stick. For a more precise measurement, one source recommends 1.5 tablespoons of oil for 1 pound of potatoes.

Extra virgin olive oil is recommended by several sources, as it helps the potatoes crisp up and brown nicely, and adds great flavor. However, other types of oil or oil spray can also be used.

As for seasoning, salt and pepper are a must. For additional flavor, garlic powder and Italian seasoning are popular choices. Other seasonings you could try include:

• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder
• Taco seasoning
• Cajun seasoning
• Ranch seasoning
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Oregano
• Basil
• Dill
• Lemon
• Parsley
• Thyme
• Rosemary
• Paprika
• Sumac
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder

Serving suggestions

Air fryer potatoes are a versatile dish that can be served at any meal, from breakfast to dinner. They are a great side dish to a range of meals, from a simple protein and salad combo to a hearty steak or chicken dinner. They can also be served with a dip as an appetiser.

For a more indulgent breakfast, serve air fryer potatoes with chicken apple sausage and cheesy scrambled eggs. They can also be added to breakfast tacos or burritos.

For a vegetarian option, air fryer potatoes go well with a fresh green salad, roasted cauliflower, or roasted asparagus. They are also delicious with butternut squash soup or broccoli cheddar soup.

If you're serving a larger meal, air fryer potatoes are a great side to a holiday menu with classic dishes like stuffing and green bean casserole. They also pair well with meat, such as pan-seared steak, creamy Tuscan chicken, or juicy pork tenderloin. For a festive meal, serve them with a juicy roast turkey or Mississippi pot roast.

For a more exotic flavour combination, try air fryer potatoes with a Southwestern twist using taco seasoning or with a Greek twist using a combination of garlic, onion, oregano, basil, and dill.

If you have any leftover potatoes, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days and reheated in the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions