Air Fryer Chopped Potatoes: How Long To Fry?

Air fryers are a healthier alternative to deep frying, and they're perfect for cooking potatoes. You can make crispy, tender, and tasty potatoes in an air fryer in less than 30 minutes. The circulating air in the air fryer crisps the outsides of the potatoes with a golden crust, while the insides remain soft, tender, and flavourful.

How to get the potatoes crispy

To get your potatoes crispy in the air fryer, there are a few steps you can follow. Firstly, make sure you are using the right type of potatoes. Russet, Yukon Gold, baby reds, or red potatoes are all great options as they have a higher starch content, which helps with crisping.

Preparation

Before cutting your potatoes, scrub them thoroughly to remove any dirt. If you have the time, it is recommended to soak your potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps to remove excess starch, which can prevent them from crisping. However, if you are short on time, simply pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel and set them on a kitchen towel to ensure they are thoroughly dried.

Seasoning

After drying, cut your potatoes into evenly sized pieces, about one-inch cubes or wedges. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure to also add a few tablespoons of oil, such as olive oil, to help the seasonings stick to the potatoes and enhance crisping. Toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated.

Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with space for air to circulate. Cook the potatoes for about 10 minutes, then remove the basket and shake or stir to ensure even cooking. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

Serving

Once your potatoes are cooked to perfection, you can serve them as a side dish or appetizer. For an extra flavour boost, squeeze some lemon juice over the potatoes and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or other herbs. Enjoy!

How to prepare the potatoes before air frying

Preparing potatoes for air frying is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a guide on how to prepare potatoes before air frying:

Firstly, choose the right type of potatoes. Baby potatoes, such as fingerlings, Yukon Golds, baby russets, or baby red potatoes, are ideal for air frying as they have thinner skin, which crisps up nicely. If you can't find baby potatoes, regular Yukon Golds or other similar-sized potatoes will work. Just try to choose potatoes that are uniform in size and free from eyes and blemishes.

Once you have your potatoes, give them a good scrub to remove any residual dirt, especially if you're using russet, red skin, or sweet potatoes. It's important to ensure they are completely dry before cooking, so after scrubbing, pat them with a paper towel and let them air dry on a kitchen towel for at least 30 minutes, rotating them halfway through so both sides of the skin can dry.

If you have the time, the next step is to dice your potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Soaking the diced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to overnight will help remove starch from the cut sides, resulting in even crispier potatoes. Just be sure to pat them very dry before cooking!

Now it's time to season your potatoes. In a large bowl, combine the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and your choice of seasonings. For a classic option, go with garlic powder and Italian seasoning. If you like a little spice, add some Cajun seasoning. Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to find your favourite flavour profile.

After your potatoes are seasoned, they're ready to be cooked in the air fryer! Be sure to follow the specific instructions for your air fryer model, as not all are created equal. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, and then place the potatoes in the basket in a single layer. Cook them for about 10 minutes, then shake or stir the basket and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

And that's it! You now have perfectly air-fried potatoes that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Enjoy them as a side dish, or get creative and use them in breakfast tacos, burritos, or as a snack with your favourite dip.

How to avoid uneven cooking

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes quickly and with less oil than traditional frying methods. However, uneven cooking can be a common issue with air fryers. Here are some tips to help you avoid uneven cooking and get perfectly cooked potatoes every time:

Cut potatoes into uniform sizes

Before placing the potatoes in the air fryer, make sure they are cut into similar-sized pieces. This helps ensure that all the potatoes cook at the same rate.

Don't overfill the basket

Overfilling the air fryer basket can cause uneven cooking and browning, as well as soggy, uncooked areas. Cook your potatoes in batches if you have a large quantity to ensure proper airflow and even cooking.

Shake or flip the potatoes during cooking

Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food. To ensure even cooking, shake the basket or use a spatula to flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking process. This helps prevent one side from cooking more than the other.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is essential to ensure the potatoes start cooking immediately at the correct temperature. This helps prevent sogginess and promotes even cooking.

Clean your air fryer regularly

Residue, crumbs, and leftover oil can build up in your air fryer, causing uneven cooking and even fire hazards. Clean your air fryer after each use, including wiping down the interior and exterior, and follow the instructions in the manual for cleaning the removable parts.

Choose the right air fryer for your needs

Different air fryer models have different features and capacities. Choose an air fryer with a basket size that suits the quantity of food you typically cook, and consider whether you need additional cooking functions like baking or broiling.

Which types of potatoes are best

The best potatoes for an air fryer are:

Russets

Russet potatoes will air fry beautifully. They will crisp up with a pale golden colour and their insides will be soft and fluffy with a mild flavour.

Yukon Golds or Yellow Potatoes

These are a favourite for air frying because they will crisp up perfectly but also turn a deeper golden colour because of the lower starch and higher sugar content. Their crisp will be a tad softer than a russet, however, their insides will be creamy and full of flavour.

Reds

Red potatoes will turn an even darker golden brown because of their higher sugar and lower starch content. They will be crispy coming out but soften quickly. Their insides will be creamy and soft.

Baby Potatoes or New Potatoes

These are not a variety or type of potato, but rather regular potatoes that have been thinned from the crop early. They have a high sugar content and roast in the air fryer perfectly, as well as hold their shape. They can be hard to find in the grocery store as they are somewhat seasonal.

How to serve air fryer potatoes

Air fryer potatoes are a quick and easy side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

As a Breakfast Side

Air fryer potatoes make a great addition to your morning meal. Serve them alongside dishes such as fried eggs, a Parmesan herb frittata, or a sausage cheddar breakfast casserole. You can also include them in breakfast tacos or burritos for a heartier breakfast option.

With Proteins and Soups

For a weeknight dinner, air fryer potatoes pair well with any simply cooked protein, such as black bean burgers or veggie burgers. They also go nicely with a bowl of soup, such as butternut squash or broccoli cheddar soup.

As a Holiday Side

Air fryer potatoes can add a special touch to your holiday menu. Serve them alongside classic dishes like stuffing and green bean casserole. Their crispy texture and savory flavor will be a welcome addition to any festive feast.

Under a Main Course

Instead of serving them as a side, you can also use air fryer potatoes as a base for your main course. Try them under skillet meals such as sausage and zucchini or turkey and zucchini. The potatoes will soak up all the flavors from the dish, adding extra taste and texture.

With Eggs and Sausage

For a filling breakfast or brunch option, serve air fryer potatoes with scrambled eggs and chicken apple sausage. This combination will keep you satisfied and energized throughout the day.

With a Dip

Air fryer potatoes can be a tasty appetizer when paired with a dip. Try serving them with a whipped feta dip or your favorite store-bought option. They'll be a hit at any party or gathering.

No matter how you choose to serve them, air fryer potatoes are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. Enjoy experimenting with different seasonings and serving suggestions to find your favorite combinations!

Frequently asked questions