Air Fryer Cubed Potatoes: How Long To Cook?

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, and they're even quicker than using an oven! You can use any type of potato, but it's best to avoid red or purple-skinned potatoes as they are starchier and waxier. You can also experiment with different seasonings, but it's important to add some oil so that your potatoes get nice and crispy. The cooking time will depend on your air fryer, but it should take somewhere between 10 and 25 minutes.

How to cut potatoes for air fryer

Preparation

Before you start cutting your potatoes, it's important to decide on the type of potato you want to use. The best potatoes for air frying are those that have a blend of waxy and floury characteristics, such as King Edwards and Maris Pipers. You can also use russet potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, or red potatoes. Once you've selected your potatoes, give them a good wash and dry them.

Cutting Technique

When it comes to cutting your potatoes, you'll want to aim for even-sized cubes. This will help ensure that all the pieces cook evenly and achieve the desired level of crispiness. Use a sharp knife to dice the potatoes into cubes that are approximately 1/2- to 3/4-inch in size. You don't need to peel the potatoes, but if you prefer, you can peel them before cutting.

Soaking (Optional)

To achieve extra crispiness, you can soak your cubed potatoes in cold water for around 10 minutes to remove excess starch. After soaking, be sure to rinse and pat them dry with a clean towel.

Seasoning

Now it's time to season your potatoes! Place the cubed potatoes in a large bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can use a variety of spices and herbs such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, oregano, parsley, or even cayenne pepper for a spicier kick. Give the potatoes a good toss or shake to ensure they are evenly coated.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to around 200°C/400°F. Place the seasoned potato cubes into the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry your potatoes for about 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even browning. Your potatoes are ready when they are golden brown and crispy!

Serving

Air fryer diced potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of dishes. They make a great side to meats such as chicken, beef, or lamb. They're also perfect for breakfast, served alongside bacon, eggs, or added to burritos. You can even enjoy them on their own with some ketchup or mayonnaise!

How long to cook cubed potatoes in air fryer

Air fryer cubed potatoes are a quick and easy dish to make, with most recipes taking under 30 minutes. The cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the size of the potato cubes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook cubed potatoes in an air fryer:

Preparation:

First, prepare your potatoes by washing and drying them. There is no need to peel the potatoes unless they have very thick skin. Cut the potatoes into cubes of roughly the same size, around 1/2-inch to 1-inch in size. Soaking the potato cubes in cold water for 10-30 minutes can help remove excess starch and ensure crispier potatoes, but it is not necessary. After soaking, rinse and pat the potatoes dry.

Seasoning:

Place the potato cubes in a large bowl and add your choice of oil (popular choices include olive oil or avocado oil). Toss the potatoes to ensure they are fully coated in oil. Then, add your choice of seasonings. Popular options include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, and rosemary. You can also experiment with different combinations, such as Cajun seasoning, curry powder, or a Greek-inspired blend of Italian seasoning and lemon juice.

Cooking:

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned potato cubes into the air fryer basket in a single layer, cooking in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Cook for a total of 17 to 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispiness. The potatoes are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

Serving:

Air fryer cubed potatoes make a versatile side dish and go well with various meals. They can be served alongside meats such as chicken, beef, or lamb, or with eggs and bacon for breakfast. They are also a tasty addition to burritos, wraps, or tacos. For an extra touch, sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or feta cheese on top before serving.

Storing and Reheating:

Leftover air fryer cubed potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350-390°F for 3-8 minutes to regain their crispiness, or cook them on the stove over medium heat with a drizzle of oil for 5-8 minutes.

Tips for Crispy Potatoes:

• Cut the potatoes into uniform-sized cubes for even cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer before adding the potatoes.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
• Use a small amount of oil to coat the potatoes before cooking to enhance crispiness.
• Shake the basket a few times during cooking to expose all sides of the potatoes to the hot air.

Enjoy your crispy and delicious air fryer cubed potatoes!

Best potatoes for air fryer

Best Potatoes for the Air Fryer

The circulating air in an air fryer crisps the outsides of potatoes with a golden crust, while the insides turn soft, tender, and flavourful. The air fryer also reduces the amount of oil required, making it a healthier option.

Types of Potatoes

When choosing potatoes for the air fryer, it is best to select those that are uniform in size and free from eyes and blemishes. Here are some types of potatoes that work well:

• Russets: These potatoes will air fry beautifully, crisping up wonderfully with a pale golden colour. Their insides will be soft, fluffy, and mildly flavoured.
• Yukon Golds or Yellow Potatoes: These are a favourite for air frying as they crisp up perfectly and turn a deeper golden colour due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. Their insides will be creamy and full of flavour.
• Reds: Red potatoes will turn an even darker golden brown because of their high sugar and low starch content. They will be crispy when they come out of the fryer but will quickly soften. 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, holding their shape.
• Fingerlings: These are a variety of "new" potatoes, harvested before they are fully grown. They have thinner skin, which is great for crisping.
• Baby Russets: These are another variety of "new" potatoes with thinner skin.
• Baby Red Potatoes: These are a variety of "new" potatoes with thinner skin.

Tips for Air Frying Potatoes

• Wash the potatoes thoroughly, leaving the skins on as they provide crispiness and contain nutrients.
• Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook at a similar rate.
• Flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning.
• Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leave a little space between the potatoes to allow the hot air to contact them on all sides, promoting browning.
• Preheat the air fryer for maximum crispiness.
• Use a spatula or spoon to turn the potatoes gently. Shaking the basket can cause them to break apart.
• Read your air fryer's manual to understand the best temperatures and timings for your specific make and model.

Potato Recipes

• Air Fryer Diced Potatoes: Salty, addictive, and crispier than oven-baked. These are the perfect side for any protein or veggie.
• Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes: Perfectly seasoned and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of flavour.
• Air Fryer "Fried" Chicken and Roasted Potatoes: A delicious combination of protein and potatoes.

Seasoning Variations

The possibilities for seasoning air fryer potatoes are endless, but here are some ideas to get you started:

• Smoky Potatoes: Use smoked paprika instead of Italian seasoning.
• Spicy Potatoes: Try chili powder, taco seasoning, or Cajun seasoning for a kick.
• Cheesy Potatoes: Toss the potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
• Tangy Potatoes: Drizzle them with Italian dressing.
• Garlic and Herb: Use garlic powder and Italian seasoning or dried thyme.

How to make potatoes crispy in air fryer

How to Make Potatoes Crispy in an Air Fryer

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make crispy potatoes in an air fryer:

• Potatoes (baby reds, Yukon golds, white potatoes, or yellow potatoes are great options)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, paprika, rosemary, etc.)
• Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Lemon juice (optional)
• Fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary for garnish (optional)

Instructions

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Cut the potatoes into ½-¾ inch cubes. You can leave the skin on, but be sure to wash and dry the potatoes first.
• In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil or cooking spray. Ensure they are fully coated.
• Add your desired seasonings and lemon juice (if using) to the bowl and toss again to coat the potatoes.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket or liner. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.
• Cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. If you are using parmesan cheese, add it during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Check the potatoes at the 15-minute mark to avoid burning.
• Once the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside, they are ready to be served.
• Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary for added flavour and colour.

Tips for Crispy Potatoes:

• Soaking the potatoes in water for 30-45 minutes before cooking can help remove excess starch and ensure they get crispy.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking. Cook in batches if needed.
• For extra crispy potatoes, serve them immediately after cooking.
• If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

How to season potatoes for air fryer

How to Season Potatoes for the Air Fryer

Air-fried potatoes are a great, healthy alternative to deep-fried potatoes. They are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The air fryer is a healthier option as it requires less oil than typical roasting.

Preparation

First, cut your potatoes into cubes. You can peel the potatoes, but leaving the skin on will make them crispier. If you do peel them, make sure to dry the potatoes before cooking. Soaking the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes or overnight will help to remove the starch and make them crispier.

Oil

Coat the potatoes in a small amount of oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or a neutral vegetable oil with a high smoke point, such as grapeseed, sunflower, or safflower oil.

Seasoning

You can season your potatoes with salt and pepper, and any other spices or herbs you like. Suggested seasonings include:

• Dried parsley
• Chili powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Cajun seasoning
• Paprika
• Rosemary
• Lemon juice
• Parmesan cheese

Toss the potatoes in a large bowl with the oil and seasonings, making sure they are evenly coated.

Cooking

Place the potatoes in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes, or until crispy and tender. If your air fryer has a basket, shake it halfway through the cooking time.

Serving

Air-fried potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served with any meal, from breakfast to dinner. They go well with steak, chicken, eggs, or sausage, or can be added to breakfast tacos or burritos.

Frequently asked questions