Air Frying Red Potatoes: How Long Does It Take?

Air fryer red potatoes are a quick and easy way to make a tasty, crispy side dish. With a golden, crunchy outside and a soft, tender inside, these potatoes are a versatile addition to any meal. The air fryer's circulating air cooks the potatoes to perfection in less than 30 minutes, and the use of an air fryer also reduces the amount of oil required compared to traditional frying methods.

How to prepare red potatoes for the air fryer

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to prepare red potatoes in an air fryer:

• Red potatoes (regular or baby)
• Olive oil
• Spices/seasonings of your choice (e.g. rosemary, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning)
• Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)

Preparation

• Cut the red potatoes into large chunks, about 1 inch wide. For baby red potatoes, this may involve halving or quartering them, while larger potatoes will need to be cut into eighths.
• Place the chopped potatoes into a large bowl and add olive oil and your chosen spices/seasonings. Toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated.
• Transfer the potatoes to the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer to allow for even cooking and crisping.
• Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the potatoes for 18-22 minutes, or until they are fork-tender and golden brown.
• Shake the air fryer basket or rotate the trays halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Once the potatoes are cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove them from the air fryer and garnish with additional fresh herbs such as rosemary, parsley, or chives, if desired. Serve warm.

Tips

• There is no need to soak or parboil the potatoes before air frying.
• If you are using an air fryer with a basket, shaking the basket during cooking can cause the potatoes to break apart. Instead, use a spatula or spoon to turn them over.
• If you are cooking a large batch of potatoes, cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and crisping.
• Leftover roasted red potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

How long to cook red potatoes in the air fryer

Air-frying is a healthier way of cooking, as it uses hot air to create the crispy texture of fried food without the need for lots of oil. This makes it ideal for cooking potatoes, giving them a golden, crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.

Preparation

Before cooking, scrub the potatoes to remove any dirt, and dry them thoroughly. You can also peel the potatoes, but this isn't necessary, as the skin provides nutrients and helps the potatoes become crispy. If you have time, you can also soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to overnight, which will remove some of the starch and make them even crispier. However, make sure to pat them dry before cooking.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Cut the red potatoes into 1-inch pieces. Drizzle the potatoes with olive oil, then sprinkle them with your chosen herbs and seasonings. Toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated.

Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overlapping. Cook for 10 minutes, then remove the basket and shake or stir the potatoes. Return them to the air fryer and cook for another 8-12 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender.

Serving

Air fryer red potatoes make a great side dish and go with almost anything, from burgers to steak, or even a breakfast of scrambled eggs and sausage. They can also be served as an appetizer with a dipping sauce or enjoyed as a snack.

Storage

Any leftover potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four or five days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer until hot and crispy.

How to get the perfect crispy texture

To achieve the perfect crispy texture for your red potatoes in an air fryer, follow these steps:

Preparation

Before you begin, ensure your potatoes are washed and dried thoroughly. You can also soak your potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to overnight to remove the starch and achieve a crispier texture. However, make sure to pat them dry before cooking.

Oil and Seasoning

Use a neutral vegetable oil with a high smoke point, such as grapeseed, sunflower, or safflower oil. Drizzle or coat your potatoes with oil, ensuring they are evenly coated. For seasoning, you can use salt and pepper, along with herbs like rosemary, garlic, or Italian seasoning. You can also experiment with different combinations, such as Cajun, Greek, or Mexican-inspired blends.

Air Fryer Settings and Arrangement

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket or tray, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer with enough space for the hot air to circulate. This arrangement will help ensure even cooking and maximize crispiness.

Cooking Time and Technique

Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model, but on average, cook your potatoes for 10 minutes, then remove the basket and shake or stir the potatoes to ensure even cooking. Return the potatoes to the air fryer and cook for an additional 8 to 12 minutes, or until they are golden brown, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

Serving

For an extra flavour boost, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or chives before serving.

Storage

Any leftover roasted red potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four to five days. For optimal crispness, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 5 minutes.

Now you're ready to enjoy your perfectly crispy air-fried red potatoes!

What to serve with air-fried red potatoes

Air-fried red potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. Here are some ideas for what to serve with them:

Breakfast

Air-fried red potatoes can be added to breakfast tacos or burritos, or served with homemade breakfast chicken sausage patties or a breakfast hash. The crispness of the potatoes, combined with their soft and tender insides, makes them a perfect breakfast side.

Appetizers or Snacks

These potatoes can be served as an appetizer or game-day snack with a dipping sauce. The crispiness and creamy texture of the potatoes make them perfect for dipping, and their small size makes them easy to eat.

Main Courses

Air-fried red potatoes are a great side dish for a variety of main courses, including:

• Chicken dinners: They can be served with a variety of chicken dishes, such as roasted chicken or chicken kabobs.
• Beef dishes: They pair well with beef recipes like a tenderloin or pot roast.
• Pork: They can also be served with pork chops or prime rib.
• Fish: Try them with air fryer fish and chips for a healthier take on the classic.

Special Occasions

Air-fried red potatoes can also be dressed up for special occasions or holiday meals. Try adding a squeeze of lemon and some chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary for a more elegant presentation.

Other Sides

These potatoes can also be served with other side dishes, such as a green salad or roasted vegetables, to round out a meal.

No matter what you serve them with, air-fried red potatoes are a delicious and versatile option that can be adapted to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Storing and reheating air-fried red potatoes

Storing air-fried red potatoes:

Air-fried red potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. They can also be frozen and sealed tightly for 6-8 months.

Reheating air-fried red potatoes:

The best way to reheat air-fried red potatoes is to use an air fryer. This method is fast, easy, and effective in retaining the potatoes' crispy texture. Here are the steps:

• Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the leftover potato cubes in a single layer on the crisper tray of a convection-type air fryer or at the bottom of an air fryer basket.
• Heat the potatoes for about 4 minutes or until warmed through. There is no need to flip them.

Other methods to reheat air-fried red potatoes include using an oven or a frying pan. However, these methods may take longer or require additional oil.

It is not recommended to reheat air-fried potatoes in the microwave, as it can make them soggy and unpleasant.

Some creative ways to use leftover air-fried red potatoes include making a hash, adding them to a salad or grain bowl, or putting them in a taco or wrap.

Frequently asked questions