Air Fryer Roast Potatoes: Timing For Perfection

Air fryers are a great way to make roast potatoes. They're quick, easy, and produce a fluffy interior with a golden, crispy exterior. The circulating air in an air fryer crisps the outsides of potatoes with a golden crust, while keeping the insides soft and tender. They also reduce the amount of oil needed, making them a healthier option.

Yukon gold, red, russet, or baby potatoes

Air fryer roast potatoes are a quick, easy, and tasty side dish. Here's a guide on how to make them using Yukon gold, red, russet, or baby potatoes:

Ingredients:

• Yukon gold, red, russet, or baby potatoes
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Freshly chopped parsley (optional)

Method:

• Cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces, leaving the skin on. Try to cut them into evenly sized pieces so they cook evenly.
• Place the potatoes in a medium-sized bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle on the salt, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Toss the potatoes to ensure they are well coated in oil and seasoning.
• Transfer the potatoes to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. If you are cooking a large batch, you may need to cook them in batches.
• Air fry at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping and tossing halfway through. The potatoes are done when they are golden brown and crisp on the outside, and tender when pierced with a fork.
• Serve the potatoes warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Tips:

• Leave the skins on for a crispy, salted potato skin, which is also more nutritious.
• Avoid cooking spray as it can damage the coating of your air fryer basket. Instead, use olive oil to prevent the potatoes from sticking.
• Don't overcrowd the basket. The potatoes need room for the air to circulate and crisp up properly.
• Get creative with your seasonings! Try ranch, taco, Cajun spice, chili lime, lemon and herb, or even bacon for something different.

Olive oil

When roasting potatoes in an air fryer, it is best to use extra virgin olive oil. This is because it has a higher smoke point than other varieties of olive oil, meaning it can be heated to a higher temperature without burning. This is important because air fryers cook at a high temperature, usually around 400°F.

The amount of olive oil used will depend on the quantity of potatoes being cooked, but generally, you will need enough to generously coat the potatoes. This is usually around 2 tablespoons of oil for 1-1.5 pounds of potatoes.

To ensure the olive oil is evenly distributed, it is best to toss the potatoes in a bowl with the oil and any desired seasonings before placing them in the air fryer. This will ensure that the potatoes are seasoned all the way through and have a crispy exterior.

When placing the potatoes in the air fryer, it is important to ensure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. This will allow the hot air to circulate properly and ensure even cooking and crisping.

The cooking time will vary depending on the air fryer and the size of the potatoes, but generally, they will need around 10 minutes on each side at 400°F. It is important to flip the potatoes halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer for 5 minutes before adding the potatoes, as this can help to achieve a crispier exterior.

So, to summarise, here is a step-by-step guide to roasting potatoes in an air fryer using olive oil:

• Wash and cut the desired amount of potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces.
• In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with extra virgin olive oil and desired seasonings until they are well coated.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Cook at 400°F for 10 minutes, then flip the potatoes and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes with Italian Seasoning, Garlic, Salt, Pepper, and Parmesan Cheese

Ingredients:

• Baby potatoes (or larger potatoes cut into 1-inch or 3/4-inch chunks)
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Freshly minced/grated garlic or garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Method:

• Cut the potatoes into halves or quarters if they are baby potatoes. For larger potatoes, cut them into 1-inch or 3/4-inch chunks.
• In a medium-sized bowl, combine the potatoes, olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Toss until the potatoes are well coated.
• Transfer the potatoes to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space between each potato. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10 minutes.
• Remove the basket, shake or toss the potatoes, and return them to the air fryer for another 8-10 minutes, or until they are tender and crispy.
• Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips:

• For the best texture, use finely shredded Parmesan cheese.
• You can use any variety of potatoes, but baby potatoes, Yukon Golds, or Yellow Potatoes work particularly well.
• Leave the potato skins on for added crispness and nutrients. Just give them a good scrub before cooking.
• Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook at a similar rate.
• If you are doubling the recipe or have a small air fryer, cook the potatoes in batches to ensure they cook evenly and get nice and crispy.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for maximum crispiness.
• If you want to add some spice, include some Cajun seasoning or smoked paprika.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in achieving the perfect roast potatoes. While some air fryer models may not require preheating, doing so for at least 5 minutes can help you achieve crispier potatoes. This is because the preheated air fryer creates a higher, dry heat environment, which, combined with a light coating of olive oil, will give your potatoes that desirable golden, crispy exterior.

To preheat your air fryer, simply turn it on and set the desired temperature, usually between 380°F and 400°F, and let it heat up for a few minutes before adding your potatoes. If you are making a large batch of potatoes, it is recommended to cook them in batches to ensure they cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness.

Additionally, when placing the potatoes in the air fryer, ensure they are in a single layer with enough space for the hot air to circulate. This will ensure that all the potatoes cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden crispiness.

For the best results, it is also important to prepare your potatoes properly before placing them in the air fryer. Cut them into uniform bite-sized pieces, about 1/2" to 3/4" thick, and toss them with olive oil and your desired seasonings. You can also poke holes in the potatoes with a fork to allow steam to escape.

By following these simple steps and preheating your air fryer, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, crispy roast potatoes that your family and friends will love!

Flip the potatoes halfway through

Flipping the potatoes is an essential step in ensuring your roast potatoes are cooked evenly and achieve the desired level of crispiness. By flipping them over, you expose both sides to the hot air circulating in the air fryer, allowing for a consistent cooking process.

Best Tools to Flip the Potatoes

When it comes to flipping your potatoes, it's best to use tongs or a turner. These tools allow you to gently turn each potato without breaking them. Avoid shaking the air fryer basket to mix the potatoes, as this can cause them to break apart.

The Perfect Timing for Flipping

Now, let's talk about the ideal time to flip your potatoes. After placing the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket and cooking them for the initial 10 minutes, it's time to flip them. Use your tongs or turner to carefully turn each potato over. Once they're all flipped, return the air fryer basket to the air fryer and continue cooking for another 8 to 10 minutes.

Tips for Optimal Results

• Cut your potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures even cooking and allows the heat to penetrate the potatoes evenly.
• Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the potatoes. This helps to achieve maximum crispiness.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Give the potatoes enough space to allow proper air circulation, which is crucial for even cooking and crispiness.
• Use a shallow tray insert. Placing the potatoes in a shallow tray insert within the air fryer basket helps them sit in the hot fat, resulting in a thicker, crunchier skin.
• Don't forget to season generously! Experiment with different seasonings like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, or even a squeeze of lemon juice to take your roast potatoes to the next level.

Frequently asked questions