Air-Fryer Diced Potatoes: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Cooking diced potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious, crispy, and healthy side dish. With just a small amount of oil and a range of seasonings, you can create perfectly cooked, tender, and fluffy potatoes in around 20 minutes. This versatile dish can be served with a variety of meals, including meats, breakfast spreads, or even added to wraps and burritos. The air fryer also allows for a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it reduces the excess starch on the potato surface.

How to cook diced potatoes in an air fryer

Soaking potatoes to remove starch

Soaking potatoes in cold water before air frying helps to remove excess starch, which can inhibit the potatoes from achieving a crispy texture. The amount of time you should soak the potatoes varies depending on the source. Some recommend soaking for around half an hour or longer, while others suggest that even 10 minutes of soaking can make a difference. After soaking, be sure to rinse the potatoes and pat them dry with a clean tea towel or paper towel. This will ensure that the potatoes don't steam in the air fryer and will help to achieve the desired crispy texture.

It is important to remove excess starch from potatoes because it can affect the cooking process and the final texture of the potatoes. Too much starch can cause potatoes to cook unevenly and result in a sticky texture on the outside, preventing them from becoming golden brown and crispy.

Additionally, removing excess starch from potatoes can have health benefits. According to certain studies, excess starch can increase weight, blood pressure, and the risk of heart disease. By removing some of the starch, you can enjoy potatoes as part of a healthier diet.

When preparing diced potatoes for air frying, start by peeling and dicing the potatoes into even-sized cubes, around 2cm/1-inch in size. Then, soak the potatoes in a large bowl of cold water for your desired amount of time. Rinse the potatoes after soaking, and make sure to pat them dry thoroughly. From here, you can proceed with seasoning and air frying your potatoes to crispy perfection.

Seasoning and coating potatoes in oil

To make diced potatoes in an air fryer, you'll want to start by peeling and dicing your potatoes into bite-sized pieces. It's important to cut the potatoes into similar sizes so that they cook evenly. Once you've diced your potatoes, you'll need to soak them in cold water for around 10 minutes to remove excess starch and help them get crispy when cooking. After soaking, be sure to pat the potatoes dry with a clean towel before adding any oil or seasoning.

Now it's time to season! Add your dried potatoes to a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil or avocado oil. You can also use cooking spray if you prefer. The amount of oil you use is important, as too much oil can make your potatoes soggy. Next, add your desired seasonings. Popular seasonings include salt, pepper, chilli powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried parsley, and oregano. You can also add lemon juice to taste. Give the potatoes a good toss to ensure they are evenly coated.

If you want an extra crispy texture, you can dust the potatoes with wheat or corn flour before adding oil. This will help to dry out the surface of the potatoes.

Air fryer temperature and duration

The temperature and duration for which you cook diced potatoes in an air fryer depend on the type of potatoes used and the desired level of crispiness. For crispy diced potatoes, it is recommended to soak the potatoes in water for around 30 minutes to remove excess starch and then dry them completely before seasoning and cooking. This helps the potatoes cook evenly and achieve a golden brown crispy texture.

The cooking temperature and duration also depend on the model of the air fryer being used. For crispy diced potatoes, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer to around 200°C/400°F or 380°F and cook the potatoes for 15 to 25 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness. It is important to shake the air fryer basket a few times during cooking to ensure even cooking and to avoid burning.

For frozen diced potatoes, it is recommended to follow the same instructions as for fresh potatoes but increase the cooking time by about 10 minutes. It is also important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the diced potatoes, with smaller potatoes cooking faster than larger ones.

The exact cooking time will depend on the desired level of doneness, but it is important to keep an eye on the potatoes to avoid overcooking or burning. The potatoes are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and fork-tender on the inside.

Shaking the air fryer basket

Most recipes recommend shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. However, one recipe suggests shaking a few times between the start and end of cooking. Another suggests shaking several times during cooking.

It's also important to note that the cooking time and temperature will vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your potato cubes. Most recipes suggest cooking diced potatoes for 15-25 minutes at temperatures between 380°F and 400°F. However, one recipe suggests cooking for as little as 10 minutes, and another suggests cooking for up to 30 minutes. So, it's important to keep an eye on your potatoes to avoid burning or undercooking them.

Serving suggestions

Diced potatoes cooked in an air fryer are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

Breakfast Companion

Air fryer diced potatoes make a delicious addition to your morning meal. Serve them alongside soft-boiled, poached, or fried eggs, with a side of crispy bacon or turkey bacon. For a heartier breakfast, add them to breakfast burritos or kebab wraps, or simply enjoy them with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper.

Protein Partners

The savoury crunch of air fryer diced potatoes pairs exceptionally well with various proteins. They make the perfect side dish for meat lovers, complementing dishes like air fryer chicken tenders, salmon, meatloaf, or chicken thighs. For a mouthwatering combination, serve them with air fryer pork belly, baked pesto chicken, or healthy turkey burgers.

Comfort Food Classics

For a comforting meal, pair your air fryer diced potatoes with classic dishes. They go exceptionally well with pork tenderloin, adding a crispy texture to the meal. You can also serve them with a juicy steak and grilled vegetables for a satisfying dinner.

Dip and Sauce Delights

Air fryer diced potatoes are fantastic for dipping! Serve them with a side of ketchup or mayonnaise, especially if you're serving them to kids who love their crispy potatoes. For a more grown-up twist, pair them with a creamy aioli or a spicy dip for an appetiser that will impress your guests.

Vegetarian and Vegan Feasts

These diced potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit vegetarian and vegan diets. Serve them alongside vegetarian chilli or a hearty vegetable stew for a comforting meal. They also pair well with grilled halloumi or baked tofu for a protein-packed, meat-free option.

Frequently asked questions