Emilie Meyer
Cooking mini potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious side dish. The air fryer requires less oil than traditional roasting while still giving an ultra-crispy, golden outside and a soft inside. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as rosemary, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, or olive oil and parsley. The cooking time will depend on the size of the potatoes, but generally, they will be done in 15-25 minutes at 400°F.
How to cook mini potatoes in an air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 400°F/204°C |
| Time | 10-25 minutes |
| Toss/shake | Halfway through |
| Oil | Olive oil |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, oregano, thyme, sage, onion powder, ground harissa, chili powder, curry powder |
| Potato type | Baby potatoes, red, gold, purple, yellow, tri-color, fingerlings, russet |
| Potato size | 1-1.5 inches |
| Potato preparation | Halved, quartered, pierced, poked, smashed, squished |
| Potato consistency | Fork tender, golden brown, crispy |
| Potato storage | Airtight container, 3-7 days in the refrigerator |
| Reheating | Preheat air fryer to 400°F, 3-4 minutes |
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Seasoning suggestions
When it comes to seasoning your mini potatoes, there are a variety of herbs and spices you can use to enhance their flavour. Here are some suggestions:
Herb Suggestions
- Fresh or dried rosemary: This herb pairs well with the potatoes and adds a nice aroma and flavour. You can mince or chop it finely and mix it with the potatoes before air frying.
- Oregano: Oregano can add a great herby depth to the potatoes. It complements the natural buttery flavour of yellow baby potatoes particularly well.
- Thyme: A woody herb like thyme can add an earthy flavour to your mini potatoes.
- Sage: Sage has a strong, savoury flavour that can enhance the taste of your potatoes.
- Parsley: You can garnish your cooked mini potatoes with fresh parsley for a pop of colour and a fresh herb flavour.
Spice Suggestions
- Salt: Don't skip the salt! It brings all the flavours together and enhances the natural taste of the potatoes.
- Pepper: Ground black pepper can add a subtle kick to your potatoes.
- Paprika: Smoked paprika, in particular, can add a nice smoky flavour to your mini potatoes.
- Garlic powder: Garlic powder, or even sautéed garlic, can add a savoury garlic flavour to your potatoes.
- Onion powder: Like garlic powder, onion powder can add a savoury onion flavour to your potatoes without the need to chop onions.
- Ground harissa: A North African spice blend, ground harissa can add a kick of heat and a complex flavour profile to your potatoes.
- Chilli powder: For a spicy kick, you can add chilli powder to your potatoes.
- Curry powder: Curry powder can add a savoury, complex blend of spices to your potatoes.
You can also get creative and make your own spice blends or herb mixtures to find a combination that suits your taste buds. Additionally, you can serve your air-fried mini potatoes with a dipping sauce, such as pesto vinaigrette, to further enhance their flavour.
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Potato varieties
When it comes to choosing the right potatoes for your air fryer, there are a variety of options to consider. Firstly, it's important to understand the three main types of potatoes: starchy, waxy, and all-purpose. Starchy potatoes, such as Russets, are great for baking, frying, and mashing, resulting in a fluffy and absorbent texture. On the other hand, waxy potatoes, including fingerlings and Japanese sweet potatoes, are ideal for roasting whole and hold their shape well during cooking. They have thin skins and a creamy texture, making them versatile for various dishes. All-purpose potatoes, as the name suggests, can be used for multiple cooking methods and are known for their tan skin and white flesh.
Now, let's explore some specific varieties within these categories. For starchy potatoes, the Yukon Gold variety is quite popular and versatile. They have thin skin and a golden interior, ranging from small to medium sizes. These potatoes work well in a wide range of recipes, including roasting, smashing, or tossing with creamy dressings. Another starchy option is the Jewel potato, which has a lighter skin and flesh compared to other sweet potatoes. It is a waxy heirloom fingerling with a pink or knobby skin and golden-yellow flesh. Jewel potatoes are perfect for savoury dishes and can be boiled, grilled, sautéed, or deep-fried.
Moving on to more waxy varieties, the Japanese sweet potato stands out with its pink or purple skin and yellow or white flesh. It has a drier yet creamier texture than the typical orange varieties, and its flavour is sweet and nutty. These potatoes are excellent for roasting whole. Additionally, there are tri-coloured tiny potatoes with thin skins and waxy interiors. They are well-suited for roasting, boiling, and making salads, and their small size makes them adorable and delicious.
Lastly, let's not forget about the all-purpose potatoes. One such variety is the blue potato, which is truly blue both inside and out. It has a dry texture but holds its shape well, making it ideal for baking and drizzling with butter or olive oil. You can also boil or steam it for a potato salad, ensuring it retains its unique colour.
In summary, when selecting mini potatoes for your air fryer, consider the type of potato and its characteristics. Whether you choose starchy, waxy, or all-purpose potatoes, each variety will bring something unique to your dish.
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Oil types
When cooking mini potatoes in an air fryer, you can toss them in a bowl with a few teaspoons of oil and your choice of seasoning before placing them in the air fryer. The type of oil you use is important as it can affect the taste, texture, and healthiness of your food.
Avocado oil is a popular choice for air frying due to its high smoke point of 520°F (271.1°C) or 570°F, minimal taste, lack of cholesterol, and high oleic acid content. It is also high in monounsaturated fats and low in polyunsaturated fats.
Another option is extra light olive oil, which has a smoke point of 468°F. However, regular olive oil has a lower smoke point, so it should only be used for recipes under 375°F. You can also use extra virgin olive oil, but due to its low smoke point, it may not be suitable for recipes above 375°F.
Other oils with suitable smoke points for air frying include ghee (clarified butter) at 485°F, soybean oil at 460°F, sunflower oil at 450°F, coconut oil at 450°F, peanut oil at 450°F, and grapeseed oil at 420°F.
It is important to note that while a small amount of oil can enhance the taste and texture of your potatoes, too much oil can make them greasy. Additionally, some air fryer designs may not be compatible with certain oil sprays, as they can create a sticky surface that affects the non-stick properties of the basket.
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Cooking times
The cooking time for mini potatoes in an air fryer depends on the size of the potatoes and the desired level of crispiness. It is recommended to cut the potatoes into consistent sizes before cooking, with some sources suggesting halving or quartering the potatoes. For whole mini potatoes, the cooking time can range from 8 to 25 minutes at 400°F (204°C). Cooking for a shorter duration, such as 8 to 10 minutes, will result in less crispy potatoes, while cooking for a longer duration, up to 20 or 25 minutes, will yield crispier results.
It is important to note that air fryers may vary, and adjustments may be necessary based on personal preferences. Checking the potatoes halfway through the cooking process and giving the basket a shake or toss can help ensure even cooking. Additionally, piercing the largest potato with a fork or knife can help determine if the potatoes are done to your desired level of doneness.
For a quick preparation, leaving the potatoes whole and increasing the cooking time by 5 to 10 minutes is an option. However, it is worth noting that the cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the size of the potatoes and the desired level of crispiness.
If you are aiming for a crispy texture, it is recommended to cook the potatoes in a single layer and in batches if needed. This helps prevent the potatoes from steaming and ensures maximum crispiness. Additionally, drying the potatoes after rinsing them can also contribute to achieving a crispier texture.
Reheating leftover mini potatoes can be done in the air fryer at 400°F for 3 to 4 minutes until they are warmed through and crispy again.
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Reheating instructions
If you have any leftover mini potatoes, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be stored for up to 3 to 5 days.
When you're ready to reheat, place the mini potatoes in the air fryer at a temperature between 350°F and 400°F (175°C to 204°C) for about 3 to 10 minutes. This will help restore their crispy texture. Shake the basket halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating.
Avoid using a microwave for reheating, as it may make the potatoes soggy instead of crispy.
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