Emilie Meyer
Air fryers are a great way to cook red potatoes, producing crispy edges and a soft middle in a fraction of the time it would take to roast them in an oven. The key to getting them crispy is to ensure the potatoes are not overcrowded in the fryer basket, leaving a little space around each one, and shaking the basket periodically to ensure they cook evenly. You can season them with olive oil, rosemary, salt, and pepper, and they go well with just about anything or as a snack on their own.
How to cook red potatoes in the air fryer
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 375-415°F |
| Cook time | 15-22 minutes |
| Potato type | Red-skinned baby potatoes |
| Potato size | 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter |
| Potato preparation | Washed, dried, unpeeled, cut into evenly-sized pieces |
| Spices | Salt, pepper, rosemary, smoked paprika |
| Oil | Olive oil, bacon grease |
| Basket arrangement | Single layer, not piled on top of each other |
| Basket shaking | Halfway through, periodically |
| Storage | Store in an air-tight container for up to 5 days |
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What You'll Learn
Cook time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for red potatoes in an air fryer depend on the consistency you want to achieve. For red potatoes that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, set your air fryer to around 375–415 °F (190–210 °C) and cook for a minimum of 15 minutes. If you prefer your potatoes to be tender when pierced with a knife, increase the cooking time to 15–20 minutes. For ultra-crispy potatoes, some recipes recommend cooking at 400 °F (200 °C) for 18–22 minutes.
Regardless of the temperature and cooking time, it is important to shake the air fryer basket periodically to ensure the potatoes cook evenly. This can be done by shaking the basket or rotating the racks every 5 minutes or halfway through the cooking process. If you are cooking a large batch of potatoes, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking.
The cooking time may also vary depending on the model of your air fryer and the size of the potatoes you are using. For best results, use mini potatoes that are between 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter, or halved baby red potatoes.
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Oil and seasoning
The oil and seasoning you use will depend on your personal preference. A good starting point is to toss the red potatoes in olive oil, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper. You can also add smoked paprika for a little extra flavour. If you want to be more adventurous, you could try using bacon grease instead of olive oil, or adding other herbs and spices such as thyme, oregano, or garlic powder.
When it comes to oil, a little goes a long way. You only need enough to lightly coat the potatoes. If you're using an ungreased tray in your air fryer, you may want to use a little more oil to prevent the potatoes from sticking.
It's important to toss the potatoes until they are fully coated in oil and seasoning. This will ensure that they cook evenly and have a consistent texture and taste.
If you're looking for crispy potatoes, it's crucial not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the potatoes in a single layer, leaving a little space around each one. This will allow the hot air to circulate properly and crisp up the edges.
Finally, don't forget to shake or flip the potatoes during cooking. This will help them to cook evenly and prevent them from sticking to the basket.
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Potato size and type
When it comes to cooking red potatoes in an air fryer, the type and size of potato you choose are important considerations.
For the best results, it is recommended to use small, unpeeled, baby red potatoes. These potatoes have a great flavour and are the perfect size for air frying. They cook evenly and quickly, resulting in a crispy exterior and soft, tender middle. If you are unable to find baby red potatoes, you can use larger red potatoes, but be sure to cut them into smaller, evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Aim for a diameter of 1 to 1 1/2 inches. Alternatively, you can use larger Yukon Gold or other yellow potatoes cut into 3/4-inch chunks.
It is also worth noting that leaving the skins on red potatoes is preferable, as they crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Just be sure to give them a good scrub and pat them dry before cutting.
Regardless of the size and type of potato you choose, it is important to arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each potato to allow for even cooking and maximum crispiness. You may need to cook the potatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket.
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Basket arrangement
To cook red potatoes in an air fryer, you'll want to arrange the cut potatoes in a single layer in the fryer basket, ensuring they aren't crowded or overlapping, so they cook evenly and get nice and crispy. You can use a basket model or an oven model air fryer, but the key is to not pile the potatoes on top of each other.
First, cut your potatoes into evenly sized pieces, leaving the skins on as they crisp up nicely. Give them a good scrub and pat them dry before chopping. You can use halved baby red potatoes, which are between 1 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter, or unpeeled small red potatoes. If you can't find baby potatoes, you can use larger Yukon Gold or other yellow potatoes cut into 3/4-inch chunks.
Next, in a large bowl, add the potatoes along with olive oil, dried rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until the potatoes are fully coated. You can also add fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, basil, or chopped fresh rosemary after the potatoes are cooked. For a rich, umami flavor, sprinkle them with Parmesan cheese.
Now, place the seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each potato. If you have a lot of potatoes, you may need to cook them in batches. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Cook the potatoes for about 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket every five minutes, or flipping them, to ensure they cook evenly and don't burn. The potatoes are done when they are tender and golden brown.
Your air fryer red potatoes will be ready in just 15 to 20 minutes, resulting in a crispy and tender side dish or snack. They are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to five days.
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Serving suggestions
Air fryer red potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served at any time of the year and for any meal. They can be served with almost anything, from bacon and eggs at breakfast to salmon or shrimp at lunch or dinner. They also work well alongside other vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, squash, and zucchini.
For a vegetarian option, serve the potatoes with a simple green salad and some grilled halloumi cheese. Alternatively, for a heartier meal, pair the potatoes with a juicy steak and some roasted vegetables. If you're looking for something more casual, the potatoes can be served as a snack on their own or with a dip, such as a spicy mayo or a cool tzatziki.
For a summer barbecue, air fryer red potatoes are a great option to serve alongside grilled meats and vegetables. They can also be tossed through a pasta salad or potato salad for added texture and flavor. In the cooler months, the potatoes are a perfect side for a roast dinner, adding a crispy element to the plate.
The possibilities are endless with these crispy, tender potatoes, and they are a quick and easy option to add to any meal.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 15 minutes to cook red potatoes in the air fryer, but some recipes suggest cooking for up to 20 minutes, or even 30 minutes.
You should cook red potatoes in the air fryer at around 400°F (200°C). However, you can cook them at a lower temperature of 375°F.
To make red potatoes crispy, coat them in olive oil and seasonings, and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Shake the basket periodically to prevent them from burning.
