Air Fryer Simple Potato Recipes

Air fryers are a quick and healthy way to cook potatoes, giving them a crispy outside and a fluffy inside. You can use a variety of seasonings to elevate the humble spud, from olive oil to Parmesan cheese, chilli powder to cumin. In this article, we'll show you how to make perfectly seasoned potatoes in your air fryer, with a simple guide to ensure your potatoes turn out great every time.

How to season potatoes for maximum taste

To cook simple potatoes in an air fryer, you should first preheat your air fryer to around 200°C/400°F. Then, mix your potatoes with olive oil and seasonings, coating the potatoes. You can add onions, bell peppers, and other vegetables to taste. Spread the potatoes out in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes at 350°F, shaking the basket frequently.

To season potatoes for maximum taste, you can use a variety of seasonings. Here are some ideas:

• Olive oil: drizzle generously to help the seasoning stick to the potatoes and make them crispy
• Parmesan cheese: sprinkle grated parmesan over the potatoes before the final minutes of cooking to add a crispy, cheesy crust
• Chilli powder or cayenne pepper: add a pinch to give the potatoes a kick without overwhelming their natural flavour
• Cumin: add a warm, earthy spice that pairs well with chilli powder
• Salt and pepper: season to taste to make the flavours pop
• Thyme, chives, or dill: replace the parsley in the recipe with one of these herbs for a different flavour

How to get the perfect crispy outside

To get the perfect crispy outside when cooking potatoes in an air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure to preheat your air fryer to around 200°C/400°F, or as instructed by your air fryer's manual. Then, place the seasoned potato cubes into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can lead to steaming instead of frying, resulting in less crispy potatoes. Depending on your air fryer model, you'll want to cook the potatoes for about 20-25 minutes at 195°C/380°F, shaking the basket several times during cooking. Keep an eye on them, and when they are golden brown with a crispy skin, they are ready to be taken out of the air fryer.

To enhance the crispiness even further, consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before the final minutes of cooking. This will add a crispy, cheesy crust to your potatoes. Additionally, a pinch of chilli powder or cayenne pepper can add heat without overwhelming the natural flavour of the potatoes.

Another tip to ensure a crispy exterior is to use olive oil when seasoning your potatoes. Olive oil helps the seasoning stick to the potatoes and promotes crisping during cooking.

How to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket

To avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, it's important to cook your potatoes in batches. Overcrowding the basket will cause the potatoes to steam instead of fry, resulting in a less crispy outcome.

Before you begin, preheat your air fryer to around 200°C/400°F, or as per your air fryer's instructions. Then, put your seasoned potato cubes into the air fryer basket, spreading them out in a single layer. Depending on your air fryer model, you'll want to air fry your potatoes for about 20-25 minutes at 195°C/380°F, shaking the basket several times during cooking.

If you have a lot of potatoes, you may need to cook them in batches. This will ensure that the hot air has enough room to circulate and make your potatoes as crispy as possible. By cooking in batches, you can also ensure that your potatoes are cooked evenly and have that perfect golden brown colour and crispy skin.

How to use up leftovers

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes simply and quickly, giving them a crispy outside and a soft, fluffy inside. They are also a fantastic way to use up leftovers. Here are some tips to help you use up leftovers and make the most of your air fryer:

Firstly, make sure your potatoes are seasoned well. A generous drizzle of olive oil will help the seasoning stick and ensure your potatoes crisp up nicely. You can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a crispy, cheesy crust, or a pinch of chilli powder or cayenne pepper for a kick of heat. If you're looking for something more earthy, cumin pairs well with chilli powder for a southwestern flavour profile.

Next, don't overcrowd your air fryer basket. Cook your potatoes in batches if necessary, as overcrowding can cause them to steam instead of fry, resulting in a less crispy outcome. Preheat your air fryer to around 200°C/400°F, or as per your air fryer's instructions, and spread your seasoned potato cubes out in a single layer. Depending on your air fryer model, you'll want to air fry your potatoes for about 20-25 minutes at 195°C/380°F, keeping an eye on them and giving the basket a shake several times during cooking.

Finally, don't be afraid to get creative with your leftovers! Potatoes are a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity, as they can absorb a wide range of flavours. Try mixing them with onions, bell peppers, and other vegetables, or experiment with different seasonings and spices to find your favourite combinations.

How to get the perfect temperature

The perfect temperature for cooking potatoes in an air fryer is between 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the potatoes are cooked through and have a crispy exterior.

To achieve this, preheat your air fryer to around 200°c/400°F, or as per your air fryer’s instructions. It is important to note that the temperature and cooking time may vary depending on the model of your air fryer, so be sure to refer to the manufacturer's instructions.

Once your air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned potato cubes into the air fryer basket, ensuring that they are spread out in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can cause the potatoes to steam instead of fry, resulting in a less crispy outcome. If needed, cook the potatoes in batches.

During the cooking process, it is important to keep an eye on the potatoes and shake the air fryer basket several times to ensure even cooking. The total cooking time will depend on the temperature you are cooking at, but it typically ranges from 15 to 25 minutes. You will know the potatoes are done when they are golden brown and have a crispy skin.

Frequently asked questions