Air Fryer Potato Perfection: Big, Crispy, Fluffy Spuds

Air fryers are a quick and convenient way to cook potatoes, and they can be adapted to suit a variety of recipes and meal types. They are a great way to achieve a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy, or creamy interior. This can be achieved in a fraction of the time it takes to bake potatoes in an oven, and with less oil.

Choosing the right potato

Potato Variety:

• Russet Potatoes: These are a popular choice for air frying due to their high starch content. Russets tend to get nice and fluffy on the inside while developing a delightfully crisp skin. They are excellent for baked potatoes in the air fryer.
• Baby Potatoes: Also known as "new" potatoes, these are harvested before they are fully grown, resulting in thinner skin. Baby potatoes are ideal for air frying because they crisp up beautifully. Varieties include fingerlings, Yukon Gold, baby russets, and baby red potatoes.
• White or Yellow Potatoes: White or yellow-skinned potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes, are versatile options that work well in air fryers. They have a balanced texture and are less starchy than red or purple-skinned potatoes.
• Sweet Potatoes: If you're feeling adventurous, sweet potatoes can be a tasty alternative. They have a higher sugar content and offer a unique flavour profile.

Skin On or Off:

Leaving the skin on is generally recommended for air frying. The skin helps the potatoes crisp up and provides a delightful texture. However, if you prefer peeled potatoes, go for it! Just be aware that they may not get as crispy.

Size and Shape:

For even cooking, it's important to cut your potatoes into evenly sized pieces. If using larger potatoes, cut them into 3/4-inch or 1-inch chunks. Baby potatoes can be halved or quartered, depending on their size. Aim for uniformity so they cook at the same rate.

Starch Content:

The starch content of potatoes can vary, and this affects their cooking behaviour. Higher-starch potatoes, like russets, tend to get fluffier and crispier. Soaking potatoes in cold water before air frying can help remove some of the starch, resulting in even crispier taters.

Personal Preference:

Ultimately, the "right" potato comes down to your taste buds. Experiment with different varieties to find your favourite. You might prefer the sweetness of a sweet potato or the creamy texture of a Yukon Gold. Trust your taste buds to guide you!

Remember, the beauty of air frying potatoes is their versatility. Don't stress too much about choosing the perfect potato – with the right seasoning and cooking technique, any potato can be transformed into a mouth-watering side dish.

Preparing the potato

Firstly, select the right type of potato. While you can use your favourite kind of potato, it is recommended to use white or yellow-skinned potatoes such as white potatoes, Yukon Gold, russet potatoes, or even sweet potatoes. Avoid red or purple-skinned potatoes as they are starchier and waxier. If you are specifically making a baked potato, russet potatoes are a good choice due to their high starch content, which makes them nice and fluffy inside, with an especially crisp skin.

Next, scrub the potatoes to remove any residual dirt. It is important to do this step at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow the potatoes to dry. Use a paper towel to pat them dry and then set them on a kitchen towel, rotating them after 15 minutes so that both sides of the potato skin can dry.

Once the potatoes are dry, it is time to cut them. For diced potatoes, use a sharp knife to cut them into 1/2- to 3/4-inch cubes. There is no need to peel the potatoes, just wash and dry them. If you are making baked potatoes, pierce the potatoes a few times with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.

Now it's time to season the potatoes. Place the potatoes in a large mixing bowl and toss them with olive oil. You can also add other seasonings at this point, such as salt, black pepper, rosemary, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or Cajun seasoning. Make sure the potatoes are fully coated in oil and seasonings.

Finally, place the potatoes in the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches to ensure they are in a single layer and not overcrowded.

Seasoning

The key to making delicious air fryer potatoes is to season them well. Potatoes are pretty bland on their own, so adding a variety of spices and herbs can really elevate the dish. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning your potatoes:

Spices and Herbs

You can use a variety of spices and herbs to add flavour to your potatoes. Here are some popular options:

• Salt: Season generously with salt to enhance the natural flavour of the potatoes. Kosher salt or sea salt are great choices.
• Black Pepper: Add freshly ground black pepper for a classic savoury note.
• Garlic: Use garlic powder or fresh garlic cloves to add a savoury, umami flavour.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of Italian herbs such as basil, oregano, and rosemary can add a delicious Mediterranean flavour.
• Smoked Paprika: For a smoky flavour, replace Italian seasoning with smoked paprika.
• Spicy Options: If you like it hot, try chilli powder, taco seasoning, or Cajun seasoning.
• Other Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like parsley, thyme, chives, or dill can add a burst of fresh flavour.

Other Ingredients

In addition to spices and herbs, you can also use other ingredients to enhance the flavour of your potatoes:

• Olive Oil: Extra-virgin olive oil helps the potatoes to brown and soften as they cook. It also acts as a carrier for the spices and ensures they coat the potatoes evenly.
• Lemon: A squeeze of lemon juice can help to cut through the richness of the potatoes and brighten up the dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adding grated Parmesan cheese before serving can take your potatoes to the next level.
• Other Cheeses: Try crumbled feta or shredded cheddar cheese on top of your potatoes for a savoury, salty kick.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream, vegan sour cream, or Greek yoghurt can add a creamy, tangy element to your dish.
• Fresh Herbs: As a garnish, fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary will add a pop of colour and freshness.

Customising Your Seasoning

• Smoky Potatoes: Use smoked paprika and a squeeze of lemon juice for a smoky, tangy flavour.
• Spicy Potatoes: Go for chilli powder, taco seasoning, or Cajun seasoning if you like it hot.
• Cheesy Potatoes: Toss your potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese, or try other cheeses like feta or cheddar.
• Tangy Potatoes: Drizzle with Italian dressing or a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, tangy note.
• Salt and Vinegar Potatoes: Sprinkle with flakey sea salt and a drizzle of white vinegar.

Feel free to experiment and create your own signature seasoning blend! The options are endless, so have fun and get creative.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making a big potato in an air fryer will depend on the type of potato and the doneness you're aiming for. For example, russet potatoes, which are ideal for baking, will take longer to cook than red or gold potatoes, which are better suited for air fryer French fries.

If you're cooking a large baked potato in the air fryer, preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook the potato for 40 to 60 minutes, or until it is fork-tender and the skin is crisp. For a medium-sized baked russet potato, 40 to 50 minutes should be sufficient.

For diced or chopped potatoes, a higher temperature of 400°F is also recommended, but the cooking time is reduced to 15 to 20 minutes. It's important to shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking and browning.

Additionally, the size of your potato will impact the cooking time. For example, small or medium-sized potatoes may only need 20 to 30 minutes in the air fryer, while larger potatoes can take up to an hour.

It's worth noting that not all air fryers are created equal, and the cooking time and temperature may vary slightly depending on the model you have. Some air fryers may require preheating, while others may only have temperature settings rather than specific temperature options. As a result, you may need to adjust the cooking time and temperature based on your air fryer's specifications.

To ensure your potatoes are cooked to your desired doneness, keep an eye on them during the cooking process and adjust the time and temperature as needed.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served at any time of the day. Here are some ideas for how to serve them:

Breakfast

Air fryer potatoes make a great breakfast side dish. Serve them with eggs, whether that's scrambled, fried, or as part of a breakfast burrito or breakfast taco. They also go well with an omelette or even a hearty salad.

Lunch/Dinner

For lunch or dinner, air fryer potatoes are a perfect pairing for any simply cooked protein, such as steak, chicken, or burgers (veggie or otherwise). They also work well with a green salad, soup, quiche, or frittata. If you're serving a holiday meal, they can be a tasty side dish to go with classic dishes like stuffing and green bean casserole.

As an appetiser or snack

You can serve air fryer potatoes as an appetiser or snack with a dip, such as whipped feta. They also work well as a salty snack on their own.

Toppings and seasonings

While air fryer potatoes are delicious on their own, you can elevate them with various toppings and seasonings. For a simple option, a sprinkle of flakey sea salt and a drizzle of white vinegar can do the trick. You can also add some spice with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, or chilli powder. If you're looking for something tangy, a drizzle of Italian dressing will do the trick. For a cheesy option, toss the potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese, or sprinkle on some nutritional yeast. Finally, a squeeze of lemon juice and some fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary can add a burst of freshness and colour.

With other dishes

Air fryer potatoes are a great side dish to a variety of meals, and they can also be a tasty addition to other dishes. Try them with black bean burgers, butternut squash soup, or broccoli cheddar soup. If you're making a holiday menu, they can be served with classic dishes like stuffing and green bean casserole.

Frequently asked questions