Air Fryer Potatoes: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Air fryer potatoes are a quick, easy, and delicious side dish. They are healthier than deep-fried potatoes and can be made in half the time of oven-roasted potatoes. The circulating air in the fryer crisps the outsides of the potatoes, while the insides remain soft and tender. The potatoes can be seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. They can be served with ketchup or a dipping sauce and go well with burgers, sandwiches, grilled meat, steak, or chicken.

Choosing the right potatoes

Russet Potatoes

Also known as Idaho potatoes, these are a great choice for air frying as they crisp up wonderfully. Their insides become soft and fluffy, with a mild flavour that pairs well with other ingredients. Russet potatoes are a reliable option that always delivers excellent results.

Yukon Gold or Yellow Potatoes

These potatoes are a favourite for air frying because they strike the perfect balance between a crispy exterior and a creamy interior. Their lower starch and higher sugar content result in a deeper golden colour and a slightly softer crisp compared to russet potatoes. Yukon Golds are sure to elevate your air fryer potato experience.

Red Potatoes

Red potatoes, when air-fried, develop an even darker golden brown colour due to their higher sugar and lower starch content. They emerge from the air fryer crispy but quickly soften on the outside, making them a unique option. Their insides remain creamy and soft, making them a tasty choice.

Baby Potatoes or New Potatoes

Baby potatoes or new potatoes refer to regular potatoes harvested early, resulting in thinner skins and higher sugar content. They are not always readily available in grocery stores but are worth the search as they hold their shape and roast perfectly in the air fryer. This option is ideal for those seeking a crisp exterior and a fluffy interior.

Gold Potatoes, White Potatoes, or Yellow Potatoes

If you're looking for alternatives, gold potatoes, white potatoes, or yellow potatoes are excellent choices. Simply cut them into smaller pieces, and you're good to go!

Preparing the potatoes

Firstly, select the right type of potatoes. Baby potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, red potatoes, russet potatoes, or yellow potatoes are all great options for air frying as they crisp up beautifully. Look for potatoes that are uniform in size and free from eyes and blemishes.

Next, give the potatoes a good scrub to remove any dirt. This step is important, especially if you plan to leave the skin on, as it will help ensure a crispier end result. If you do decide to peel the potatoes, be sure to pat them dry after scrubbing to remove any excess moisture.

Once your potatoes are clean and dry, cut them into bite-sized pieces or chunks. Aim for pieces that are around 1/2" to 3/4" thick. This will ensure even cooking and allow for maximum crispiness.

Place the cut potatoes in a medium-sized bowl and drizzle with olive oil. You want just enough oil to coat the potatoes so that your seasonings will stick. Speaking of seasonings, this is where you can get creative! At a minimum, you'll want to season your potatoes with salt and pepper, but feel free to add Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or any other spices and herbs you like. Give the potatoes a good toss to ensure they are evenly coated in oil and seasonings.

Some people also recommend soaking your cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This helps remove excess starch, which can lead to crispier potatoes. However, this step is not necessary, especially if you're short on time. Simply ensure your potatoes are dry before tossing them in oil and seasonings.

And that's it! You're now ready to move on to the next step of air frying your potatoes.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer potatoes will vary depending on the type of potato and the size of the pieces. On average, air fryer potatoes will take between 18 to 30 minutes to cook at temperatures between 400°F and 400°F.

For example, one recipe calls for cooking baby potatoes, halved, at 400°F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket and stirring the potatoes, and then cooking for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until golden and tender.

Another recipe suggests cooking potatoes cut into 1-inch pieces at 400°F for 10 minutes, shaking the basket and then returning the potatoes to the air fryer for an additional 8 to 10 minutes until crispy and tender.

It's important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the model and size of your air fryer, so it's always a good idea to refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions. Additionally, some air fryers may require preheating, which can affect the overall cooking time.

When cooking air fryer potatoes, it's crucial to ensure that the potatoes are not overcrowded in the basket. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking. If your air fryer basket is too small, it's best to cook the potatoes in batches.

Furthermore, the type of potato you use can also impact the cooking time and temperature. For example, baby potatoes, such as fingerlings, Yukon golds, baby russets, and baby red potatoes, tend to cook faster and have thinner skin, which is ideal for crisping. Larger potatoes, such as russets or Idaho potatoes, may require a longer cooking time and should be cut into smaller pieces.

In terms of preparation, it's recommended to soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to overnight before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure crispiness. Additionally, drying the potatoes thoroughly after scrubbing them can help prevent sogginess and promote even crisping.

Seasoning

The seasoning you use for your air fryer potatoes is totally customisable and can be tailored to your personal preferences.

A good place to start is with salt and pepper, to taste. You can also add Italian seasoning, which is a blend of herbs, and garlic, either freshly minced or as a powder. If you don't have Italian seasoning, you could use a combination of garlic, onion, oregano, basil, dill, and salt and pepper for a Greek flavour profile.

If you like spicy food, you could add some Cajun seasoning, or smoked paprika. Alternatively, you could use a combination of cumin, chilli powder, onion, and garlic powder for a Mexican twist.

For a more subtle flavour, you could add lemon and herbs such as basil, oregano, or dill.

Other seasonings you could add include rosemary, thyme, marjoram, sage, or parsley.

Serving suggestions

• As a side dish with burgers, sandwiches, grilled meat, or fried chicken.
• For breakfast, with chicken apple sausage and scrambled eggs.
• As a side with steak, salmon, or prime rib.
• In a breakfast taco or burrito.
• With a dip, such as whipped feta, as an appetiser.
• With ribs, steaks, hamburgers, or hotdogs at a barbecue.
• With meatballs and chicken wings at a party.
• On a vegetable platter with dips such as buffalo, creamy chipotle sauce, honey mustard, ranch, or Catalina dressing.
• With meatloaf, or pork chops.

Frequently asked questions