Air-Fried Baby Potatoes: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryer baby potatoes are a quick and easy dish to make. Requiring minimal prep, they can be served as a side dish or an appetizer. This versatile dish can be paired with a variety of herbs and spices, as well as proteins like steak, chicken, or fish. The cooking time ranges from 10 to 22 minutes, depending on the air fryer model and potato variety, but the end result is always a crispy exterior and a tender, creamy interior.

How to season baby potatoes for the air fryer

Air fryer baby potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit your taste preferences. Here are some ideas and tips on how to season them to perfection:

Choose Your Herbs

You can use a variety of fresh or dried herbs to season your baby potatoes. Some popular options include rosemary, thyme, oregano, parsley, and sage. You can use a single herb or create your own blend by mixing a few together. For example, a combination of rosemary, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper is a simple yet flavourful option. You can also try Italian seasoning, which often includes a mix of herbs like basil, oregano, and marjoram.

Spicy Kick

If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding some Cajun seasoning to your baby potatoes. This will give them a nice kick that pairs well with the other herbs and spices. You can also add red pepper flakes or black pepper to increase the spiciness. Just be mindful of your preference for spice and adjust the amount of spicy seasoning accordingly.

Garlic Goodness

Garlic is a popular ingredient to add flavour to baby potatoes. You can use either garlic powder or fresh garlic cloves, depending on your preference. If using fresh garlic, mince or crush 2-3 cloves and toss them with the potatoes before air frying. Garlic granules or powder can be easily mixed with other dried herbs and spices, creating a well-rounded savoury profile.

Oils

Using oil is essential when cooking baby potatoes in an air fryer, as it helps to crisp up the skin and ensures the seasonings stick to the potatoes. Avocado oil, olive oil, and melted butter are all good choices. Choose an oil with a high smoke point and avoid using too much, as it can make the potatoes soggy. Just enough oil to coat the potatoes lightly should be sufficient.

Salt and Pepper

Don't forget the basics! Salt and pepper are essential for enhancing the flavours of your seasoned baby potatoes. You can use regular table salt or kosher salt, whichever you have on hand. Freshly ground black pepper will add a nice bite to the dish. Be sure to taste your seasoning mixture before adding it to the potatoes to ensure you're happy with the balance of flavours.

Optional Add-ons

For an extra boost of flavour, consider adding some grated Parmesan cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dash of smoked paprika. These ingredients can elevate the dish and complement the other seasonings beautifully. However, use them sparingly to avoid overwhelming the natural flavour of the potatoes.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to find a balance that enhances the natural taste of the baby potatoes without overpowering them. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices to find your perfect blend!

How to prepare the air fryer for cooking baby potatoes

Preparing your air fryer for cooking baby potatoes is a simple process. Here is a step-by-step guide to ensure your appliance is ready for cooking:

Firstly, ensure your air fryer is suitable for the recipe you are following. Some recipes are designed for basket-style air fryers, while others are tailored to air fryers with trays or racks. Check your recipe and appliance to ensure a good match.

Next, preheat your air fryer to the correct temperature. Many recipes for baby potatoes recommend a temperature setting of around 400°F/200°C. However, this may vary slightly depending on the specific recipe and your air fryer model, so always check your instructions.

While your air fryer is preheating, prepare your potatoes and seasoning. Most recipes recommend halving the baby potatoes, but some suggest leaving them whole. Drying the potatoes thoroughly after washing is also an important step to ensure crispy results. Place the prepared potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with oil, tossing until all the potatoes are well coated.

Now it's time to add your chosen seasoning. A simple combination of salt and pepper is a good base, but you can also experiment with garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, thyme, parsley, or Italian seasoning. Give the potatoes a good mix to ensure they are evenly coated in the spices.

Once your potatoes are seasoned and your air fryer has preheated to the correct temperature, you are almost ready to cook. Place the potatoes into the air fryer basket or onto the trays/racks, ensuring they are in a single layer with no overlapping. This helps to achieve an even cook and that desirable crispiness.

Finally, set the timer on your air fryer according to your recipe instructions. Many recipes suggest cooking baby potatoes for around 15 minutes, but this can vary depending on the size of your potatoes and the model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

With these steps, your air fryer will be ready to cook up a delicious batch of crispy baby potatoes!

How long to cook baby potatoes in the air fryer

Air fryer baby potatoes are a quick and easy dish to make, and they turn out crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The cooking time will depend on the size of your potatoes and the model of your air fryer, but generally, they will take between 12 and 22 minutes to cook at 400°F/200°C.

Preparation

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F/200°C. Then, rinse and dry your baby potatoes. You can leave them whole or cut them in half; cutting them will reduce the cooking time slightly. Next, toss the potatoes with your choice of seasonings and a small amount of oil. You can use any combination of herbs and spices you like, but some popular options include garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Cooking

Once your potatoes are seasoned, place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer is not big enough to fit all the potatoes in a single layer, you may need to cook them in batches. Cook the potatoes for 12-22 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring them about halfway through. The potatoes are done when they are golden and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. You can test this by piercing them with a fork; if the fork goes through easily, they are done.

Serving

Air fryer baby potatoes make a great side dish for any meal and go well with a variety of proteins, including steak, chicken, and fish. They can also be added to breakfast bowls or tacos, or served as an appetizer. If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes at 400°F/200°C until warmed through.

How to store leftover baby potatoes

Air fryer baby potatoes are a delicious, quick, and easy dish to make. But what do you do when you have leftovers? Here are some tips on how to store leftover baby potatoes to keep them fresh and tasty:

Storing Cooked Baby Potatoes:

It is important to store cooked baby potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last for up to 3-4 days when refrigerated. However, one source suggests they can be stored for up to 7 days.

Storing Raw Baby Potatoes:

If you have raw baby potatoes left over, it is best to store them in a cool, dry, and dark place, like a pantry or basement. Avoid washing them until you are ready to use them, as moisture can promote bacterial growth. Keep them in a paper bag or a basket to ensure good ventilation. Do not store them in plastic bags or sealed containers, as this can trap moisture and cause spoilage.

Signs of Spoilage:

It is important to regularly check your stored potatoes for any signs of spoilage. Remove any potatoes that are soft, shrivelled, or sprouted, as they can cause the others to spoil. Potatoes that have started to sprout, turned soft or mushy, or have discolouration and a foul odour should be discarded.

Potato Storage Don'ts:

• Do not store potatoes in plastic bags or sealed containers.
• Do not wash potatoes before storing.
• Do not store potatoes with onions or other produce, as this can cause premature ripening.
• Do not refrigerate potatoes, as this can turn their starch into sugar and affect their taste and texture.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your leftover baby potatoes stay fresh and tasty for your next meal!

What to serve with baby potatoes

Air fryer baby potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas on what to serve with them:

Meats

Baby potatoes can be served as a side dish with various meats, including:

• Steak: A juicy ribeye or sirloin steak pairs well with the creaminess of the potatoes.
• Meatloaf: Mini meatloaves or a traditional meatloaf are hearty options to serve with baby potatoes.
• Chicken: Herbed or citrus-spiked chicken, such as pan-seared herbed chicken or grilled lemon-lime chicken, complements the potatoes.
• Pork: Air fryer baby potatoes can be served with air fryer boneless pork chops or a pork roast.
• Ribs: Country-style ribs slow-cooked with carrots, celery, onions, and baby potatoes make for a comforting meal.

Fish and Seafood

For a lighter option, baby potatoes go well with fish and seafood dishes:

• Salmon: Try salmon with baby potatoes in a salad or as a fillet atop a dollop of mashed potatoes.
• Shrimp: Pair the potatoes with air fryer lemon-garlic shrimp or a shrimp bake.
• Scallops: Scalloped potatoes are a rich and creamy pairing.

Vegetarian Options

For vegetarian or vegan options, baby potatoes can be served with:

• Tofu: Try a tofu scramble or tofu-and-potato hash browns.
• Lentils: Vegan pot pie or lentil burgers with oven potato fries are tasty and nutrient-rich combinations.
• Eggs: Baby potatoes work well with eggs in a frittata, breakfast tacos, or a skillet meal.
• Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, spinach, peppers, or onions, make a great accompaniment.

Other Sides and Appetizers

Baby potatoes can also be served as part of a larger spread or as an appetizer:

• Salads: Add baby potatoes to a green salad for a heartier meal or try a potato salad, such as a red potato and egg salad.
• Soups and Stews: They can be served alongside a soup or stew, such as bacon-beef barley soup or vegetable lentil soup.
• Casseroles: Potato casseroles, such as a loaded red potato casserole or a twice-baked potato casserole, make a comforting and filling dish.

Frequently asked questions