Air-Fryer Breakfast Potatoes: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryer breakfast potatoes are a quick, easy, and delicious breakfast option. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and can be made with just a few simple ingredients. This recipe is perfect for those who want a tasty and healthy breakfast without the grease of traditional fried potatoes.

Choosing the right potatoes

Variety:

• Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes are a popular choice for breakfast potatoes due to their ability to hold their shape during cooking. They have a higher starch content, which makes them ideal for achieving a crispy texture.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: Yukon Gold potatoes are known for their creamy texture and buttery flavor. They have a naturally thin skin, which gets nice and crispy in the air fryer.
• Red Potatoes: Red potatoes are another good option, as they hold their shape well and have a slightly waxier texture that lends itself to crisping.
• Sweet Potatoes: For a healthier twist, you can use sweet potatoes, which will boost the fiber and beta-carotene content of your breakfast.

Size:

• Small to Medium Potatoes: Look for potatoes that are on the smaller to medium size, as they will cook more evenly and yield a better crispy-to-fluffy texture ratio. Larger potatoes may require a longer cooking time and may not crisp up as nicely.
• Cubed or Home Fries: You can cut your potatoes into 1/2-inch to 1-inch cubes for breakfast potato bites, or slice them into thicker sticks for air fryer home fries. Just ensure they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.

Freshness:

Firm and Unsprouted: Choose potatoes that are firm to the touch, with tight, unwrinkled skin. Avoid potatoes that have started to sprout or show signs of greening, as these may have a bitter taste.

Personal Preference:

• Skin On or Off: Leaving the skin on is not only easier but also adds to the crispy texture and boosts the nutritional value of your breakfast. However, if you're not a fan of potato skin, feel free to peel them before cutting.
• Flavor Profile: Consider the flavor profile you want to achieve. Russet potatoes have a more neutral flavor, while Yukon Gold and Red potatoes offer a sweeter, buttery taste. Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, will give you a distinctively sweet flavor.

When choosing potatoes for your air fryer breakfast, look for varieties that suit your taste preferences and will provide the right texture. Remember to select potatoes that are the appropriate size and always ensure they are fresh and firm. With the right potatoes and proper preparation, you'll be well on your way to making delicious breakfast potatoes in your air fryer!

Preparing the potatoes

First, choose the right type of potatoes. You can use various kinds of potatoes, such as Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes. Each type has its unique benefits; for example, Russet potatoes hold their shape well during cooking, while Yukon Gold potatoes have a creamy texture and buttery flavor.

Next, peel the potatoes if desired. Some people prefer to leave the skin on for the extra crispiness and the added nutrients. If you decide to peel them, use a knife to carefully remove the skin.

Now, it's time to cut the potatoes. For breakfast potatoes, it's best to cut them into small cubes. Aim for 1/2-inch to 1-inch cubes, as this will ensure even cooking and browning. You can cut them into slightly larger pieces if you prefer, but keep in mind that they will take longer to cook.

Once you have your potatoes peeled and cut, it's time to season them. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can use various seasonings, such as olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated in the seasoning mixture. You can also add some chopped bell peppers, onions, or cheese to make the dish heartier.

After seasoning, it's essential to preheat your air fryer to around 400°F. This step is crucial for ensuring your potatoes cook evenly and achieve the desired crispiness.

Finally, place the seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can affect the cooking process and prevent the potatoes from getting crispy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to making delicious and crispy breakfast potatoes in your air fryer!

Adding seasoning

A basic seasoning mix for breakfast potatoes includes salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. You can also add onion powder, or even ground rosemary, as an alternative to garlic powder.

If you want to add a little heat to your breakfast potatoes, you can include some chili powder, chipotle seasoning, or cayenne pepper. For a different flavour profile, you could add Cajun seasoning, or some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. For a Mediterranean twist, add some Greek seasoning, lemon juice, and feta cheese.

When seasoning your potatoes, it is important to remember to only season them right before cooking. If you allow the potatoes to sit with salt on them, it will draw out the moisture and prevent them from crisping up in the air fryer.

Cooking the potatoes

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make breakfast potatoes in an air fryer:

• Potatoes (russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes)
• Olive oil, canola oil, avocado oil, vegetable oil, or grapeseed oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder (optional)

Preparation

First, peel your potatoes and cut them into 1/2-inch or 1-inch cubes. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and add the oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder (if using). Toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated in the oil and seasonings.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. Cook the potatoes for 10 minutes, then shake the basket and cook for another 5-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy and golden brown. If your air fryer has a broil function, you can broil the potatoes for an additional 2-3 minutes to get them extra crispy.

Serving

Breakfast potatoes made in the air fryer can be served with fried, scrambled, or poached eggs, as well as a side of sausage, bacon, or ham. They can also be added to breakfast burritos or casseroles.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air fryer breakfast potatoes. Here are some suggestions:

As a Side

Air fryer breakfast potatoes are a versatile side dish that can accompany a range of breakfast foods. They go well with eggs, such as scrambled eggs, omelettes, and eggs benedict. They can also be served with breakfast meats like bacon, sausage, or ham, and they pair nicely with avocado toast. For a vegetarian option, serve them with a vegetable frittata or a healthy vegetarian omelette.

In a Hash

You can use air fryer breakfast potatoes as a base for a hash. For example, Chef Lola Osinkolu suggests adding chopped bell peppers, onions, or cheese to make the breakfast potatoes heartier. You could also add cooked and chopped ham, sausage, or bacon, as well as diced peppers and onions, as suggested by Let the Baking Begin.

In a Burrito or Quesadilla

Air fryer breakfast potatoes can be added to breakfast burritos or served as a side dish for breakfast quesadillas.

With a Sauce

For a spicy kick, drizzle hot sauce over the potatoes, or add a dollop of sour cream.

With Herbs

You can add some chopped fresh herbs to the potatoes after they have finished cooking for a fresh flavor. Chef Lola Osinkolu suggests adding freshly minced parsley after cooking for a hint of freshness and color.

With Eggs

Air fryer breakfast potatoes can be served with fried, scrambled, or poached eggs. You can also make "over easy" eggs and serve them on top of the potatoes with hot sauce.

With Meat

Air fryer breakfast potatoes can be served with a side of sausage, bacon, or ham for a hearty, filling breakfast.

With Other Breakfast Foods

If you're serving air fryer breakfast potatoes for brunch, you can add some fancier mains to your menu, such as breakfast cauliflower pizza and asparagus quiche. Balance out the savory dishes with some sweet options like coffee cake and healthy pumpkin muffins with cinnamon "sugar".

Frequently asked questions