Air Fryer Crispy Canned Potatoes: The Secret's In The Fry

Canned potatoes are a convenient, easy, and inexpensive way to make a delicious side dish. Air-frying them gives them a crispy, delicious upgrade, that is perfect for any meal. This simple cooking method results in potatoes that are golden brown and crispy on the outside, while soft and fluffy on the inside.

Here's how to make canned potatoes crispy in an air fryer:

- Drain the potatoes from the can, rinse them slightly under running cold water, and pat them dry with paper towels.

- Toss them in oil and your favourite seasoning.

- Preheat your air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit (195 degrees Celsius).

- Add the seasoned potatoes to your air fryer basket and spray lightly with cooking spray.

- Air fry them for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

- Turn them on the other side halfway through the cooking process.

- Sprinkle with Parmesan, if desired.

How to make canned potatoes crispy in an air fryer

Drain, rinse and dry the potatoes

Draining, rinsing, and drying the potatoes are important steps in the process of making canned potatoes crispy in an air fryer. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this:

First, drain the potatoes from the can. You can do this by opening the can and pouring the potatoes into a colander or strainer to allow the excess liquid to drain away. Alternatively, you can use a fork to remove the potatoes from the can, taking care not to include too much of the liquid.

Once drained, it is recommended to rinse the potatoes slightly under running cold water. This step helps to reduce the sodium content of the potatoes and improve their overall taste. Gently rub or scrub the potatoes with your fingers as the water runs over them to ensure they are thoroughly rinsed.

After rinsing, it is important to dry the potatoes. Use paper towels or a clean cloth to pat them dry. Make sure to absorb as much moisture as possible, as this will help the potatoes achieve a crispier texture when cooked in the air fryer.

By following these steps, you will ensure that your canned potatoes are properly prepared for cooking, which will enhance their flavour and texture.

Toss in oil and seasoning

To make canned potatoes crispy in an air fryer, you'll want to toss them in oil and seasoning. This is a crucial step, as it's what will help the potatoes get nice and crispy. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Drain and Rinse the Canned Potatoes

Start by draining the liquid from the can of potatoes. Then, rinse the potatoes under cold running water. This step helps to reduce the sodium content of the potatoes.

Step 2: Dry the Potatoes

After rinsing, it's important to pat the potatoes dry with paper towels or a clean cloth. Removing as much moisture as possible will help ensure you get the crispiest potatoes.

Step 3: Choose Your Oil

The type of oil you use can make a difference in the flavour and crispiness of your potatoes. Extra virgin olive oil is a popular choice, as it helps the potatoes crisp up and adds a nice flavour. However, you could also use avocado oil, sesame oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil.

Step 4: Choose Your Seasonings

This is where you can get creative! A simple option is to go with Italian seasoning, which is a blend of herbs like oregano, marjoram, thyme, basil, parsley, rosemary, and sage. You can also add some garlic powder and dried parsley to the mix.

If you want to spice things up, try using Cajun seasoning, fajita seasoning, Chinese five spice, or even ranch seasoning. You can also add some grated Parmesan cheese to the mix for an extra special touch.

Step 5: Toss the Potatoes in Oil and Seasoning

Place the drained, rinsed, and dried potatoes into a large bowl. Drizzle or sprinkle your chosen oil over the potatoes, then add your desired seasonings. Toss the potatoes well to ensure they are fully coated in the oil and seasoning.

Step 6: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. Many recipes recommend cooking canned potatoes in the air fryer at around 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit (195-204 degrees Celsius).

Step 7: Arrange the Potatoes in the Air Fryer Basket

Place the seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space between each potato. This helps the air circulate properly and cook the potatoes evenly.

Step 8: Cook the Potatoes

Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of your potatoes, but generally, canned potatoes will take around 10-15 minutes to cook. Remember to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and fluffy and tender on the inside, they're ready to serve! You can sprinkle some Parmesan cheese on top if desired, or add some fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of colour and flavour.

Enjoy your crispy canned potatoes as a delicious and convenient side dish!

Preheat the air fryer to 390-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in making canned potatoes crispy. By preheating your air fryer to the right temperature, you'll achieve that perfect crispiness on the outside while keeping the potatoes soft and fluffy on the inside. So, how hot should your air fryer be? Aim for a temperature between 390°F and 400°F.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature:

• Start by locating the temperature control settings on your air fryer. This could be a dial, knobs, or buttons, depending on the model you have.
• Adjust the settings to set the temperature to between 390°F and 400°F. If your air fryer has a preheat function, use it to set the desired temperature.
• Allow the air fryer to preheat for a few minutes before adding your potatoes. Most air fryers will have a preheat light or indicator that lets you know when it's ready.
• Once the air fryer reaches the set temperature, you can carefully place your seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer for even cooking.
• Now, you're ready to start cooking! Depending on your air fryer and the quantity of potatoes, the cooking time may vary, but on average, it should take around 10-15 minutes for your canned potatoes to turn crispy and golden brown.

Remember, every air fryer is different, so you might need to adjust the temperature and timing slightly based on your model and previous experience with it. Always keep an eye on your potatoes to avoid overcooking or burning them. Enjoy your crispy canned potatoes!

Cook for 10-15 minutes

Now it's time to cook your canned potatoes! Place them in the air fryer basket and cook them for 10-15 minutes, or until they're golden brown and crispy. Remember to turn them over halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking. If you're using an air fryer that requires preheating, make sure to do so before adding the potatoes.

While the potatoes are cooking, you can prepare any side dishes or proteins to accompany them. Canned potatoes cooked in the air fryer go well with a variety of dishes, including juicy chicken breast, steak, salmon, or roasted vegetables.

Once the potatoes are done, you can serve them with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy the crispy, golden brown exterior and the soft, fluffy interior of your air-fried canned potatoes!

Sprinkle with Parmesan

This is an optional extra step, but it will make your canned potatoes in the air fryer a little more special.

Firstly, it is important to note that freshly grated parmesan cheese is your best option. Pre-shredded or powdered parmesan doesn't melt the same or have the same flavour. If you can, buy a block and use the smallest holes on a box grater to shred it.

After you have air-fried your canned potatoes, sprinkle on the parmesan and then place them back in the air fryer for one minute to melt the cheese. This will add an irresistible, crispy crust to your potatoes.

If you want to add even more flavour, you can make a sauce with butter, oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Toss the cooked potatoes in this sauce and then sprinkle with parmesan before placing them back in the air fryer.

You can also add some extra vegetables to the air fryer when cooking the potatoes. Onions are an easy option, but be sure to cut them into wedges so they don't burn.

Frequently asked questions