Air Fryer Cheesy Potatoes: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a fantastic way to cook potatoes, and a great way to get the whole family eating. They're a simple side dish, loaded with flavour, and take just a handful of ingredients to make.

The beauty of air fryer potatoes is that they're versatile, and can be adapted to suit your taste. You can keep it simple with olive oil, salt and pepper, or add spices and herbs like paprika, thyme, or rosemary. If you're feeling extra indulgent, you can add cheese, sour cream, or even bacon!

Air fryer potatoes are also a healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes, and they cook in half the time of oven-roasted potatoes. So, if you're short on time, or looking for a healthier option, air fryer potatoes are a great choice.

How to prepare the potatoes

Preparing the potatoes is a crucial step in making delicious and crispy cheesy potatoes in an air fryer. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Selecting and Cleaning the Potatoes

Start by choosing the right type of potatoes. Yukon Gold, red potatoes, yellow potatoes, baby potatoes, or Russet potatoes are all great options. Give the potatoes a good scrub to remove any dirt, ensuring they are clean as you'll be leaving the skins on for that extra crispness.

Step 2: Slicing the Potatoes

For this recipe, you can cut the potatoes into wedges, halves, or quarters, depending on their size. If you're making cheesy Hasselback potatoes, carefully make slices across each potato, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch apart, without cutting all the way through. A handy tip is to place chopsticks or wooden spoons on either side of the potato to guide your knife and prevent cutting all the way down.

Step 3: Soaking the Potatoes (Optional)

If you want extra crispy potatoes, you can soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for 25-30 minutes. This step helps remove the starch from the potatoes, making them crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Once they've soaked, be sure to pat them dry with paper towels before proceeding to the next step.

Step 4: Seasoning the Potatoes

Place the potatoes in a bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, and your choice of seasonings. You can use garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, ranch seasoning, or a combination of your favorite herbs and spices. Make sure the potatoes are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

Step 5: Air Frying the Potatoes

Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each potato to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through, until the potatoes are tender and golden brown.

Now that your potatoes are cooked to perfection, it's time to add the cheese and any other toppings you desire. Follow the remaining steps in the recipe to finish off your delicious cheesy potatoes!

How to season the potatoes

The key to making delicious cheesy potatoes in an air fryer is to season them well. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning your potatoes to perfection:

Choose the Right Potatoes

The type of potatoes you choose can impact the final taste and texture of your dish. Yukon Gold potatoes are a popular choice due to their thin skin and rich, buttery interior. Red potatoes, yellow potatoes, baby potatoes, and even sweet potatoes can also be used. If you're feeling adventurous, try mixing different types of potatoes for a unique flavour profile.

Prepare the Potatoes

Start by rinsing and cutting your chosen potatoes into wedges or slices. Leaving the potato skin on will add a crispy texture to your dish. If you're using thicker potatoes like Russets, cut them into 3/4-inch chunks or slices. Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for 25-30 minutes will help remove excess starch and make them even crispier. After soaking, be sure to pat them dry before proceeding.

Seasoning Options

Now comes the fun part – seasoning your potatoes! Here are some options to consider:

• Olive oil: Coating the potatoes with olive oil will help them crisp up and enhance their flavour.
• Salt: A generous amount of salt will bring out the natural flavours of the potatoes and enhance the crispy skin.
• Garlic: Use granulated garlic or garlic powder to add a savoury kick to your dish. You can also use crushed minced garlic for an even stronger garlic flavour.
• Spices: Experiment with different spices like paprika, Italian seasoning, thyme, chili powder, or Cajun seasoning to add depth and warmth to your potatoes.
• Cheese: Cheesy potatoes are all about the cheese! Try using shredded cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss cheese, or a mix of different cheeses for a creamy and decadent dish.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil can add a pop of colour and a burst of fresh flavour to your dish.

Mixing and Cooking

Once you've chosen your seasonings, mix the potatoes until they are evenly coated. You can use a bowl or a large ziplock bag for this step. Then, place the seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Follow the air fryer instructions for cooking time and temperature, typically around 400°F for 15-20 minutes.

Final Touches

After air frying, sprinkle your favourite herbs and some parmesan cheese on top. You can also add some crispy bacon crumbles, diced bell peppers, or even a dollop of sour cream for an indulgent treat. Play around with different ingredients and find your perfect combination!

How to cook the potatoes in the air fryer

Ingredients

You will need:

• Potatoes (baby Yukon gold, red, yellow, Russet, or sweet potatoes)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder or granulated garlic
• Paprika (optional)
• Ranch seasoning (optional)
• Italian seasoning (optional)
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Method

• Cut the potatoes into wedges, halves, or quarters, leaving the skin on. If you are using larger potatoes, cut them into 3/4-inch chunks.
• Place the potatoes in a medium bowl and cover them with cold water. Soak for 25-30 minutes to remove the starch and make them crispy.
• Drain the water and pat the potatoes dry with paper towels. Return them to the bowl.
• Coat the potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder or granulated garlic, and any other desired seasonings. Mix until the potatoes are evenly coated.
• Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each potato. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
• Air fry the potatoes at 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5-10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
• Once the potatoes are tender and browned, they are ready to be served or topped with cheese as desired.

Tips:

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. This will ensure that the hot air can circulate and crisp up the potatoes properly.
• Leave the potato skins on for a crispy texture and added nutrition. Just be sure to give them a good scrub and pat them dry before cutting.
• Get creative with your seasonings! Try ranch seasoning, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, chili powder, or Cajun seasoning for a variety of flavors.
• For cheesy potatoes, sprinkle shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or a mix) over the cooked potatoes and air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and starting to brown.

Enjoy your delicious and crispy air fryer potatoes!

How to add cheese to the potatoes

There are several ways to add cheese to your potatoes when making them in an air fryer. Here are some methods and tips to get that cheesy goodness:

Sliced or Shredded Cheese

The most common way to add cheese is to sprinkle shredded cheese on top of the potatoes. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, Swiss, or a mix of different cheeses. For sliced cheese, place the slices between the potato slices, ensuring each slice gets some cheese.

Cheese Type and Quantity

The amount of cheese you add depends on your preference. For a lighter touch, sprinkle a small amount of shredded cheese. For a cheesier dish, be generous! You can also experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite. Cheddar is a classic, but you could try pepper jack for a spicy kick, gouda for a nutty flavour, or mozzarella for Italian-style potatoes.

Timing

If you are adding shredded cheese, sprinkle it on top of the potatoes during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. This will allow the cheese to melt and get slightly golden without burning. For sliced cheese, add the slices halfway through the cooking process, so the potatoes have time to cook through and the cheese melts properly.

Customisation

You can customise your cheesy potatoes even further by adding herbs, spices, or other toppings. Try adding some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different spice blends such as Cajun seasoning, chili powder, or taco seasoning. You could also add some crumbled bacon or sour cream on the side.

How to serve the potatoes

As a side dish

Air fryer potatoes are a great side dish for a variety of meals. They go well with any simply cooked protein and a green salad, black bean burgers or veggie burgers, a bowl of butternut squash soup or broccoli cheddar soup, or a quiche or frittata. They're also a great addition to a holiday menu with classic dishes like stuffing and green bean casserole.

As part of a main course

For a more substantial meal, serve your cheesy potatoes with meat such as pan-seared steak, creamy Tuscan chicken, or juicy pork tenderloin or roast turkey. They also pair well with fish; try them with basil pesto chicken or fish en papillote.

With extra toppings

Get creative with your toppings! You can add crispy bacon crumbles, diced bell peppers, taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, parmesan cheese, bacon bits, and even some sour cream.

With a dip

Serve your cheesy potatoes with a dip such as ranch, fry sauce, or ketchup.

Frequently asked questions