Air-Fried Country Potatoes: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, giving them a crispy exterior and a soft, creamy interior. They're a perfect side dish for a hearty breakfast, and can be served with eggs and bacon, or stuffed into a breakfast burrito. The best potatoes to use are Yukon Gold, but you can also use red potatoes or russet potatoes. The key to getting crispy potatoes is to ensure they are dry before cooking and to cut them into evenly sized pieces. You can also soak the potatoes in cold water before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve a crispier texture.

Choosing the right potatoes

Potato Variety

When it comes to air frying, certain potato varieties tend to yield better results. Here are some recommended options:

• Yukon Gold: These potatoes are known for their creamy texture and buttery flavor. They are a popular choice for air fryer country potatoes due to their ability to achieve a crispy exterior while maintaining a soft and creamy center.
• Russet: Russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes, are widely available and work well in an air fryer. They have a fluffy texture when cooked and can soak up flavors from seasonings and spices.
• Red Potatoes: Red potatoes hold their shape well during cooking and have a creamy texture. They are a good option if you're looking for a potato that can withstand the high heat of an air fryer without falling apart.
• Sweet Potatoes: If you want to add a touch of sweetness to your country potatoes, sweet potatoes are an excellent choice. They have a distinct flavor and can be a tasty alternative to regular potatoes.

Potato Preparation

In addition to selecting the right variety, proper potato preparation is key to achieving the best results:

• Size and Shape: Cut your potatoes into uniform sizes, typically 1/2-inch to 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and browning.
• Drying: Before air frying, make sure your potatoes are dry. Wash and scrub the potatoes to remove any dirt, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Allow them to air dry further by placing them on a kitchen towel for about 30 minutes, rotating them halfway through.
• Soaking (Optional): Although not necessary, soaking your potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to overnight can help remove excess starch, resulting in crispier potatoes. Be sure to pat them dry thoroughly before cooking.

Seasoning

While the type of potato you choose is important, don't underestimate the power of seasoning to elevate your country potatoes:

• Basic Seasoning: A simple combination of salt and black pepper can go a long way. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like parsley can bring a burst of flavor and a pop of color to your dish.
• Spicy Kick: If you prefer a spicier dish, include chili powder or cayenne pepper in your seasoning mix.

Remember, the key to successful country potatoes in an air fryer is choosing the right potato variety, preparing them properly, and seasoning them to perfection. With the right ingredients and techniques, you'll be on your way to creating a delicious and crispy potato dish.

Preparing the potatoes

Next, cut the potatoes into cubes. For even cooking, it's important that the potato pieces are all roughly the same size. Cut the potatoes into 1/2-inch or 1-inch cubes. If you're using larger potatoes, you may want to slice off a small portion of one of the long sides so that the potato lays flat, making it easier to cut.

Once the potatoes are cut, you can season them. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and add your chosen seasoning and oil. Toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated. You can use a vegetable or olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. You could also add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

Seasoning the potatoes

The key to making delicious country 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:

Before you start seasoning, it's important to select the right type of potatoes. Yukon Gold potatoes are a popular choice for air fryer country potatoes due to their creamy texture and buttery flavor. However, you can also use russet potatoes, red potatoes, or even sweet potatoes.

Prepare the potatoes:

Start by peeling or thoroughly scrubbing the potatoes. Then, dice them into uniform cubes, typically around 1-inch or 1/2-inch in size. This ensures even cooking and browning. If you have the time, you can dice the potatoes ahead of time and soak them in water to remove excess starch, which can help make them crispier. Just be sure to pat them dry before seasoning.

Select your seasonings:

For a classic country potato flavor, you can keep it simple with just salt and black pepper. However, if you want to add more depth of flavor, consider using a combination of seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, chili powder, or dried herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for a spicier kick. Play around with different seasonings and find the combination that suits your taste preferences.

Toss and coat the potatoes:

Place the diced potatoes in a large bowl. Add your chosen oil (olive oil, avocado oil, or another neutral oil) and toss the potatoes to coat them evenly. Then, add your selected seasonings and toss again to ensure the potatoes are thoroughly coated. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese at this stage for an extra savory touch.

Don't oversalt:

It's important to season your potatoes adequately, but be careful not to oversalt. If you are using a seasoning blend that already contains salt, go easy on the additional salt to avoid making your potatoes too salty. You can always add more salt at the end if needed.

Avoid overcrowding:

When placing the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket, avoid overcrowding. Cook the potatoes in batches if needed to ensure they have enough space to crisp up properly. A single layer of potatoes with a little space around each one is ideal, as it allows the hot air to circulate and promotes even browning.

Shake and stir:

During the cooking process, remember to shake the air fryer basket a few times to stir the potatoes and promote even cooking. This helps prevent them from sticking and ensures that all sides get crispy and golden brown.

Fresh herbs and toppings:

After your potatoes are cooked, you can add some fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme to brighten up the flavors. You can also try adding some grated Parmesan cheese, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a drizzle of hot sauce for an extra punch of flavor.

Adjust to taste:

Taste your country potatoes once they're cooked, and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can always add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings to suit your preferences.

Remember, the beauty of country potatoes is their versatility, so don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and find the combination that you enjoy the most!

Cooking the potatoes

Ingredients

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

• Potatoes (Yukon Gold, Russet, or Red potatoes)
• Olive oil (or avocado oil, grapeseed oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the potatoes

Start by peeling or thoroughly scrubbing the potatoes. If you choose to scrub the potatoes, ensure they are dry before cooking. Cut the potatoes into 1-inch cubes or 1/2-inch cubes for more crispy potatoes.

Step 2: Season the potatoes

Place the potatoes in a large bowl and add olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the potatoes well to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasoning. You can also add other seasonings like chili powder or cayenne for a spicy kick.

Step 3: Cook the potatoes in the air fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F for 2-5 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Transfer the seasoned potatoes to the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 10-20 minutes, shaking the basket 2-3 times throughout to promote even cooking. The potatoes are ready when they are crispy and golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside.

Step 4: Serve the potatoes

Transfer the potatoes to a plate and serve immediately. You can also add some fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme for extra flavor. Enjoy your homemade country potatoes as a side dish or with eggs and bacon for a hearty breakfast.

Serving the potatoes

Now for the best part: serving the potatoes!

Country potatoes cooked in an air fryer are a great breakfast option. They go well with eggs, whether fried, poached, or scrambled. You can also serve them with bacon, sausage, or ham for a heartier meal. If you're feeling extra fancy, add some cooked and chopped peppers and onion.

These potatoes are also a great side dish for a weeknight dinner. They pair well with any simply cooked protein and a green salad. You can also serve them with black bean or veggie burgers, or alongside a bowl of soup.

If you're looking for something more indulgent, try serving these potatoes with a big, juicy steak. They also go well with chicken apple sausage and cheesy scrambled eggs.

For a classic breakfast option, serve these potatoes with French toast. Or, for something more savoury, pair them with a quiche or frittata.

Finally, don't forget that these potatoes can be a meal in themselves! Add some protein and vegetables, and you've got a delicious and nutritious bowl.

Frequently asked questions