Air-Fryer Crispy Baby Potatoes: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a quick and easy way to make crispy baby potatoes. The magic of an air fryer is that it makes potatoes crispy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside. The cooking time is usually under 20 minutes, and you can add a variety of seasonings to make them even more delicious.

Choosing the right type of potato

Variety

When selecting potatoes for air frying, look for varieties that are labelled as baby or new potatoes. These potatoes are harvested before they are fully grown, resulting in a thinner skin that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer. Some common varieties of baby potatoes include:

• Fingerlings
• Yukon Golds
• Baby Russets
• Baby Red Potatoes
• Baby Gold Potatoes
• Purple Potatoes

Skin

For the crispiest results, it is best to leave the skin on your baby potatoes. The skin helps to create a delicious crispy texture when cooked in the air fryer. So, skip the peeling step and simply give your potatoes a good scrub to remove any dirt.

Size

The size of your baby potatoes will impact the cooking time and final texture. Smaller potatoes, about the size of a golf ball or smaller, will result in crispier potatoes that can be picked up and eaten as finger food. Larger potatoes will still have a crispy exterior, but they will have a fluffier and creamier interior. If you are looking for a balance between crispiness and fluffiness, opt for potatoes that are slightly larger than a golf ball.

Starch Content

The starch content of your potatoes will also affect the final texture. High-starch potatoes, such as russets, will give you fluffier and lighter potatoes. On the other hand, waxy potatoes, like Yukon Golds, will result in a slightly less fluffy but creamier texture. Both options are delicious, so feel free to experiment with different varieties to find your favourite.

Freshness

For the best results, choose firm, smooth potatoes with tight skin. Avoid potatoes that have sprouted, as this indicates that they are past their prime. Also, check for any soft spots, bruises, or shrivelling, as these are signs that the potatoes are no longer fresh. Fresh potatoes will give you the best texture and flavour in your air fryer.

Storage

Proper storage of your potatoes is crucial to maintain their quality. Keep your potatoes in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place, such as a paper bag in a pantry or basement. Avoid storing them in the refrigerator, as the cold temperature can affect their texture and taste. With proper storage, your potatoes should last for several weeks.

Preparing the potatoes

Next, in a large bowl, toss the potatoes with your chosen spices and seasonings. You can use olive oil or another vegetable oil, as well as spices such as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red chilli flakes, salt, and black pepper. Mix the potatoes until they are lightly coated in oil and the seasonings are distributed as evenly as possible.

Now you're ready to cook the potatoes! Place them into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer. Set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10 minutes. Then, remove the basket, toss the potatoes, and place them back in the air fryer for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your baby potatoes, so keep an eye on them!

Once they're done, remove the roasted baby potatoes from the air fryer basket and serve them hot. You can even melt some butter and toss the finished potatoes in it for some extra flavour!

Seasoning the potatoes

The key to getting your baby potatoes crispy in the air fryer is to ensure that the seasonings stick to the potatoes. To do this, you should first rinse the potatoes and dry them off with a paper towel. Then, place them in a large bowl and add your desired seasonings, tossing the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated.

Seasoning options

There are many different seasoning options to choose from, depending on your taste preferences. Here are some ideas:

• Garlic powder and Italian seasoning – This combination is a favourite of one source, who says they "almost always" make it onto their potatoes.
• Cajun seasoning – This will give your potatoes a spicy kick.
• Salt and pepper – A classic combination that is a must for seasoning potatoes. Kosher salt is recommended by one source as it is easier to season with.
• Lemon – A squeeze of lemon over your potatoes can help to cut through their richness. However, only add this right before serving, so they don't become soggy.
• Parsley – This herb will add a nice pop of colour to your potatoes. Thyme or rosemary would also work well.
• Fresh rosemary – This herb pairs well with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
• Paprika – This will add a nice red colour to your potatoes, as well as a subtle smoky flavour.
• Oregano – This herb will add an earthy, slightly bitter flavour to your potatoes.
• Avocado oil – This can be used in place of olive oil to toss your potatoes in before adding other seasonings.
• Granulated garlic – This is another form of garlic that can be used in place of garlic powder.
• Dried parsley – If you don't have any fresh parsley, you can use dried.
• Minced garlic – If you have some fresh garlic cloves, you can mince them and add them to your potatoes for a stronger garlic flavour.
• Parmesan cheese – Adding some grated parmesan to your potatoes will make them extra crispy and tasty.
• Butter – Toss your potatoes in some melted butter before serving for a rich, indulgent flavour.

Spicy options

If you like your food spicy, you could try using one of the following spice blends:

• Cajun seasoning
• Taco seasoning
• Mrs. Dash spice blends

Other tips

• You can also add carrots to the recipe – they will cook in a similar amount of time to the potatoes.
• If you want to get crispy potatoes, make sure you preheat your air fryer and place the potatoes in a single layer, so that they can cook evenly.

Cooking the potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the potatoes

First, wash and dry your baby potatoes. You can leave the skin on, as this will help to make your potatoes extra crispy. If your potatoes are on the larger side, cut them into halves or bite-sized pieces so they're easier to eat.

Step 2: Season the potatoes

Place the potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. You don't need to use a lot of oil—just enough to lightly coat the potatoes. Then, add your desired seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, rosemary, or even a blend of spices like Cajun seasoning. Give the potatoes a good toss to make sure they're evenly coated with oil and seasonings.

Step 3: Cook the potatoes in the air fryer

Transfer the seasoned potatoes to the air fryer basket, making sure they are in a single layer. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches. Set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for about 10 minutes. Then, remove the basket and give it a shake or stir to ensure even cooking. Place the basket back in the air fryer and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

Step 4: Serve the potatoes

Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and serve them hot. You can keep it simple or add some extra flavour by squeezing a little lemon juice over the potatoes or garnishing them with chopped fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary. These crispy baby potatoes make a delicious and versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. Enjoy!

Serving the potatoes

These crispy baby potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. Here are some ideas for how to serve them:

• For breakfast, serve them with an omelette, bacon and eggs, or as part of a breakfast burrito or breakfast taco.
• For lunch or dinner, they can be served as a side to steak, chicken, fish, or meatloaf.
• They can also be added to dinner salads for a heartier meal.
• For a holiday or special occasion, they can be served with a dip as an appetizer.
• Get creative with seasonings and spices to change up the flavor profile—try smoky, spicy, or cheesy variations.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days and reheat in the air fryer to enjoy them again.
• If you're serving a larger group, cook the potatoes in batches to ensure maximum crispiness.

These crispy baby potatoes are a delicious and convenient side dish that can be tailored to your taste preferences and paired with a variety of meals. Enjoy experimenting with different serving suggestions!

Frequently asked questions