Perfectly Crispy Potato Cubes: Air Fryer Magic

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and healthy side dish, look no further than air fryer potato cubes. With a crispy exterior and fluffy interior, these potatoes are a perfect complement to any meal. The air fryer's ability to reduce excess starch on the potato surface results in a guilt-free treat that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. The versatility of this dish is also noteworthy, as it can be served with meats, breakfast foods, or even on its own. So, whether you're a potato enthusiast or simply seeking a convenient side, air fryer potato cubes are a delicious and nutritious option.

How to make crispy potato cubes in an air fryer

Choosing the right potatoes

When making crispy potato cubes in an air fryer, the best results are achieved with potatoes that have a blend of waxy and starchy characteristics. In the UK, King Edwards and Maris Pipers are a good choice. Other types of potatoes that work include russet potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, and red potatoes.

Russet potatoes, or Idahos, have a high starch content, making them ideal for frying. Yukon gold and other yellow potatoes are low- to medium-starch potatoes, and are well suited to roasting, mashing, baked dishes, and soups. Round red and round white potatoes have less starch and more moisture, making them best for boiling, but they can also be roasted or fried.

Baby potatoes, or "new" potatoes, are harvested before they are fully grown. Varieties of new potatoes include fingerlings, Yukon golds, baby russets, and baby red potatoes. These potatoes have thinner skin, which is great for crisping.

When choosing potatoes for crispy potato cubes in an air fryer, it is important to consider the desired level of crispiness and the cooking method. For example, russet potatoes are a good choice for hash browns and French fries because they have low moisture content and are dryer potatoes, which makes them ideal for frying and helps them hold their shape once cut.

Experimenting with different types of potatoes and adjusting the seasoning to your taste preferences will help you discover your favourite combination for crispy air fryer potatoes.

Preparing the potatoes

First, select your potatoes. For air fryer potato cubes, it is best to use a potato variety that has a blend of waxy and floury characteristics. This will ensure the outside of the potato becomes crunchy while maintaining its shape. Good options include King Edwards, Maris Pipers, Russet potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, and red potatoes.

Next, you'll want to peel the potatoes and cut them into evenly-sized cubes. Aim for around 1-2 inch cubes, or 2cm if you're working in centimeters. Try to make the cubes as uniform in size as possible, as this will help them cook evenly.

At this point, you can choose to soak the potatoes in cold water for about 10 minutes to remove excess starch, which can inhibit crispiness. If you do soak them, be sure to rinse and then thoroughly pat them dry with a clean towel before proceeding.

Now it's time to season your potatoes. Add them to a large bowl and toss with olive oil or vegetable oil, and your choice of seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or try a combination of garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, or chili powder. Give the bowl a good shake or stir to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated.

Once your potatoes are prepared and seasoned, they're ready to go into the air fryer!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer crispy potato cubes vary depending on the type of air fryer and the size of the potato cubes. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Preheating the Air Fryer:

Firstly, preheat your air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to 400°F, but this may vary depending on your air fryer model. For example, if you are using a Cuisinart Air Fryer, it is recommended to lower the temperature by up to 50ºF as it tends to run hotter than basket-style air fryers. So, for a recipe that calls for 400ºF, set the Cuisinart to 350ºF.

Cooking the Potatoes:

After preheating, place the seasoned potato cubes into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. Cooking in batches may be necessary to avoid overcrowding, as proper air circulation is essential for even cooking and maximum crispiness. Depending on your air fryer model, the cooking time will vary. For example, some recipes suggest cooking at 380°F for about 20-25 minutes, while others recommend 360°F for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on the potatoes and give the air fryer basket a shake several times during cooking to ensure even browning. The potatoes are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

Customizing the Cooking Time:

The cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the size of the potato cubes. Smaller cubes will cook faster, while larger cubes may require additional time. Additionally, the type of air fryer can impact cooking time. Tray-style air fryers, where potatoes are arranged in a single layer, may take less time compared to compact or basket-style air fryers, where the potatoes are piled on top of each other.

Tips for Optimal Cooking:

To achieve the best results, it is recommended to cut the potatoes into uniform-sized cubes for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure proper air circulation. A little oil is essential for achieving crispy results, so toss the potatoes with a small amount of olive oil or vegetable oil before air frying. Additionally, shaking or tossing the potatoes halfway through the cooking time ensures that all sides are exposed to hot air, promoting even browning.

Oil and seasoning

The amount of oil you use will depend on the type of potato and the size of your cubes. For example, a recipe using 500g of potatoes will require 1 tablespoon of oil, whereas a recipe using 2 lbs of potatoes will require 2 tablespoons.

The type of oil you use is up to you. Most recipes suggest olive oil, but you can also use vegetable oil or avocado oil.

It's important to toss the potatoes in oil before cooking to ensure an even coating. This will help you achieve that crispy texture.

When it comes to seasoning, the world is your oyster. You can keep it simple with salt and pepper, or try something more complex. Here are some seasoning combinations you might like to try:

• Salt, black pepper, rosemary, garlic powder, and paprika
• Salt, pepper, chilli powder, dried parsley, and cayenne pepper
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Cajun seasoning
• Salt, pepper, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, and sea salt
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, and Parmesan cheese
• Salt, pepper, dried parsley, chilli powder, and cayenne pepper

Serving suggestions

These crispy potato cubes are a versatile side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Breakfast

• Serve them alongside fried eggs, a Parmesan herb frittata, or a sausage cheddar breakfast casserole.
• Add them to breakfast tacos or burritos for a hearty and filling morning meal.
• For a simple and satisfying option, pair them with bacon or eggs.
• Get creative and include them in breakfast wraps or burritos with your favourite fillings.

Lunch and Dinner

• These potatoes are a perfect side for a variety of main dishes, including meats such as chicken, beef, lamb, or pork.
• Serve them with a variety of vegetables, such as spicy roasted broccoli, garlic green beans, or zucchini.
• They can also be served under a main dish, such as a skillet meal with sausage and zucchini or turkey and zucchini.
• For a special occasion or holiday meal, try serving them with a lemon herb-grilled chicken or a 15-minute honey chicken.

Appetizers and Snacks

• For a tasty appetiser, serve the potatoes with a dip, such as whipped feta or your favourite sauce.
• If you're feeling adventurous, try adding an extra sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a drizzle of white vinegar for 'salt and vinegar' potatoes.
• They can also be a great salty snack on their own or with a dip like mayonnaise, ketchup, or cottage cheese.

Customisation

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings and ingredients to make these potatoes your own. Here are some ideas:

• Parsley, rosemary, thyme, or other fresh herbs.
• Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, or paprika.
• Parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast, or feta cheese for a savoury touch.
• Lemon juice or lemon zest for added freshness and acidity.

Remember, these potatoes are versatile, so don't be afraid to get creative and serve them with your favourite meals!

Frequently asked questions