Make Crispy Roasties In Your Air Fryer

Making roast potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy alternative to oven-roasted potatoes. They're crispy and crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and are lower in fat than traditionally roasted potatoes.

Parboil potatoes for a crispier finish

Parboiling your potatoes before air frying is a great way to achieve a crispier finish. It is essentially the same process as making roasted potatoes in an oven.

First, peel the potatoes and cut them into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Then, add them to a saucepan and fill it with water. Add a little salt to the water and bring it to a boil. Let the potatoes simmer for around 7 to 10 minutes. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the saucepan. To check if they are done, insert a sharp knife into one of the potatoes. It should go in easily, and the inside of the potato should be soft. The outside of the potatoes should be slightly flaky, but be careful not to overcook them, or they will start to fall apart.

Once they are ready, drain the potatoes in a colander and give them a good shake. You want the outsides to be slightly fluffy, with the potatoes flaking a little. This will help create a crispy texture when they are air-fried.

After draining, drizzle or spray the potatoes with 1 to 2 tablespoons of oil, and season with salt and pepper if desired. Transfer the potatoes to the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 200°C. Cook for 20 minutes, checking on them every 5 minutes and giving the basket a good shake to ensure even cooking and crispiness all over.

Parboiling your potatoes before air frying is a simple way to achieve that perfect crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. It only adds a few extra minutes to your preparation time but can make a big difference in the final result!

Use a shallow tray for crunchier roasties

If you're looking for crunchier roasties, using a shallow tray in your air fryer is the way to go. Here's why:

When roasting potatoes in a traditional oven, they are typically placed in a roasting tray with fat. This allows the potatoes to sit in the hot fat, giving them that desirable crunchy shell. In an air fryer, if you put the potatoes directly in the basket, any excess fat will simply drain through the holes. This means the potatoes will only have a thin coating of the fat you poured on, resulting in a thin, chewy skin.

By using a shallow tray insert, the potatoes are in better contact with the oil, creating crispier potatoes with a thicker, crunchier skin. The hot oil will absorb deeper into the skin, giving you that classic crunchy roast potato texture.

While you can skip the tray insert and add the potatoes directly to the air fryer basket, it's important to note that the skin will be less crunchy, and the potatoes will absorb less fat, resulting in a lower-calorie option.

So, if you're after that perfect crunchy texture, investing in a shallow tray insert for your air fryer is the way to go.

Soak potatoes in water before cooking

Soaking potatoes in water before cooking is a common practice, especially when aiming for crispy roasties in an air fryer. While it may seem counterintuitive to soak potatoes before frying, there are several benefits to this technique.

Firstly, soaking potatoes helps to remove excess starch from the surface. When potatoes are cut, the cells are broken, releasing starch onto the surface. Soaking potatoes in water allows this starch to be washed away. This is important because excess starch can cause potatoes to stick together during frying, resulting in a less crispy texture. By removing the excess starch, soaking helps to prevent this sticking and promotes even browning.

Additionally, soaking potatoes can also contribute to a crispier final product. While the exact science behind this is not entirely clear, it is believed that soaking affects the starch composition and water content of the potatoes, leading to a crunchier exterior. Soaking potatoes in water can range from a quick rinse to an overnight soak, depending on the recipe and the desired level of crispness. It is important to thoroughly dry the potatoes after soaking to ensure they don't stick to the air fryer basket.

Furthermore, the type of potato used can also impact the effectiveness of soaking. Russet potatoes, for example, are known for their fluffy interior and crispy exterior when fried, making them a popular choice for air fryer roasties. However, other varieties such as Yukon gold or red-skinned potatoes can also be used, depending on personal preference and availability.

When preparing potatoes for air frying, it is generally recommended to cut them into evenly sized pieces, chunks, or wedges. This ensures even cooking and allows for a better coating of oil, which is essential for achieving the desired crispness. After soaking and drying the potatoes, the next step is to season and coat them with oil. A neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as rapeseed, avocado, or sunflower oil, is typically recommended.

In summary, soaking potatoes in water before air frying is a useful technique for achieving crispy roasties. It helps remove excess starch, prevents sticking, and promotes even browning. By adjusting the soaking time and combining it with the right type of potato, oil, and seasoning, you can create delicious and crispy air-fried roast potatoes.

Use goose fat or duck fat for extra luxurious roasties

If you're looking to elevate your roasties to the next level, using goose or duck fat is the way to go. Not only do they make for a luxurious treat, but they also add a subtle flavour that takes your roast dinner or Christmas dinner up a notch.

Goose or duck fat creates an incredibly thick, golden brown crust—a pure, clean flavour that doesn't taste like duck or goose. The result is a richer flavour than oil, and the crunch is unparalleled. The French have long been in the know, using duck fat as a staple in cooking; it's like bacon, making everything taste better!

You can buy goose or duck fat in jars from large grocery stores. It usually has a thick consistency and needs to be melted down before use. You only need a spoonful or two to achieve that epic crispiness.

If you're short on time, parboiling your potatoes first will reduce cooking time and create a fluffy centre. Simply drain the parboiled potatoes, add a tablespoon of flour, and give them a good shake to rough up the edges and create those crispy bits we all love.

When it comes to cooking, preheat your air fryer to 190ºC/350ºF. Brush the potatoes lightly with melted goose or duck fat, pop them into the air fryer basket, and cook for 20-25 minutes. Be sure to turn them regularly so they cook evenly.

Goose or duck fat roasties are best served fresh out of the air fryer. They're the perfect side dish for your roast dinner, and the addition of fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme takes them to the next level.

So, if you're looking to impress, goose or duck fat is the way to go for luxurious, crispy roasties!

Reheat air fryer roasties for 5 minutes to retain crispiness

If you have leftover roasties, an air fryer is the best option to reheat them. Not only does it take less time, but you can also make them extra crispy. Here is a step-by-step guide to reheating your roasties in an air fryer:

• Place the roasties in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer. Ensure they are not overcrowded, or they won't crisp up properly.
• Set the air fryer temperature to between 350-400°F (175-200°C).
• Reheat for 3 minutes, then open the air fryer and shake the basket or toss the roasties. This helps ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Continue cooking for another 2 minutes. If needed, add an additional 1-2 minutes until the roasties are as crispy as you like them.
• For extra crispiness, you can spritz the roasties with a little oil before reheating.

By following these steps, you can enjoy delicious, crispy roasties that taste like they just came out of the oven!

Frequently asked questions