Air Fryer Crunchy Potatoes: The Perfect Crisp

Air fryers are a great way to make crunchy potatoes that are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. The high, dry heat and light coating of olive oil help to crisp up the potatoes perfectly. The skin of the potatoes also helps to make them crispy, so it is recommended to leave it on. Additionally, the air fryer requires less oil than typical roasting, making it a healthier alternative to deep frying.

Choosing the right potato

Potato Variety

The type of potato you choose will impact the crispness and texture of your final dish. Here are some recommended varieties:

• Baby potatoes: These are regular potatoes that are harvested early and are the perfect size for the air fryer. They crisp up beautifully and have a soft inside texture.
• Red potatoes: These are similar to Yukon Gold potatoes but are best eaten right out of the air fryer, as their skins can soften over time.
• Yukon Gold: Known for their thin yellow skin, these potatoes get very crispy in the air fryer while retaining a soft, creamy centre.
• Russet potatoes: With their brown skin, russet potatoes are made for air frying. They get super crisp, and the insides become dry and fluffy.

Potato Size

In addition to the variety, the size of the potato also matters. Smaller potatoes, such as baby potatoes or new potatoes, tend to work better in the air fryer because they are easier to cook evenly and can achieve the desired crispness without becoming too soft. If you're using larger potatoes, simply cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces.

Starch Content

The starch content of potatoes can impact their crispness. Soaking potatoes in water before cooking can help remove excess starch, which may result in a crispier exterior. However, be careful not to soak them for too long, as they can absorb water and become soggy.

Skin On or Off

Leaving the skin on your potatoes will give you that delicious crispy, salted bite. It also adds a nutritional boost to your dish. However, if you're making crispy potatoes for kids, you might want to peel them first, as some children may not enjoy the texture of potato skins.

Oil Type and Amount

The type and amount of oil you use can also affect the crispness of your potatoes. Olive oil, canola oil, avocado oil, and grapeseed oil are all good choices for air frying. However, avoid using too much oil, as it can make your potatoes soggy. A light coating of oil is usually enough to help them crisp up and brown nicely.

Preparing the potato

Firstly, select the type of potato you want to use. Yukon Gold, Yellow, Russet, Red, and Baby Potatoes are all great options for air frying. Each variety has unique characteristics, but they all crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. For example, Yukon Gold potatoes have thin yellow skin and get very crispy, while Russet potatoes have brown skin and get super crisp with fluffy insides.

Once you've chosen your potatoes, it's time to wash and cut them. You can leave the skin on, as it helps the potatoes crisp up nicely. Cut the potatoes into bite-sized chunks, around 1/2" to 3/4" thick. If you are using Baby Potatoes, simply cut them in half. You can also soak the potatoes in water for 20-30 minutes to remove excess starch, which can help them get crispy. However, avoid soaking them for too long, as they can absorb too much water and become soggy.

After washing and cutting the potatoes, it's time to season them. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and add your desired seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and even Parmesan cheese. Give the potatoes a good toss to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasonings.

Now, it's time to cook the potatoes in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Air fry for 10 minutes, then shake or stir the potatoes and cook for another 8-10 minutes. The potatoes are done when they are golden brown, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

Finally, serve the potatoes with your choice of garnishes. A squeeze of lemon juice and some fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary can enhance the flavour. You can also add a drizzle of olive oil or your favourite dipping sauce.

By following these steps, you will have perfectly crunchy potatoes cooked in your air fryer!

Adding seasoning

The seasoning is what takes your crunchy potatoes to the next level. The right combination of spices and herbs can elevate your dish, making it even more mouth-watering. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning your crunchy air fryer potatoes:

Choose your spices

The beauty of seasoning is that you can customise it to your taste preferences. You can go for a simple option like salt and pepper, or experiment with various spice blends. Here are some popular spice options for air fryer potatoes:

• Garlic powder: This adds a nice kick of heat without being too sweet.
• Onion powder: The aroma and sweet flavour of onions complement the potatoes well.
• Smoked paprika: This adds a subtle sweet and smoky taste to your potatoes.
• Italian seasoning: You can use a premade blend or make your own by mixing oregano, marjoram, thyme, basil, parsley, rosemary, and sage.
• Cayenne pepper: If you like your potatoes with a bit of heat, cayenne pepper is a great choice.
• Cajun seasoning: This blend adds a nice kick to your potatoes without being too spicy.
• Ranch seasoning: Give your potatoes a creamy and tangy taste with a ranch seasoning packet.
• Taco seasoning: For a southwestern twist, use taco seasoning for a unique flavour.

Preparing the potatoes

Before adding the seasoning, make sure your potatoes are prepared correctly. First, wash the potatoes thoroughly, especially if you plan to leave the skin on. Then, cut the potatoes into bite-sized pieces or halves, depending on their size. You can also soak the potatoes in water for 30-45 minutes to remove excess starch, which will help them get crispier. However, avoid soaking them for too long, or they may become soggy.

Mixing the seasoning

Once your potatoes are prepared, it's time to add the seasoning. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. You can also use avocado oil, sesame oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil. Then, sprinkle your chosen spices and herbs over the potatoes. Add a generous amount of seasoning to ensure each potato piece is well-coated. You can also add some shredded Parmesan cheese to the mix for a salty and savoury flavour.

Cooking instructions

After seasoning the potatoes, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they're not overcrowded. Set the temperature to 400°F and cook for about 10 minutes. Then, shake the basket or stir the potatoes and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until they're golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Serving tips

Once your potatoes are cooked, it's time to serve them. You can squeeze some lemon juice over the potatoes to add a tangy flavour and sprinkle them with freshly chopped parsley or other herbs like thyme or rosemary. You can also serve them with your favourite dipping sauce, such as spicy Szechuan sauce or ranch dressing.

Cooking the potato

Preparation

Before cooking the potatoes, it is important to prepare them. Firstly, wash the potatoes, removing any dirt. You can peel the potatoes if you wish, but leaving the skin on will help to make them crispier. If you are using larger potatoes, cut them into smaller, bite-sized pieces. It is recommended to cut them into chunks that are about 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick. If you are using baby potatoes, simply cut them in half.

Cooking

Once your potatoes are prepared, it is time to cook them. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring that they are in a single layer and not overcrowded. This is important as the air needs to be able to circulate around the potatoes to make them crispy. If your air fryer is not big enough, cook the potatoes in batches. Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, shake the basket and stir the potatoes. Then, cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden, crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

Serving

Once the potatoes are cooked, you can serve them with a variety of garnishes and dips. It is recommended to serve them with a drizzle of lemon juice and some fresh herbs, such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary. You can also try serving them with a dipping sauce, such as spicy Szechuan sauce.

Storing the potato

Storing Uncooked Potatoes:

Always store uncooked potatoes in a cool, dry, and dark place. The ideal temperature for storing potatoes is between 45 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit (about 50°F). At this temperature, potatoes can last for several months. Good storage spots include a dark pantry, basement, or a temperature-controlled root cellar. Keep them in a drawer, basket, closet, paper bag, cardboard box, or bamboo vegetable steamer. Avoid clear plastic bags as they do not provide adequate ventilation and sunlight can turn the potatoes green.

Storing Cooked Potatoes:

Allow the potatoes to cool to room temperature, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for several days.

Other Tips:

• Avoid washing potatoes before storing them as this increases the risk of fungal or bacterial growth.
• Do not store potatoes in the refrigerator as lower temperatures can turn the potato's starch into sugar, affecting the taste and cooking performance.
• Do not store potatoes in airtight containers or sealed plastic bags as this can cause excess moisture to accumulate.
• Avoid storing potatoes with onions as onions give off ethylene gas, which can encourage sprouting in potatoes.

By following these storage tips, you can ensure your potatoes remain fresh and crispy for your air fryer recipe!

Frequently asked questions