Air-Fried Potatoes: Crispy, Golden, And Fluffy Perfection

Air fryers have revolutionised the way we cook, and it comes as no surprise that they can be used to make fluffy roast potatoes. Not only are air fryers a healthier alternative to deep frying, but they also cut down the time it takes to roast potatoes in half. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make fluffy roast potatoes in an air fryer, as well as some tips and tricks to ensure your potatoes turn out perfectly.

Choosing the right potatoes

Types of Potatoes

• Floury Potatoes: Look for potato varieties that are floury or starchy, such as Maris Piper, Rooster potatoes, or Russet potatoes. These types of potatoes are ideal for achieving a fluffy texture in the centre while getting crispy on the outside.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: Yukon Golds are a popular choice for air fryer roast potatoes. They have a lower starch and higher sugar content, which allows them to crisp up nicely and turn a deeper golden colour. Their insides become creamy and flavourful.
• Red Potatoes: Red-skinned potatoes will also work well in the air fryer. They have an even higher sugar and lower starch content than Yukon Golds, resulting in a darker golden-brown colour. Their outsides will be crispy at first but will soften quickly. The insides will be creamy and soft.
• Baby or New Potatoes: These are regular potatoes that have been harvested early and are smaller in size. They have a high sugar content and roast perfectly in the air fryer, holding their shape well. However, they can be seasonal and harder to find in grocery stores.

General Tips

• Uniform Size: Try to select potatoes that are uniform in size, as this will help ensure even cooking. Look for potatoes that are similar in size to each other, or cut them into evenly sized pieces before roasting.
• Freshness: Choose potatoes that are free from eyes, blemishes, sprouts, green spots, or black spots. These imperfections can affect the taste and texture of your roast potatoes.
• Skin On or Off: Leaving the skin on is a matter of preference. The skin can provide a crispy texture, especially if you desire crispy, salted potato skins. However, some people prefer to peel their potatoes, especially if serving them to children.

Remember to adjust the cooking time and temperature according to the type of potato you choose and always refer to your air fryer's manual for specific instructions regarding temperatures and timings.

Preparing the potatoes

The first step to making fluffy roast potatoes in an air fryer is to select the right type of potatoes. Yukon Golds, red potatoes, russet potatoes, and baby or new potatoes are all great options for air frying as they will crisp up beautifully. Look for potatoes that are uniform in size and free from eyes and blemishes.

Once you have selected your potatoes, give them a good wash to remove any dirt or chemicals. You can choose to peel the potatoes or leave the skin on. Leaving the skin on will give your potatoes a rustic look and a crispy texture. It is also more nutritious as the potato skins contain fibre and vitamins.

Next, cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces. For larger potatoes, cut them into 1-inch pieces. If you are using baby potatoes, you can cut them in half or simply poke them with a fork to allow the steam to escape. Try to make the pieces as uniform in size as possible to ensure even cooking.

Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl and toss them with extra-virgin olive oil and your desired seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure that the potatoes are well coated with the oil and seasonings.

If you are using starchy potatoes, you may want to soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes before roasting to remove the excess starch. Just be sure to pat them dry before placing them in the air fryer, as wet potatoes will steam instead of roast.

Cooking temperature and time

The cooking temperature and time for fluffy roast potatoes in an air fryer will depend on the type of potato and the specific air fryer model being used.

For baby potatoes or new potatoes, a cooking temperature of between 380°F (195°C) and 400°F (200°C) is recommended. The cooking time will be around 20 minutes, but this can be adjusted depending on the desired level of crispiness. It is suggested to cook the potatoes for 10 minutes, flip them, and then cook for another 10 minutes. A further 5-10 minutes of cooking time may be required if the potatoes are not yet tender or brown enough.

For larger potatoes cut into 1-inch pieces, a similar temperature range of 380°F (195°C) to 400°F (200°C) can be used. However, the cooking time may be slightly longer, around 25-30 minutes in total. Again, it is recommended to flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

It is worth noting that preheating the air fryer for 5 minutes can result in crispier potatoes. Additionally, using a shallow tray insert instead of placing the potatoes directly in the air fryer basket can also enhance the crispiness as it allows the potatoes to be in better contact with the oil.

Oil and seasoning

The choice of oil and seasoning is crucial to achieving fluffy and crispy roast potatoes in an air fryer. Here are some tips and recommendations to ensure your potatoes turn out perfectly:

Oil

When it comes to oil, extra virgin olive oil is a popular choice for roasting potatoes in an air fryer. It helps the potatoes crisp up and brown nicely, adding great flavour. Other options include neutral oils such as rapeseed, avocado, or sunflower oil. These oils have a higher smoking point, which is ideal for the high temperatures of an air fryer.

Seasoning

The beauty of seasoning is that you can get creative and experiment with different combinations. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Salt and pepper: A classic combination that enhances the natural flavour of the potatoes.
• Garlic: Freshly minced or garlic powder adds a savoury kick to the potatoes.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs such as basil, oregano, and rosemary gives a Mediterranean flair to your potatoes.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavour and a hint of spice.
• Cajun spice: For those who like it spicy, Cajun seasoning blends add a kick to your potatoes.
• Ranch seasoning: A packet of dry ranch seasoning mix adds a tangy, herby flavour.
• Taco seasoning: For a southwestern twist, taco seasoning blends offer a unique flavour profile.
• Chili lime: A combination of ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a zesty touch.
• Lemon and herb: Dried or fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or dill, paired with a squeeze of lemon, add a bright, citrusy note.
• Parmesan cheese: Finely shredded Parmesan cheese adds a savoury, umami flavour to the potatoes.

When seasoning your potatoes, be sure to toss them in a large bowl with the oil and seasonings until they are well coated. This ensures that every bite is packed with flavour.

Tips for Success

• Preheat your air fryer if possible for maximum crispiness.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Leave space for the air to circulate and crisp up the potatoes properly.
• Use a shallow tray insert if your air fryer has one. This allows the potatoes to sit in the hot oil, resulting in a thicker, crunchier skin.
• If using starchy potatoes, soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes before roasting to remove excess starch. Pat the potatoes dry before adding oil and seasoning.

Serving suggestions

These fluffy roast potatoes cooked in an air fryer can be served as a side dish for a variety of meals. Here are some ideas:

• Breakfast: Put them in breakfast tacos or a breakfast burrito.
• Lunch or Dinner: Serve them as a side with steak, chicken, salmon, or roast meats like lamb, duck, or turkey. They also go well with pan-seared steak, creamy Tuscan chicken, or juicy pork tenderloin.
• Appetizer: Pair them with a dip and serve them as an appetiser, similar to "whipped feta roasted potatoes".
• Salad: Have them with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
• With other vegetables: They can be served with roasted cauliflower or roasted asparagus.

Storing and Reheating

If you have any leftover potatoes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To freeze, seal them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 6-8 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 400°F until warm and crispy.

Frequently asked questions