Air-Fryer Fried Potatoes: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, and they're healthier than deep-frying. You can use any type of potato, but baby potatoes, Yukon Golds, or Russets are popular choices. Cut the potatoes into uniform pieces, then toss them with olive oil and your choice of seasonings. You can use salt and pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, or Parmesan cheese. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. Toss or stir the potatoes, then cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until they're crispy and tender. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Make Fried Potatoes in an Air Fryer

Choosing the right potatoes

Variety

Russet potatoes are a popular choice for air fryer fried potatoes. Their high starch content and low moisture level make them ideal for achieving a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Other suitable varieties include Yukon Gold, red potatoes, and sweet potatoes. These potatoes have different starch and moisture levels, resulting in slightly different textures, but they can still work well in an air fryer. For a fun and colourful dish, you can use baby potatoes that come in a variety of colours.

Preparation

Before cooking, it is crucial to wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly. This removes any residual dirt and ensures that the seasonings will adhere better to the potato surfaces. After washing, let the potatoes air-dry or pat them with a paper towel. For even crispier potatoes, consider soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to overnight. This step helps remove excess starch, resulting in a crispier texture. However, remember to pat them dry again before adding oil and spices.

Size and Shape

For even cooking, it is important to cut the potatoes into equal-sized pieces. Whether you cut them into slices, wedges, or cubes, try to make the pieces as uniform as possible. This ensures that all the potatoes cook at the same rate, resulting in a consistent texture and doneness.

Seasonings

While salt is the only necessary seasoning, feel free to experiment with additional flavours. Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and dried herbs like thyme or rosemary can enhance the taste of your fried potatoes. You can also try more exotic combinations, such as Cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, or Greek seasoning with lemon zest.

Preparing the potatoes

First, select your potatoes. You can use russet, red, Yukon gold, or sweet potatoes. If you're using baby potatoes, you don't need to cut them; otherwise, cut the potatoes into 1/4-inch slices or 1-inch cubes. You can peel the potatoes if you like, but it's not necessary, and the peel adds extra texture and nutrition.

Next, scrub the potatoes to remove any residual dirt, and dry them thoroughly with a paper towel or kitchen towel. This step is important because it allows the seasonings to adhere better to the potatoes. If you have time, let the potatoes air-dry for 30 minutes, rotating them after 15 minutes so both sides can dry.

Now, it's time to season the potatoes. Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil or avocado oil. You can also add butter for a richer flavor, but this is optional. Toss the potatoes to coat them evenly with the oil.

For seasonings, you can use a combination of Italian seasoning, garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. You can also experiment with other herbs and spices, such as dried thyme, dried rosemary, Cajun seasoning, ranch seasoning, or lemon pepper. If you like cheese, you can add grated Parmesan cheese to the potatoes and stir to combine.

If you have time, you can soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes or even overnight. This step is optional but helps make the potatoes crispier by removing excess starch. Just be sure to pat the potatoes dry before cooking!

Oil and seasoning

The oil and seasoning are essential components of making delicious fried potatoes in an air fryer. Here's a detailed guide to help you achieve the perfect balance of flavours and textures:

Oil Selection:

The choice of oil can vary depending on your preference and availability. Here are some recommended options:

• Avocado Oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point, making it ideal for air frying. It's a healthy option and adds a subtle flavour to the potatoes.
• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is a popular choice for air frying potatoes. It has a distinct flavour and also helps in achieving a crispy texture.
• Canola Oil: Canola oil is another suitable option with a high smoke point. It's flavourless, so it won't overpower the taste of the potatoes and seasonings.

Seasoning Options:

The fun part about seasoning is that you can get creative and experiment with different combinations. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

• Salt and Pepper: This dynamic duo is a classic for a reason. Salt enhances the natural flavour of the potatoes, while pepper adds a subtle kick.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme gives the potatoes a delightful Mediterranean flair.
• Garlic Powder: Garlic adds depth of flavour and a savoury punch to the potatoes. It pairs exceptionally well with Italian seasoning.
• Paprika: A pinch of paprika will give your potatoes a subtle smokiness and a beautiful red hue.
• Onion Powder: Onion powder lends a savoury, slightly sweet flavour to the potatoes. It's a great way to add onion flavour without the hassle of chopping onions.
• Cajun Seasoning: If you like it spicy, a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning will do the trick. It adds a kick of heat and a unique blend of spices.
• Parmesan Cheese: For an extra indulgent touch, toss the potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese. It adds a nutty, salty flavour dimension.

Tips for Oil and Seasoning Application:

• Ensure that your potatoes are dry before adding oil and seasoning. Moisture can affect the crispness of the final product.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give the potatoes some room to breathe so that the hot air can circulate evenly and create that desirable crispy texture.
• Lightly coat the potatoes with oil. You don't need to drench them—a thin, even coating will do. An oil sprayer or mister is ideal for this purpose.
• Feel free to season in layers. You can season the potatoes before and after cooking. This way, you can adjust the flavour to your taste.
• If using fresh herbs, it's best to add them after cooking to preserve their flavour and texture.

Now that you've mastered the art of oil and seasoning, you're well on your way to becoming an air fryer potato connoisseur!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer potatoes vary depending on the type of potatoes used and the size of the potato pieces. Here's a detailed guide:

• For russet potatoes, cut into 1/4-inch slices, cook at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes. Spritz the potatoes with oil and cook for 5 minutes. Lightly spritz them again, turn them over, and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove any potatoes that look done, and cook the rest for a further 2 minutes.
• For baby potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch pieces, air fry at 400°F for about 14 minutes. Toss the potatoes halfway through the cooking time. The potatoes are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the edges, and tender when pierced with a fork.
• For Yukon gold or red potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes, air fry at 400°F for 10-14 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through. The potatoes are ready when they are golden brown and soft on the inside. If the potatoes are browned but not soft enough, reduce the temperature to 320°F and continue air frying until they are tender.
• For whole baby potatoes, cook at 400°F for 10 minutes. Shake the basket and return it to the air fryer for 8-10 minutes. The potatoes are ready when they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
• For small/medium russet potatoes, cut into smaller pieces, cook at 400°F for 20-30 minutes.
• For 1-inch potato pieces, the cooking time is typically about 20 minutes.
• If using an air fryer with trays, cook the potatoes for 18-22 minutes at 400°F.
• If your air fryer has a smaller capacity, you may need to halve the recipe or cook in batches to ensure even cooking.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals, from breakfast to dinner. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Breakfast

• Serve with scrambled eggs, chicken apple sausage, or breakfast burritos for a hearty morning meal.
• Top with a runny fried egg or coddled egg for a delicious breakfast bowl.
• Pair with a frittata or crustless quiche for a brunch option.

Lunch/Dinner

• Air fryer potatoes are a perfect side dish for burgers, sandwiches, grilled meats, or chicken tenders.
• They go well with a juicy steak dinner or can be added to burritos or casseroles.
• Try them with air fryer salmon, chicken breast, chicken thighs, turkey burgers, or pork chops.
• For a vegetarian option, serve with air fryer broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts, or cauliflower.
• They're also great with a simple cucumber tomato salad on the side.

Flavour Variations

In addition to the classic salt and pepper seasoning, you can experiment with different flavours:

• Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese
• Ranch seasoning with a side of ranch or sour cream for dipping
• Taco seasoning, perfect for adding to burritos
• Cajun seasoning for a kick of spice
• Greek seasoning with a sprinkle of lemon zest
• Paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder

So, get creative and enjoy your crispy, fluffy air fryer potatoes with a variety of meals!

Frequently asked questions