Air-Fried Gala Potatoes: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, and they're versatile, too. You can make air fryer potatoes in 20 minutes or less, and they're a perfect side dish for a weeknight dinner. They're also healthier than deep-fried potatoes, as they use a fraction of the oil. You can use a variety of potatoes, including baby potatoes, Yukon golds, reds, and russets, and you can season them with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. So, if you're looking for a quick and easy way to make delicious, crispy potatoes, an air fryer is a great option!

Choosing the right potatoes

First, look for potatoes that are uniform in size and free from any eyes or blemishes. This will ensure even cooking and the most aesthetically pleasing results. Baby potatoes or new potatoes, which are regular potatoes harvested early, are an excellent choice as they have thinner skins that crisp up nicely. Varieties include fingerlings, Yukon golds, baby russets, and baby red potatoes. If you can't find baby potatoes, larger Yukon Gold or other yellow potatoes cut into similar-sized chunks can also work well.

The type of potato you choose will depend on the specific texture and colour you desire. Russet potatoes will give you a pale golden colour with soft and fluffy insides, while Yukon Golds or yellow potatoes will result in a deeper golden colour and a slightly softer crisp due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. Red potatoes will turn even darker golden brown due to their higher sugar content and will be initially crispy but quickly soften.

When preparing the potatoes, be sure to wash them thoroughly, especially if you plan to leave the skins on for that delicious crispy texture. Give them a good scrub and ensure they are dry before cooking. Soaking the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to overnight can also help remove excess starch, resulting in crispier potatoes, but be sure to pat them dry before cooking.

Lastly, when it comes to seasoning, feel free to get creative! While Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper are classic choices, you can experiment with various combinations such as Cajun, Mexican, Greek, or ranch. You can also try adding Parmesan cheese, parsley, or other fresh herbs for extra flavour and garnish.

With the right potatoes and some creativity in seasoning, you'll be well on your way to making delicious gala potatoes in your air fryer!

Preparing the potatoes

Gala potatoes are a great side dish for a variety of meals. They are crispy on the outside and creamy in the middle, packed with savory garlic flavour.

Selecting the right potatoes

Firstly, select the right type of potatoes. Baby red potatoes or yellow potatoes work well. If you can't find baby potatoes, larger Yukon Gold or other yellow potatoes cut into 3/4-inch chunks will do. Russet potatoes are not recommended for this recipe as they are better suited to making air fryer French fries.

Scrub the potatoes to remove any residual dirt. If you have the time, it is best to do this at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow the potatoes to dry. Pat them with a paper towel and then set them on a kitchen towel, rotating them after 15 minutes so that both sides of the potato skin can dry. If you are in a hurry, make sure to pat them as dry as possible before mixing with the oil and spices.

Soaking the potatoes

Although not necessary, you can soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes or overnight to make them even crispier. This removes the starch from the cut sides. Be sure to pat them very dry before cooking!

Seasoning the potatoes

Place the potatoes in a large bowl and toss with extra-virgin olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. You can also add some freshly minced garlic and shredded Parmesan cheese for extra flavour.

Arranging the potatoes in the air fryer

Transfer the potatoes to the air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer with a little space between each potato. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding.

Seasoning the potatoes

Gala potatoes in an air fryer are usually seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper. The olive oil helps the potatoes brown and soften as they cook, and also ensures that the seasonings stick to the potatoes. The potatoes are usually seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.

Some recipes also recommend adding Italian seasoning, which is a herb blend that adds a lot of flavour to the potatoes. You can also add garlic powder for some savoury, umami flavour.

If you want to get creative with the seasonings, you can try one of these variations:

• Smoky potatoes: Replace the Italian seasoning with smoked paprika.
• Spicy potatoes: Replace the Italian seasoning with chilli powder, taco seasoning, or Cajun seasoning.
• Cheesy potatoes: Toss the roasted potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
• Tangy potatoes: Drizzle them with Italian dressing.
• Ranch potatoes: Season with a packet of dry ranch seasoning, adding it to taste.
• Taco seasoning: For a southwestern spin on your potatoes.
• Cajun spice: Season with your favourite Cajun seasoning blend.
• Chili lime: Ground cumin, chilli powder, garlic powder, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
• Lemon and herb: Dried or fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or dill, and a squeeze of lemon.

Cooking the potatoes

Ingredients

• Baby potatoes, halved (or quartered if larger)
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

• In a large bowl, combine the potatoes with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat the potatoes evenly.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space between each potato. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
• Set the air fryer to 400°F and air fry the potatoes for 10 minutes.
• Remove the basket, shake or stir the potatoes, and return them to the air fryer for another 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.
• Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Tips:

• For the best results, it is recommended to use potatoes that are uniform in size and free from eyes and blemishes.
• Leave the potato skins on for a crispier texture and more nutrients. Just make sure to wash and scrub them thoroughly before cooking.
• If you want crispier potatoes, you can soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to overnight before cooking. This helps remove the starch and promotes crispiness. Be sure to pat them dry before cooking.
• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for maximum crispiness.
• Avoid using aerosol cooking sprays as they can damage the coating of your air fryer basket. Instead, use olive oil to prevent sticking.
• For even cooking, cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces and flip them halfway through the cooking process.

Serving the potatoes

Gala potatoes cooked in an air fryer are a versatile dish that can be served at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They can be served as a side dish to a main meal, or as part of a breakfast taco or burrito. They can also be served as an appetiser with a dip, or as part of a holiday menu with classic dishes such as stuffing and green bean casserole.

Gala potatoes pair well with a variety of main dishes, including:

• Meat, such as steak, chicken, or pork tenderloin
• Roasts, such as roast turkey
• Fish, such as salmon
• Vegetables, such as a green salad, roasted cauliflower, or roasted asparagus
• Soups, such as butternut squash soup or broccoli cheddar soup
• Eggs, such as scrambled eggs
• Sausages, such as chicken apple sausage
• Burgers, such as black bean burgers or veggie burgers
• Quiche or frittata

They can also be served with a variety of toppings and seasonings, including:

• Sour cream
• Cheese
• Chives
• Bacon
• Broccoli
• Parsley
• Cajun seasoning
• Italian seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder
• Taco seasoning
• Ranch seasoning
• Cumin
• Lemon
• Thyme
• Rosemary

Frequently asked questions