Air Fryer Gold Potatoes: Quick, Crispy, Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, producing a crispy exterior and a soft, tender interior in a fraction of the time it takes to roast them in an oven. This method is also healthier than deep-frying, as it requires less oil.

To make golden potatoes in an air fryer, first, cut the potatoes into evenly-sized pieces – baby potatoes can be halved or quartered, while larger potatoes should be cut into 3/4-inch or 1-inch chunks. Then, coat the potatoes in olive oil and season them with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, toss the potatoes and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are tender and crispy.

You can also get creative with the seasonings, trying options like ranch, taco seasoning, Cajun spice, or a squeeze of lemon juice.

Choosing the right potatoes

Types of Potatoes

When it comes to air frying, the most recommended types of potatoes are Yukon Gold, Yellow Potatoes, Red Potatoes, Russet Potatoes, and Baby or New Potatoes. These varieties have the ideal characteristics for achieving a golden colour and a crispy texture.

Size and Uniformity

Look for potatoes that are similar in size and free from eyes and blemishes. This ensures even cooking and browning. If you can't find baby potatoes, opt for larger potatoes and cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces, typically between 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick.

Skin On or Off

Leave the skin on! The skin of the potatoes helps to create a delicious, crispy texture. It also adds nutritional value to your dish. Just make sure to give the potatoes a good scrub and wash before cooking.

Starch and Sugar Content

The starch and sugar content of potatoes can impact the final result. Generally, potatoes with lower starch and higher sugar content, such as Yukon Golds or Yellow Potatoes, will turn a deeper golden colour and have a slightly softer crisp. On the other hand, Russet potatoes have a higher starch content and will crisp up wonderfully with a pale golden colour.

Freshness

Whenever possible, opt for fresh potatoes that are in season. Baby potatoes, also known as "new" potatoes, are harvested before they are fully grown and have thinner skin, making them ideal for crisping.

Storage

If you're not using the potatoes right away, store them in a cool, dark place to maintain their freshness. Keep them away from sunlight and moisture to prevent sprouting and deterioration.

Remember, the key to choosing the right potatoes for air frying is to select varieties with the right starch and sugar content, ensuring uniform size for even cooking, and embracing the potato skins for that crispy texture.

Preparing the potatoes

Next, wash the potatoes thoroughly, as you'll want to leave the skins on for that delicious crispy texture. After washing, cut the potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch thick. This ensures even cooking. Place the chopped potatoes into a medium-sized bowl.

Now it's time to add the seasonings. Drizzle some olive oil over the potatoes and sprinkle with your desired seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or get creative with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, rosemary, or even a dash of Cajun spice for a kick. Give the potatoes a good mix to ensure they are well coated with oil and seasonings.

Once your potatoes are seasoned to perfection, it's time to arrange them in the air fryer. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

And that's it! Your potatoes are now ready to be cooked to crispy, golden perfection.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making golden potatoes in an air fryer will vary depending on the type of potato and the desired level of crispiness. However, here is a general guide:

First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. This will help the potatoes achieve maximum crispiness.

When cooking golden potatoes in an air fryer, it is best to cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces. For baby potatoes, halve or quarter them. For larger potatoes, such as Yukon Gold, cut them into 1-inch cubes or 3/4-inch chunks. Try to keep the size consistent so that they cook evenly.

Next, toss the potatoes with olive oil and your desired seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, rosemary, or even Cajun seasoning for a kick. Make sure the potatoes are well-coated.

Now, it's time to air fry! Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving some space between them. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Set the temperature to 400°F and cook for 10 minutes. Then, stir or flip the potatoes and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of crispiness.

The total cooking time will be around 20 minutes, but this may vary depending on the thickness of your potatoes. Keep an eye on them and adjust the timing as needed.

Finally, serve your golden potatoes! They go well with a variety of main dishes and can be a great addition to any meal.

Seasoning options

The great thing about air fryer potatoes is that you can get creative with your seasonings. The basic ingredients are olive oil, salt, and pepper, but from there, you can add a whole host of herbs and spices to create different flavour profiles. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Italian

Add Italian seasoning, garlic (freshly minced or powder), and Parmesan cheese to your potatoes. You could also add some parsley for garnish.

Greek

Try a combination of garlic, onion, oregano, basil, dill, salt, and pepper.

Mexican

Blend cumin, chili powder, onion, and garlic powder for a nice twist.

Cajun

Use a mix or blend of Cajun spices for a spicy kick.

Ranch

Use a packet of dry ranch seasoning, adding it to taste.

Smoky

Replace Italian seasoning with smoked paprika.

Spicy

Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder, taco seasoning, or Cajun seasoning.

Cheesy

Toss the roasted potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Tangy

Drizzle the potatoes with Italian dressing.

Lemon and Herb

Try dried or fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or dill, with a squeeze of lemon.

Serving suggestions

There are endless ways to serve gold potatoes cooked in an air fryer. They are a versatile side dish that can be served at any time of the day. Here are some ideas for serving suggestions:

• For breakfast, add them to tacos or a breakfast burrito.
• For brunch, serve them with poached eggs or a crustless quiche.
• For lunch or dinner, they go well with a variety of main dishes, such as steak, chicken, black bean burgers, or veggie burgers.
• They also pair nicely with a bowl of soup, like butternut squash or broccoli cheddar.
• You could also add them to a salad, like a salmon Nicoise, to make it more satisfying.
• For a holiday menu, they can be served with classic dishes like stuffing and green bean casserole.
• They can also be served as an appetiser with a dip.

Frequently asked questions