Air-Fried Potatoes: A Quick, Crispy Homemade Treat

Air fryers have become a popular way to make homemade potatoes that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The circulating air in the fryer crisps the outsides of the potatoes to a golden crust while keeping the insides soft, tender, and flavourful. Air-fried potatoes are also healthier than traditionally fried potatoes as they require less oil and are ready in half the time.

Choosing the right potatoes

First, consider the size of the potatoes. Baby potatoes, also known as "new" potatoes, are a great option as they have thinner skin, which crisps up beautifully in the air fryer. Look for varieties such as fingerlings, Yukon Golds, baby russets, or baby red potatoes. If you can't find baby potatoes, larger Yukon Gold or other yellow potatoes cut into 3/4-inch chunks will also work well. The key is to ensure that the potatoes are of uniform size to promote even cooking.

Next, think about the skin of the potatoes. Leaving the skin on is recommended as it helps to create that delicious crispy texture. Make sure to give the potatoes a good scrub and pat them dry before cutting and seasoning them.

In terms of potato varieties, russet potatoes are an excellent choice for air fryer potatoes. They crisp up wonderfully and have a pale golden colour when cooked. Their insides remain soft and fluffy with a mild flavour, making them a versatile option for various dishes.

Another popular variety is Yukon Golds or yellow potatoes. These potatoes are a favourite for air frying because they strike the perfect balance between a crispy exterior and a creamy interior. Their lower starch and higher sugar content give them a deeper golden colour and a slightly softer crisp compared to russets.

If you're looking for a darker golden brown colour and a creamy interior, consider using red potatoes. Their even higher sugar and lower starch content result in a crisp exterior that softens quickly, making them ideal for air frying.

Finally, keep in mind that the type of potato you choose can impact the cooking time and the final texture of your dish. For example, russet potatoes, with their starchy texture, are better suited for making air fryer French fries, while baby potatoes or new potatoes are ideal for achieving a crispy exterior and a soft interior in a shorter cooking time.

By selecting the right type of potato and considering their unique characteristics, you can ensure that your air fryer potatoes turn out perfectly crispy, flavourful, and cooked to perfection every time.

Preparing the potatoes

Next, wash and dry your potatoes thoroughly. You can choose to peel them, but leaving the skin on will add to the crispiness of the final dish. Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces, about 3/4-inch chunks, so they cook at a similar rate.

Then, place the potatoes in a mixing bowl and toss them with olive oil. You can also add spices and seasonings like salt, black pepper, rosemary, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, or Cajun seasoning at this stage. Make sure the potatoes are fully coated.

Finally, place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each potato to ensure even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in multiple batches.

Seasoning the potatoes

The key to making delicious homemade potatoes in an air fryer is to season them well. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning your potatoes to perfection:

Choose the right potatoes:

• Baby potatoes, such as fingerlings, Yukon Golds, baby russets, or baby red potatoes, are ideal for air frying. They have thinner skin, which crisps up nicely.
• If you can't find baby potatoes, larger Yukon Gold or other yellow potatoes can be cut into 3/4-inch chunks.
• Avoid using russet potatoes for this recipe, as they are better suited for making air fryer French fries due to their starchy texture.

Prepare the potatoes:

• Wash the potatoes thoroughly, especially if you plan to leave the skin on. The skin contains all the nutrients, and it also crisps up nicely in the air fryer.
• Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Aim for a uniform size of about 3/4-inch chunks.

Seasonings and spices:

• Olive oil: Coating the potatoes with olive oil helps the seasonings stick to the potatoes and promotes browning and softening during cooking.
• Salt and pepper: These are essential for bringing out the flavours of the other seasonings. Use kosher salt or sea salt for extra flavour.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic or garlic powder adds a savoury, umami flavour.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of Italian herbs adds a full flavour to the potatoes. You can make your own blend or use a store-bought Italian seasoning. Dried thyme is a great substitute if you don't have Italian seasoning.
• Smoked paprika: For a smoky flavour, replace the Italian seasoning with smoked paprika.
• Spicy alternatives: If you like your potatoes with a kick, try using chilli powder, taco seasoning, or Cajun seasoning instead of Italian seasoning.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a burst of bright, fresh flavour and colour. Other fresh herbs like thyme, chives, or dill can also be used.
• Parmesan cheese: Toss the potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese before serving for a cheesy flavour.
• Lemon: A squeeze of lemon juice can help cut through the richness of the potatoes. Add it just before serving to avoid making the potatoes soggy.

Combining the ingredients:

• In a medium-sized bowl, combine the potatoes with the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, and any other seasonings of your choice. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated.
• You can also add other ingredients like minced garlic or freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the bowl and mix well.

Cooking the potatoes:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each potato. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Air fry the potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking.
• Depending on your air fryer and the size of the potatoes, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Check the potatoes periodically to avoid overcooking or burning.
• Once the potatoes are tender and golden brown, remove them from the air fryer and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary for a special touch.

Cooking the potatoes

Next, add the potatoes to a bowl and coat them with olive oil. You can also add other seasonings at this stage, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, rosemary, or Cajun seasoning. Toss the potatoes with the oil and seasonings until they are fully coated.

Then, place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each potato. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in multiple batches. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the potatoes for 10 minutes. Then, flip or toss the potatoes and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are tender and crispy.

Serving the potatoes

Serving homemade potatoes from an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a delicious side dish. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you serve them perfectly:

Serving Suggestions:

• Air fryer potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. They pair well with burgers, sandwiches, grilled meats, black bean burgers, veggie burgers, soups, quiches, frittatas, or holiday classics like stuffing and green bean casserole.
• For a simple weeknight dinner, serve them with a protein source and a green salad.
• Get creative with your leftovers! Add air fryer potatoes to breakfast tacos or burritos, or pair them with a dip for a tasty appetiser.

Storage and Reheating:

• Store leftover air fryer potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days.
• To reheat, you can use a microwave or place them back in the air fryer at 350°F to re-crisp them.

Presentation:

• For a casual weeknight dinner, you can skip the garnish. However, if you're serving them for a special occasion or during the holidays, a sprinkle of green herbs like chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary will elevate the dish.
• If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice over the potatoes before serving. It adds a bright touch to the dish and helps cut through the richness of the potatoes. Just be sure to add the lemon juice right before serving to avoid making the potatoes soggy.

Frequently asked questions