Air-Fryer Potato Medallions: Crispy, Golden, Homemade Treats

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, and you can make delicious homemade potato medallions in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. They are a healthy alternative to traditional fries and are wonderfully crisp on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside. You can use a variety of potatoes, such as Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes, and season them with olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese. Soaking the potatoes in water before air frying helps to remove starch and get them crispy. Cut the potatoes into thin slices, place them in the air fryer basket, and cook at around 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10–15 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally, until golden and tender.

Choosing the right potatoes

When it comes to choosing the right potatoes for your homemade potato medallions, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, look for potatoes that are uniform in size, with a consistent thickness to ensure even cooking. Avoid potatoes with eyes and blemishes, as these can affect the taste and texture of your final dish.

The type of potato you choose will also impact the result. For air fryer potato medallions, it is best to use potatoes with thinner skins, as these will crisp up nicely. Varieties such as baby potatoes, fingerlings, Yukon Golds, baby russets, and baby red potatoes are good options. These potatoes tend to have a higher sugar content, which promotes browning and a deeper golden color.

If you want your medallions to have a softer, creamier texture, opt for Yukon Golds or Yellow Potatoes. These potatoes have a lower starch content, resulting in a slightly softer crisp but a creamier, more flavourful interior.

For a darker golden brown color and a crispier exterior, consider using red potatoes. Their even higher sugar and lower starch content will give your medallions a unique texture and appearance.

Baby potatoes or new potatoes are also an excellent choice for air fryer medallions. These young, thin-skinned potatoes hold their shape well during cooking and have a high sugar content, resulting in delicious, crispy medallions. However, they can be harder to find in grocery stores as they are somewhat seasonal.

When preparing your potatoes, be sure to leave the skins on. The skin helps to create a delicious, crispy texture and is also where many of the nutrients are found. Simply give them a thorough wash before cooking.

Slicing the potatoes

The first step to making homemade potato medallions in an air fryer is to slice the potatoes. You can do this with or without the skin on. The recommended thickness for the slices is about 1/4 inch, but you can go as thin as 1/8 inch if you want them to be extra crispy. If you have a mandoline slicer, this is a great tool to use for this step as it will give you even slices. If you don't have a mandoline, you can use a sharp knife. Simply place the potato on a chopping board and slice downwards, starting from the tip and working your way to the end.

It's important to cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking. You can cut them into water to help prevent browning and to ensure they are clean. Once you've cut your potatoes, give them a quick rinse in cold water to wash away any excess starch. This will help them crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

After rinsing, place the potato slices in a medium-sized bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for 15-30 minutes. This step is important as it helps to remove starch and results in crispier potatoes. Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel.

Soaking the potatoes

After washing and slicing your potatoes, it's time to soak them! This step is important as it helps to remove excess starch and encourages the potatoes to crisp up during cooking. Aim to soak your potato slices in water for around 15 to 30 minutes. If you're short on time, you can get away with a shorter soak, but the longer you can leave them, the crispier your medallions will be.

While the potatoes are soaking, you can prepare the rest of your ingredients and preheat your air fryer to 400°F / 200°C. You can also use this time to prepare any side dishes or dips you want to serve with your medallions.

Once the potatoes have finished soaking, drain the water and pat the potato slices dry with a paper towel. Removing the excess moisture will help ensure that your medallions are nice and crispy.

Seasoning the potatoes

The key to making delicious homemade potato medallions in an air fryer is to season them well. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you achieve perfectly seasoned potatoes:

Choosing the right potatoes

Start by selecting the right type of potatoes. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their starch content, which will give you fluffier or creamier results, respectively. Try to find potatoes that are similar in size so that your slices are uniform and cook evenly.

Preparing the potatoes

Wash your potatoes thoroughly, especially if you plan to leave the skin on, as this adds to the crispiness of your medallions. You can slice the potatoes with or without the skin, depending on your preference. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch. If you have a mandoline slicer, this can help you achieve even slices.

Soaking the potatoes

Soaking your potato slices in cold water for 15 to 30 minutes is an optional but recommended step. Soaking helps remove excess starch, which can improve the crispiness of your medallions. After soaking, be sure to pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel.

Seasoning options

For your seasoning, you can use a variety of herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. Here are some options to consider:

• Olive oil: Coating your potatoes with olive oil will help the seasonings stick and promote crispiness. You can also use avocado oil or another plant-based oil.
• Salt: Season your potatoes with kosher salt or sea salt to taste.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic or garlic powder will add a savoury kick to your medallions.
• Italian seasoning: This herb blend adds a burst of flavour to your potatoes.
• Paprika: Try Hungarian paprika for a vibrant colour and flavour.
• Onion powder: This will add a subtle onion flavour to your potatoes without the need for chopping onions.
• Other options: You can also experiment with other dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, or basil. Chili powder, taco seasoning, garlic salt, ground cumin, or your favourite meat or fish seasoning blend can also be used.

Mixing and coating the potatoes

In a medium-sized bowl, combine your potato slices with the oil and seasonings of your choice. Toss or mix until the potatoes are evenly coated. Make sure each slice is well-coated for maximum flavour.

Cooking the potatoes

Once your potatoes are seasoned, it's time to cook them in your air fryer. Place the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap too much. Set your air fryer to 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. Check your potatoes after 10 minutes, and continue cooking until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside.

Serving suggestions

These potato medallions can be served as a delicious side dish or a snack with your favourite dipping sauce. They are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, use the air fryer or oven for the best results, as microwaving may compromise the crispiness.

Cooking the potatoes

Ingredients

• Potatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Butter
• Garlic salt
• Cheese
• Parsley (optional)

Method

First, wash your potatoes. If you are using a microwave, cook them for 6 minutes. If not, slice the potatoes into medallions. For a crispy texture, slice the potatoes thinly and evenly. If you want to get creative, you can use a mandoline slicer to cut the potatoes.

Next, place the potato medallions in a bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. Sprinkle salt, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and Italian seasoning over the potatoes. Toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated with oil and spices.

Now, it's time to cook the potatoes in your air fryer! Preheat your air fryer to 350-400°F. Place the potato medallions in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap too much.

Cook the potatoes for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. For extra crispy medallions, flip them halfway through the cooking process.

Your potatoes are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside. If you like, top them with some cheese and cook for a further 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Finally, serve your homemade potato medallions hot with your favourite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions