Perfectly Crispy Air-Fryer Potatoes: Better Than Your Oven!

Air fryers have become a popular kitchen appliance, and it's easy to see why. They're a quick, convenient, and healthy way to cook food, and they can be used to make a variety of dishes, from mains to sides. One popular dish that can be made in an air fryer is roasted potatoes, which are a great alternative to oven-roasted potatoes as they take a fraction of the time to cook and still deliver the same delicious, crispy results.

Choosing the right potatoes

Types of Potatoes

The type of potato you choose will impact the final texture and flavour of your roasted potatoes. Here are some recommended varieties:

• Yukon Gold: These potatoes are ideal for air frying as they crisp up perfectly and turn a beautiful golden colour due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. They have creamy and flavourful insides.
• Red Potatoes: Red potatoes will roast to an even darker golden brown because of their higher sugar and lower starch content. They will be crispy when they come out of the fryer but will soften quickly. Their insides will be creamy and soft.
• Russet Potatoes: This variety will air fry beautifully, giving you a pale golden colour. Their insides will be soft, fluffy, and mildly flavoured.
• Baby or New Potatoes: These are regular potatoes harvested early and have a high sugar content. They roast perfectly in the air fryer and hold their shape well. However, they can be challenging to find in grocery stores as they are somewhat seasonal.

Size and Shape

When choosing potatoes for air frying, look for those that are uniform in size and free from eyes and blemishes. Baby potatoes, or "new" potatoes, are a good choice as they have thinner skin, which is ideal for crisping. If using larger potatoes, cut them into evenly sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes) to ensure even cooking.

Starch Content

The starch content of potatoes can affect the final texture of your roasted potatoes. Starchy potatoes, like russets, are better suited for making air fryer French fries. If you use starchy potatoes for roasting, consider soaking them in cold water for 10-15 minutes before roasting to remove excess starch. Make sure to pat them dry before air frying to prevent steaming.

Skin On or Off

Leaving the skin on is recommended when making air fryer roasted potatoes. The skin provides a delicious crispy texture, and it's also where most of the nutrients are found. Make sure to give the potatoes a thorough wash and scrub before cooking.

Preparing the potatoes

First, select your potatoes. Yukon gold, red potatoes, russet potatoes, baby potatoes, and new potatoes are all great options for air frying. If you're using baby potatoes, cut them in half. For larger potatoes, cut them into bite-sized chunks, roughly 1-inch pieces. You can peel the potatoes if you prefer, but leaving the skin on will give your potatoes a delicious crispy texture.

Next, place the potatoes in a large bowl and toss them with extra-virgin olive oil and your desired seasonings. You can use a variety of seasonings like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, or even a packet of dry ranch seasoning. Make sure the potatoes are well coated with oil and seasonings.

Now, it's time to cook the potatoes. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each potato. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the potatoes in multiple batches. Set the air fryer temperature to between 380-400˚F and cook for about 10 minutes. Then, use tongs or a spatula to flip the potatoes, and cook for another 10 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

Finally, serve your potatoes hot with a garnish of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, and a tasty dip like ranch dressing or guacamole!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer roasted potatoes can vary depending on the type of air fryer and the desired level of crispiness. However, the general cooking time and temperature guidelines are as follows:

Cooking Temperature

Most recipes recommend setting your air fryer to a temperature between 380°F and 400°F. This temperature range will ensure that your potatoes are cooked through and crispy.

Cooking Time

The cooking time will depend on the size of your potato pieces and the desired level of crispiness. For smaller potato pieces, such as halved or quartered baby potatoes, a cooking time of 10 minutes per side (20 minutes total) at 380°F is usually sufficient. For larger potato pieces, such as 1-inch cubes, a cooking time of 10 minutes per side (20 minutes total) at 400°F is recommended.

If you prefer your potatoes to be extra crispy, you can cook them for an additional 5-8 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

Preheating the Air Fryer

Preheating your air fryer is not always necessary, but it can help to achieve maximum crispiness. If you have the time, preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes before adding the potatoes.

Cooking in Batches

If you are making a large batch of potatoes, it is best to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. Fill the air fryer basket with a single layer of potatoes, leaving space between each potato to allow for proper air circulation.

Tips for Optimal Cooking

• Cut your potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
• Flip or toss the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to prevent steaming and ensure proper crisping.
• Leave the potato skins on for added crispness and nutrition. Just be sure to give them a thorough wash/scrub.
• Use a shallow tray insert in your air fryer basket to allow the potatoes to sit in the hot oil and achieve a crunchier skin.
• If using starchy potatoes, soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes before roasting to remove excess starch. Then, pat them dry before cooking.
• Use tongs or a turner to flip the potatoes, as shaking the basket may cause them to break.
• For extra crispiness, preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the potatoes for 10 minutes per side (20 minutes total).

By following these guidelines and adjusting the cooking time and temperature as needed, you'll be able to achieve perfectly cooked and crispy oven-roasted potatoes in your air fryer.

Seasoning and flavour

The best part about making roasted potatoes in an air fryer is the sheer variety of seasonings and flavours you can use to spice up your potatoes. The basic ingredients for roasted potatoes are olive oil, salt, and pepper. However, you can experiment with a range of seasonings and flavours to create your own unique dish. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Herb and Spice Mixes

You can use a variety of dried or fresh herbs and spices to add flavour to your potatoes. Some popular options include Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, and parsley. You can also get creative and make your own custom blends. For example, you could try a Greek seasoning mix with garlic, onion, oregano, basil, and dill, or a Mexican blend with cumin, chili powder, onion, and garlic powder.

Cheesy Potatoes

For cheese lovers, adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the mix can take your roasted potatoes to the next level. Toss the potatoes with the cheese before serving to add a savoury, umami flavour.

Spicy Potatoes

If you like your food with a kick, there are several ways to add some spice to your roasted potatoes. You can use Cajun seasoning, chili powder, or taco seasoning. You could also add some fresh chili peppers or hot sauce to the mix.

Smoky Potatoes

For a smoky flavour, replace the Italian seasoning with smoked paprika. This will give your potatoes a deep, savoury taste.

Tangy Potatoes

If you're looking for a bright, tangy flavour, try drizzling your roasted potatoes with Italian dressing or a squeeze of lemon juice. Just be sure to add the lemon juice right before serving to avoid making your potatoes soggy.

Other Flavour Enhancers

In addition to the above ideas, you can also experiment with other ingredients to enhance the flavour of your roasted potatoes. For example, you could try adding some crumbled bacon, fresh herbs like basil or dill, or a squeeze of lime juice. Get creative and let your taste buds be your guide!

Serving suggestions

Air fryer roasted potatoes are a versatile side dish that can accompany a variety of meals. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Breakfast

Include them in breakfast tacos or burritos for a hearty and satisfying morning meal.

Weeknight Dinner

• Pair them with any simply cooked protein, such as pan-seared steak, creamy Tuscan chicken, juicy pork tenderloin, or black bean/veggie burgers.
• Serve with a green salad for a well-rounded meal.
• They also go well with a bowl of butternut squash soup or broccoli cheddar soup.

Holiday Meals

Add them to your holiday menu alongside classic dishes like roast turkey, Mississippi pot roast, stuffing, and green bean casserole.

Appetizers

Serve them as an appetiser with a dip like ranch dressing, yum yum sauce, lime crema, or guacamole.

Other Meals

• They pair nicely with salmon, Swedish meatballs, or prime rib.
• For a vegetarian option, serve them with a quiche or frittata.

Frequently asked questions