Air-Fryer Gold: Petite Potatoes Perfected

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy alternative to deep-frying, and they can be used to cook a variety of foods, including potatoes. In this article, we will discuss how to make petite gold potatoes in an air fryer. This recipe is simple, quick, and easy to follow, and it will result in delicious, crispy potatoes that can be served as a side dish or enjoyed on their own.

Choosing the right potatoes

Type of Potato

The most suitable varieties for air frying are baby gold potatoes, also known as new potatoes. These are early-harvested potatoes with thinner skin, which is ideal for achieving a crispy texture. Varieties of new potatoes include fingerlings, Yukon Golds, baby russets, and baby red potatoes. If you can't find baby gold potatoes, regular-sized Yukon Golds or other yellow potatoes can also work well in the air fryer.

Size and Uniformity

Look for potatoes that are uniformly sized and cut them into similar-sized pieces before air frying. This ensures even cooking and crispiness. For larger potatoes, cut them into halves or quarters to match the size of baby potatoes.

Freshness and Quality

Select potatoes that are firm, smooth, and free from eyes, blemishes, sprouts, or green/black spots. Potatoes with these issues may have higher levels of solanine, which is not desirable in large amounts. Fresh potatoes with intact skins are healthier but also taste better and crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

Starch and Sugar Content

The starch and sugar content of potatoes can impact their texture and colour when air-fried. For example, Yukon Golds or yellow potatoes have lower starch and higher sugar content, resulting in a deeper golden colour and a slightly softer crisp. Red potatoes have even higher sugar and lower starch content, leading to an even darker golden brown colour and a crisp that softens quickly.

Preparation

Before air frying, wash the potatoes thoroughly, especially if you plan to leave the skins on, as they contain valuable nutrients. You can also scrub the potatoes and let them dry before cutting and cooking to remove any residual dirt. Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to overnight can help remove starch and make them even crispier. Just remember to pat them dry before cooking!

Preparing the potatoes

Firstly, wash and dry the baby potatoes. You can use a paper towel to ensure they are thoroughly dried. If you are using larger potatoes, cut them into halves or quarters. The goal is to have evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking and crispiness.

Next, place the potatoes in a bowl and add some oil. You can either drizzle them with olive oil or spray them with olive oil spray. Make sure all the potatoes are coated lightly and evenly with oil.

Now it's time to add your chosen seasonings. You can sprinkle on salt, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, Italian seasoning, red chili flakes, black pepper, or any other spices you prefer. Give the potatoes a good toss to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasonings.

Once your potatoes are prepared, it's time to transfer them to the air fryer. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your potatoes and your desired level of crispiness. For smaller potatoes, around 15-20 minutes should be sufficient. For larger potatoes, you may need to cook them for up to 30 minutes. Be sure to shake and toss the potatoes halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Keep an eye on your potatoes towards the end of the cooking time to avoid burning. They are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the edges.

And that's it! Your petite gold potatoes are now ready to be served and enjoyed!

Seasoning the potatoes

The seasoning you use for your air fryer petite gold potatoes is important to get right. The right seasoning can take your potatoes from bland to mouth-wateringly delicious.

Firstly, you'll want to cut your potatoes into halves or one-inch pieces. This will ensure that they cook evenly. You can also opt to leave some whole for variety.

Next, you'll want to add your potatoes to a large bowl and drizzle them with oil. You can use grapeseed oil, vegetable oil, sunflower oil, or olive oil. Make sure to toss the potatoes so that they are evenly coated.

Now it's time to add your seasoning. You can use any of the following:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Parmesan cheese
• Paprika
• Fresh rosemary
• Smoked paprika
• Oregano
• Dried dill

Feel free to mix and match these seasonings to create your own unique flavor profile. You can also use a pre-made seasoning mix like Italian, BBQ, or Taco seasoning.

Once your potatoes are seasoned to perfection, they're ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

Cooking the potatoes

Ingredients

• Baby gold potatoes
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Parmesan cheese

Method

First, cut the potatoes in half or into 1-inch pieces. Then, toss them into a bowl and coat them with olive oil. Next, season the potatoes with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese. Stir the potatoes to ensure they are well coated with the seasoning.

Now, preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Transfer the potatoes to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. Cook the potatoes for 10 minutes, then remove the basket and toss the potatoes. Place the basket back in the air fryer and cook for another 8-10 minutes, depending on how crispy you like them.

Once the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can garnish them with fresh herbs if desired.

Tips

• If you want to get crispy results, it is important to ensure the potatoes are in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
• You can use an oil spray to coat the potatoes, which helps distribute the oil evenly and reduces the amount of oil needed.
• For extra crispy potatoes, preheat your air fryer before adding the potatoes.
• If you want to add some extra flavour, try sprinkling on some parmesan cheese or your favourite spice blend, such as Cajun or taco seasoning.
• To reheat any leftover potatoes, simply place them back in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until crispy.

Serving suggestions

These petite gold potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. Here are some ideas for how to serve them:

• Breakfast: Serve these potatoes as a breakfast side dish alongside eggs, sausage, or inside a breakfast burrito. They would also be delicious with an omelette, bacon, or some other breakfast favourites.
• Lunch or Dinner: These potatoes are an excellent side dish for lunch or dinner. They go well with any protein or vegetable. Try them with salmon, chicken, steak, or a vegetarian option like grilled vegetables or a salad.
• Appetizer or Snack: These potatoes can be served as an appetizer or snack with your favourite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, chipotle mayo or honey mustard.
• Part of a Bigger Dish: These potatoes can also be added to bowls, salads, or other grilled/air-fried veggies or meat dishes. Try them with fish, shrimp, filet mignon, or chicken.
• Holiday Meals: These potatoes would be a delicious addition to your holiday meals, such as Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner.

Frequently asked questions