Air-Fryer Potato Chunks: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

If you're a potato lover, then air fryer potato chunks are a great way to get your fix. They're crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and ready in just 20–25 minutes. The air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and you can use a variety of seasonings to spice things up. So, if you're looking for a delicious, crispy snack or side, here's how to make potato chunks in an air fryer.

Choosing the right potato

Type of Potato

The type of potato you choose will impact the final texture and taste of your potato chunks. Here are some popular options:

• Russet potatoes: These potatoes are a great choice for air frying as they crisp up wonderfully with a pale golden colour. Their insides become soft and fluffy, with a mild flavour.
• Yukon Gold potatoes: Yukon Golds are a favourite for air frying as they strike the perfect balance between a crispy exterior and a creamy, flavourful interior. Their lower starch and higher sugar content result in a deeper golden colour.
• Yellow potatoes: Similar to Yukon Golds, yellow potatoes have a naturally buttery flavour and will crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
• Red potatoes: Red potatoes will turn an even darker golden brown due to their higher sugar and lower starch content. They will be crispy initially but will soften quickly.

Potato Characteristics

When selecting potatoes, look for those that have a blend of waxy and floury characteristics. This combination will ensure that your potato chunks have a crunchy exterior while maintaining their shape.

Starch Content

Potatoes with high starch content, such as russets, are ideal for air frying as they tend to crisp up better. On the other hand, potatoes with lower starch content, such as red or yellow potatoes, may be slightly starchier and waxier, affecting their texture.

Size and Uniformity

For even cooking and the desired level of crispiness, choose potatoes that are uniform in size. This ensures that all the potato chunks cook at the same rate. Baby potatoes or new potatoes, which are smaller in size, can also be used and are known for their high sugar content and ability to hold their shape during air frying.

Preparing the potato

First, select your potatoes. You can use any variety, but waxy potatoes such as fingerlings, red potatoes, and Yukon Gold potatoes tend to give the best crispiness. If you are using a starchier potato like Russet, King Edwards, or Maris Piper, you may want to soak the potatoes before cooking to remove some of the excess starch. This will help them crisp up and avoid a sticky texture.

Next, cut your potatoes into evenly-sized cubes. Aim for around 1-inch cubes, and try to keep the size consistent so they cook evenly. You don't need to peel the potatoes, but give them a good wash and dry before cutting.

Now it's time to season your potatoes. Place the cubes into a large mixing bowl and add your chosen oil—olive oil or avocado oil are great options. Toss the potatoes in the oil until they are well coated. Then, add your chosen spices and herbs. This is a chance to get creative and experiment with different flavours. You could try garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, rosemary, parsley, chili powder, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, or good old salt and pepper. Give the potatoes a good shake or mix to ensure they are evenly coated.

Your potatoes are now ready to go into the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F/200°C. Place the seasoned potato cubes into the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches.

Cook your potatoes for around 15-25 minutes, shaking the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even cooking and browning. They are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

And that's it! You now have perfectly cooked, crispy potato chunks from your air fryer.

Picking a cooking oil

When making potato chunks in an air fryer, you will need to use oil to get that crispy texture. The amount of oil used in an air fryer is much less than that of a deep fryer, and it is also healthier. You can use any oil in an air fryer that you would use in an oven. However, there are some oils that are better than others. Here are some tips to help you pick the right cooking oil for your air fryer:

• Avoid using butter or delicate cold-pressed oils, as these are likely to burn and smoke.
• When preparing vegetables or foods that contain little to no fat, remove all traces of moisture before coating them with oil.
• Coat the food with a thin layer of oil, but do this in a bowl rather than in the air fryer basket.
• For fish fillets, pizza, or chicken cutlets, pour the oil into the bottom of the basket.
• Some oils are neutral in taste and will not change the flavour of the food. Examples include deodorized avocado oil, organic virgin sesame oil, and grapeseed oil.
• Other oils have a stronger taste and will enhance the flavour of milder foods. Examples include extra virgin olive oil and organic cooking sunflower oil.
• Take into consideration the smoke point of the oil, especially if you are cooking at high temperatures. Avocado oil, for instance, has a smoke point of 570°F, whereas extra virgin olive oil has a smoke point of 375°F.
• You can use an oil sprayer to coat your food with your chosen oil.

Seasoning the potato chunks

The key to making delicious potato chunks in an air fryer is to season them well. Here are some detailed instructions and tips on how to season your potato chunks to perfection:

Choosing the Right Potatoes

Start by choosing the right type of potatoes. The best potatoes for air fryer potato chunks are those that have a blend of waxy and floury textures, such as King Edwards, Maris Pipers, russet potatoes, Yukon gold potatoes, or red potatoes. These varieties will give you a crunchy outside while maintaining their shape.

Soaking the Potatoes (Optional)

Before cutting your potatoes, you can optionally choose to soak them in cold water for around 10 minutes to half an hour. This helps remove excess starch and ensures more even cooking and a crispier texture. After soaking, be sure to pat the potatoes dry with a clean towel before proceeding.

Cutting the Potatoes

Cut your potatoes into evenly-sized cubes, aiming for around 1-inch cubes. This ensures that your potato chunks cook evenly in the air fryer.

Seasoning Options

Now comes the fun part—seasoning your potato chunks! Here are some seasoning options to choose from:

• Olive oil or avocado oil: Coating your potato chunks in a small amount of oil helps them brown beautifully and promotes crispiness.
• Salt and pepper: A classic seasoning duo that adds flavour to your potato chunks.
• Garlic powder: Enhances the savoury flavour of the potatoes.
• Onion powder: Complements the garlic powder and adds depth of flavour.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky flavour and a beautiful colour to your potato chunks.
• Dried herbs: Try parsley, oregano, or Italian herbs for a more subtle flavour.
• Cayenne pepper or chilli powder: If you like your potato chunks spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chilli powder.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami flavour to your potato chunks.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of seasonings to find your perfect blend. You can also try adding fresh herbs like parsley after cooking for a pop of colour and flavour.

Mixing the Potatoes and Seasonings

Once you've chosen your seasonings, it's time to mix them with your potato chunks. Place your cubed potatoes in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with oil. Then, add your chosen seasonings and use your hands or a spoon to toss the potatoes until they are evenly coated.

Cooking the Seasoned Potato Chunks

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned potato cubes into the air fryer basket in a single layer, cooking in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Cook for around 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even cooking and browning.

Your potato chunks are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Serve them fresh and crispy, and enjoy!

Cooking the potato chunks

Ingredients

• 2 lbs of potatoes (russet, white, red, Yukon gold, sweet, or any variety of your choice)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil
• Spices and seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, rosemary, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning)
• Optional: Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Wash and dry the potatoes. There is no need to peel them unless you prefer to.
• Cut the potatoes into evenly sized cubes, ideally around 1-inch cubes.
• (Optional) Soak the potato cubes in cold water for 10-30 minutes to remove excess starch, which can help achieve a crispier texture. Then, rinse and pat them dry.
• In a large mixing bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil and your desired spices/seasonings. Ensure they are evenly coated.
• Place the seasoned potato cubes into the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Cook for 15-25 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket a few times during cooking to ensure even cooking and browning.
• (Optional) Add Parmesan cheese in the last 5 minutes of cooking for an extra salty kick.
• Once the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, they are ready to be served!

Tips for Extra Crispiness:

• Preheat your air fryer before adding the potatoes.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
• Use a small amount of olive oil or avocado oil to toss with the potatoes before air frying.
• Shake or toss the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to expose all sides to the hot air.

Frequently asked questions