Air-Fried Red Potatoes: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryer red potatoes are a quick, easy, and healthy way to make a delicious side dish. With a golden, crispy outside and a tender inside, these potatoes are versatile and can be paired with a variety of main dishes. The air fryer reduces the cooking time by half compared to traditional oven roasting, and the circulating air ensures a perfect crisp. The best type of potatoes to use are small red potatoes or baby red potatoes as they have a thin skin, low starch content, and high moisture content, resulting in a great texture when air-fried.

Choosing the right potatoes

Variety:

When making red potatoes in an air fryer, regular-sized or baby red potatoes are ideal. Baby potatoes, also known as "new" potatoes, are harvested before they are fully grown, resulting in thinner skin that crisps up nicely. Other varieties of baby potatoes you can use include fingerlings, Yukon golds, baby russets, or even sweet potatoes.

If you opt for larger red potatoes, you'll need to cut them into smaller pieces, about 1 inch wide. For a darker golden brown colour and a crispier texture, choose red potatoes due to their higher sugar and lower starch content.

For a classic option, Russet potatoes are always a good choice as they crisp up beautifully with a pale golden colour and a fluffy texture.

Alternatively, Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes are also excellent for air frying. They will turn a deeper golden colour due to their lower starch and higher sugar content, and their insides will be creamy and flavourful.

Size and Uniformity:

Aim for potatoes that are uniform in size, as this will help ensure even cooking. If you're using larger potatoes, cut them into similar-sized pieces to promote even cooking and browning.

Freshness and Quality:

Look for potatoes that are free from eyes and blemishes. Fresh, good-quality potatoes will have smooth, unblemished skin and firm flesh. Avoid potatoes that have started to sprout or show signs of greening, as these may have a bitter taste and reduced nutritional value.

Starch Content:

The starch content of potatoes can impact their texture when cooked. For air frying, choose potatoes with low to medium starch content, as these will result in a better texture. High-starch potatoes may become too soft or mushy when cooked in the air fryer.

Personal Preference:

Lastly, consider your personal preferences for taste and texture. If you like your potatoes extra crispy, opt for varieties with thinner skins, such as baby potatoes. If you prefer a softer, creamier texture, go for Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes. You can also experiment with different varieties to find your favourite!

Preparing the potatoes

Next, cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces. For baby red potatoes, this may just involve halving or quartering them. For larger red potatoes, cut them into at least eighths. Try to ensure the pieces are around one inch wide. This will help the potatoes cook evenly.

Now, it's time to add your seasonings. Place the chopped potatoes into a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. You only need enough oil to make the exterior crisp and help the seasonings stick. Then, add your desired herbs and spices. You can keep it simple with just rosemary, salt, and pepper, or get creative with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, or even a Cajun or Greek-inspired blend. Give the bowl a good toss to ensure the potatoes are evenly coated.

Once your potatoes are seasoned, it's time to arrange them in the air fryer. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This will help them cook evenly and get nice and crispy. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches.

Cooking the potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the potatoes

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. In a bowl, drizzle the potatoes with olive oil, then sprinkle them with your chosen herbs and spices. Toss everything together to evenly coat the potatoes with the oil and seasonings.

Step 2: Cook the potatoes

Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This will help them cook evenly and get nice and crispy. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches.

Cook the potatoes at 400°F for 10 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender. Shake the basket or stir the potatoes halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Serve

Once the potatoes are cooked to your liking, remove them from the air fryer and garnish with additional fresh herbs, if desired. Serve them hot and crispy!

Tips for crispy potatoes:

• Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
• Toss or stir the potatoes a few times during the cooking process to prevent them from sticking or burning.
• Know your air fryer and adjust the temperature and timing according to your specific model.

Storing and Reheating:

For maximum crispiness, it is best to eat the potatoes fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.

To reheat, place the potatoes in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave.

Storing and reheating the potatoes

Storing and reheating your air-fried red potatoes is a simple process that will ensure you can enjoy this delicious side dish for several days after cooking. Here is a detailed guide to help you store and reheat your potatoes perfectly:

Storing Your Air-Fried Red Potatoes:

• Allow the potatoes to cool to room temperature after cooking.
• Place the potatoes in an airtight container or sealable bag.
• Store them in the refrigerator.
• Freshly cooked potatoes will last for up to 4-5 days in the fridge.
• If you wish to store them for longer, consider freezing them. Place them in a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 6 months.

Reheating Your Air-Fried Red Potatoes:

• For best results, use your air fryer. This method helps maintain the crispiness of the potatoes.
• Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
• Set the air fryer temperature between 350-400°F (180-200°C).
• Reheat for 3 minutes, then shake or toss the potatoes to ensure even heating.
• Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes or until the potatoes reach your desired level of crispiness.
• If you are reheating from frozen, allow a little extra time, and ensure the potatoes are heated through before serving.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the potatoes in the oven or on the stovetop, but these methods may affect the crispiness.
• For oven reheating, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue heating for 5-10 minutes or until crispy.
• For stovetop reheating, heat a small amount of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes and toss to coat in oil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Uncover, increase the heat, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to regain crispness.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer red potatoes are a versatile side dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Weeknight Dinner

Pair these crispy potatoes with any simply cooked protein and a green salad for a quick and easy weeknight meal. Think grilled chicken breast, baked salmon, or a juicy steak. Don't forget to toss a side salad or roast some asparagus!

Breakfast or Brunch

Think outside the box and serve these potatoes for breakfast or brunch. They would be delicious alongside eggs, bacon, and sausage, or even added to a breakfast burrito or taco. The crispiness and flavour of the potatoes will elevate your morning meal.

Appetizer or Snack

These bite-sized potatoes also make a great appetizer or snack. Serve them with a variety of dips, such as blue cheese dip, yogurt ranch dip, or whipped feta. They are sure to be a hit at your next game day gathering or cocktail party.

Holiday Meals

Don't forget about holiday meals! These red potatoes can be a delicious addition to your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread. They pair well with classic dishes like stuffing, green bean casserole, and roasted meats. Impress your guests with your culinary skills!

Finger Food

Looking for a fun and interactive way to serve these potatoes? Offer them as finger food at your next gathering. No utensils required! Just provide a variety of dips and let your guests enjoy these crispy, creamy potatoes.

Beyond Red Potatoes

While this recipe focuses on red potatoes, feel free to experiment with other varieties. Yukon Gold, yellow potatoes, and baby potatoes are all excellent options for air frying. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, as different potatoes may cook at slightly different rates.

Frequently asked questions