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

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy and tender potatoes. They are a healthier alternative to deep frying and can be used to make roasted potatoes, wedges, or fries. The circulating hot air in the air fryer produces a Maillard reaction, resulting in a crispy, crunchy exterior. This method is also faster than baking potatoes in an oven and requires less oil.

Choosing the right potato

Type of Potato

The most commonly used potatoes for air frying are baby potatoes, also known as "new" potatoes. These include varieties such as fingerlings, Yukon Golds, baby russets, and baby red potatoes. The thinner skin of these potatoes makes them ideal for achieving a crispy texture. If you can't find baby potatoes, larger Yukon Gold or other yellow potatoes can be cut into similar-sized pieces. Russet potatoes are another excellent option, as they crisp up beautifully and have a mild flavour.

Skin On or Off

Leaving the skin on is generally recommended for air fryer potatoes. The skin helps the potatoes crisp up nicely and provides additional nutrients. However, if you prefer peeled potatoes, you can certainly peel them before air frying.

Size and Uniformity

For even cooking, it is important to cut the potatoes into uniform-sized pieces. This ensures that all the potatoes cook at a similar rate and achieve the desired level of crispiness. Aim for pieces that are around 1-inch or 3/4-inch in size.

Starch Content

The starch content of potatoes can affect their texture and colour when air-fried. For example, Yukon Golds or Yellow Potatoes have a lower starch and higher sugar content, resulting in a deeper golden colour and a slightly softer crisp. On the other hand, Russet potatoes have a higher starch content, giving them a pale golden colour and a fluffier texture.

Availability and Seasonality

Baby potatoes, or new potatoes, can be somewhat seasonal and may be harder to find in grocery stores. If you can't find them, don't worry; any type of potato can be used. Red potatoes, for instance, have a higher sugar content and will turn an even darker golden brown when air-fried.

In summary, while you have the flexibility to choose from a variety of potatoes, selecting the right type, considering the skin, ensuring uniformity in size, and understanding the starch content will help you create the perfect sautéed potatoes in your air fryer.

Preparing the potato

Firstly, select the right type of potatoes. Yukon Gold, Russet, Yellow, or White potatoes are great options. These varieties have a natural buttery flavour and will give you that desired crispy texture on the outside and fluffy texture on the inside. Avoid red or purple-skinned potatoes as they are starchier and waxier.

Next, cut the potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces. For air fryer potatoes, it is recommended to cut them into halves or 1-inch pieces. This ensures even cooking and allows them to cook through at the same rate. You can also leave the skin on, as it adds to the crispy texture and contains nutrients.

After cutting, place the potatoes in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil or avocado oil. Use just enough oil to coat the potatoes lightly. The oil helps the seasonings stick to the potatoes and promotes even browning. You can also use an oil spray if you prefer.

Now it's time to season the potatoes. This is where you can get creative and experiment with different flavours. At a minimum, you'll want to add salt and pepper to taste. You can also try other seasonings like garlic powder, Italian seasoning, rosemary, paprika, chili powder, or cayenne pepper. Don't be afraid to mix and match to find your perfect combination.

Once the potatoes are seasoned, it's a good idea to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for about 2 minutes. This step helps ensure maximum crispiness. If your air fryer doesn't require preheating, simply move on to the next step.

Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Close the air fryer and set the timer for 10 minutes.

When the timer goes off, open the air fryer and give the potatoes a good stir or shake to ensure even cooking. Return the air fryer basket and continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness.

That's it! Your potatoes should now be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve them immediately as a delicious side dish or enjoy them as a snack.

Adding seasoning

• Before adding your potatoes to the air fryer, toss them in a bowl with olive oil (or another oil of your choice) to coat them. This will help the seasonings stick to the potatoes. You can also use an oil spray for this step.
• For seasoning, you can use a combination of salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, and/or cayenne pepper. You can also add Parmesan cheese for some extra flavour.
• If you want to add a bit of spice, include some Cajun seasoning or chilli powder.
• Don't be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to find your favourite flavour combinations. You can try things like onion powder, cumin, dill, basil, oregano, or a Greek or Mexican spice blend.
• If you want a fresh herb garnish, add some chopped parsley, thyme, or rosemary after cooking.
• For a tangy flavour, add a squeeze of lemon juice over your potatoes before serving.
• If you're making a big batch, you can store your seasoned potatoes in the fridge for up to 4-5 days or freeze them for later.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer sautéed potatoes can vary depending on the desired level of crispiness and the specific air fryer being used. However, here is a general guide:

Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the basket and shake or stir the potatoes to ensure even cooking. Return the potatoes to the air fryer and cook for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, depending on your desired level of crispiness. For crispier potatoes, cook for the full 10 minutes, or longer. If you prefer your potatoes less crispy, 8 minutes or even less may be sufficient. Keep in mind that the cooking time may also vary depending on the size and type of potatoes you are using. Smaller, thinner potatoes will cook faster, while larger, thicker potatoes may require a few extra minutes.

It is also important to note that not all air fryers are created equal. Some may have different settings or require preheating. Be sure to read the instructions for your specific air fryer model to ensure the best results. Additionally, if you are cooking a large batch of potatoes, you may need to cook them in batches to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding the air fryer basket can lead to uneven cooking and soggy potatoes.

Serving suggestions

Breakfast

You could add these potatoes to a breakfast taco or burrito, or serve them with fried eggs, a frittata, or an omelette.

Lunch and Dinner

These potatoes are a great side for a steak or chicken dinner. They also go well with salmon, meatballs, sausage, and zucchini.

Appetisers and Snacks

You could serve the potatoes with a dip, such as whipped feta, or with Nicole Addison's Big Mac sauce.

Other

You could also sprinkle the potatoes with flakey sea salt and drizzle them with white vinegar, or top them with sour cream, Greek yoghurt, or cottage cheese.

Frequently asked questions