Air Fryer Small Potatoes: The Perfect Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to cook small potatoes, which are a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals. Small potatoes can be cooked in an air fryer in less than 20 minutes and require minimal preparation. They can be seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs to suit individual tastes. The result is crispy potatoes that are soft and creamy on the inside.

Choosing the right potatoes

Types of Potatoes

The type of potato you choose will impact the final texture and flavour of your dish. Here are some common types of potatoes and how they cook in the air fryer:

• Russets: These potatoes will air fry beautifully. They will crisp up wonderfully with a pale golden color. Their insides will be soft and fluffy with a mild flavor.
• Yukon Golds or Yellow Potatoes: These potatoes are a favorite for air frying because they will crisp up perfectly but also turn a bit deeper golden color because of the lower starch and higher sugar content. Their crisp will be a tad softer than russets, however, their insides will be creamy and full of flavor.
• Reds: Red potatoes when roasted will turn an even darker golden brown because of their even higher sugar and lower starch content. They will be crispy coming out of the air fryer but soften quickly on the outside. Their insides will be creamy and soft.
• Baby Potatoes or New Potatoes: These are potatoes that have been harvested before they are fully grown, resulting in thinner skin, which is great for crisping. Varieties include fingerlings, baby russets, and baby red potatoes.

Size and Freshness

When selecting small potatoes, look for those that are uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Freshly dug baby potatoes, with thin skins, will usually cook faster than small potatoes with thicker, tighter skins that are not freshly harvested. If the potatoes are more than half an inch in diameter, consider cutting them into equal-sized pieces for even cooking.

Skin

Leave the skin on your potatoes! The skin provides the crispiness that makes air-fried potatoes so delicious. If you peel them, they won't crisp up as nicely.

Storage

If you're using store-bought small potatoes, look for those with thicker skins, as these are not freshly harvested and will have a longer shelf life. Potatoes with thin skins, especially freshly dug baby potatoes, should be used promptly as they haven't had time to cure and toughen up.

Preparing the potatoes

The first step in making small potatoes in an air fryer is to select the right potatoes. Baby potatoes, also known as "new" potatoes, are a variety that has been harvested before they are fully grown, resulting in thinner skin that is ideal for crisping. These potatoes can be found in various colours, such as red, gold, yellow, or purple, and are usually available in most grocery stores.

Once you have your potatoes, give them a good wash under running water to remove any dirt or debris. You can also lightly scrape them with a knife or a spoon, just like grandma used to do! After washing, dry the potatoes with a paper towel or kitchen towel.

Now it's time to cut the potatoes. If they are larger than half an inch in diameter, it is best to cut them into halves or quarters so that they cook evenly and at the same time. You can also leave some potatoes whole for variety.

Place the cut potatoes in a bowl and drizzle them with oil. You can use grapeseed oil, vegetable oil, sunflower oil, or olive oil. Just a little bit of oil will make the potatoes moist and crispy. Add your favourite seasonings to the bowl. Popular choices include garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika (smoked or regular), dried dill, oregano, Cajun seasoning, and black pepper. Give the potatoes a good toss to ensure they are evenly coated with oil and seasoning.

But what if I want to parboil the potatoes first?

You can parboil the potatoes before air frying, but it is not necessary as most air fryers are powerful enough to cook them without pre-cooking. If you do decide to parboil, reduce the cooking time in the air fryer by about 5 minutes.

Cooking the potatoes

First, wash and dry your potatoes. If they are larger than 1/2 inch in diameter, cut them in half or into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure they cook evenly. If you are using baby potatoes, you can leave them whole.

Next, place the potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with oil. You can use grapeseed oil, vegetable oil, sunflower oil, or olive oil. Toss the potatoes in the oil until they are lightly coated.

Now it's time to add your chosen seasonings. You can use garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. If you want to get creative, try using Cajun seasoning, taco seasoning, or Mrs. Dash spice blends. Toss the potatoes again until they are evenly coated in the seasonings.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare a creamy garlic dip for your potatoes. Simply combine sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, and chives in a small bowl.

Once the air fryer is preheated, place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. This will ensure they cook properly. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches.

Cook the potatoes for 10 minutes, then remove the basket and give it a shake or a stir. This will help them cook evenly and prevent sticking. Place the basket back in the air fryer and cook for another 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside.

Check for doneness by poking the potatoes with a fork. If they are easily pierced and have a crispy, golden exterior, they are done. If not, continue cooking in 2-minute increments until they are perfect.

Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and serve hot. For an extra indulgent touch, melt some butter and toss the potatoes in it before serving. These potatoes make a delicious side dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Enjoy!

Storing and reheating the potatoes

Storing and reheating your air-fried potatoes correctly is essential to preserving their taste and texture. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you do it right:

Storing Air-Fried Potatoes:

• Let the potatoes cool down completely.
• Place them in a covered container or a metal/glass pan, covered with plastic wrap or aluminium foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-7 days.

Reheating Air-Fried Potatoes:

Air Fryer:

• Place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray.
• Set the temperature to 370-400°F and cook for 3 minutes.
• Shake the basket or toss the potatoes, then cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Check if the potatoes are heated to your liking. If not, add another 1-2 minutes.

Oven:

• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• Place the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (optional).
• Cover the potatoes with aluminium foil and place them in the oven for 20 minutes.
• Remove the foil and continue cooking for 5-10 minutes, or until the desired crispness is achieved.

Stovetop:

• Heat some olive oil or butter in a frying pan or skillet over medium heat.
• Add the potatoes and coat them with the oil/butter.
• Cover the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for another 2-3 minutes, undisturbed, to regain crispness.

Tips:

• For best results, use room temperature potatoes.
• Avoid reheating in the microwave, as it can make the potatoes soggy.
• If you're short on time, the air fryer is your best option for quick and crispy reheating.

Now you can enjoy your leftover potatoes as if they were freshly cooked!

Serving suggestions

Air fryer small potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served at any time of the day. Here are some ideas for how to serve them:

• As a side dish with a variety of main courses, including steak, chicken, salmon, or meatloaf.
• In a breakfast taco or burrito.
• As a snack or appetizer with a dipping sauce such as ketchup, chipotle mayo, or honey mustard.
• In a salad to make it a heartier meal.
• With other grilled or air-fried vegetables.
• As a side dish for fish, such as halibut, salmon, or shrimp.
• With filet mignon or chicken breast for meat lovers.
• As part of a bowl, such as a breakfast or brunch bowl.
• With a fried egg for breakfast potatoes.
• As a side dish for holiday meals, such as Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner.
• With pan-seared herbed chicken or grilled lemon-lime chicken.

The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations.

Frequently asked questions