Steamy Air-Fried Potatoes: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes, and they're even quicker than using an oven. You can make crispy potatoes in an air fryer in less than 30 minutes. There are a few simple steps to follow: first, scrub the potatoes and leave them to dry. Then, chop them into evenly-sized pieces and season with olive oil and your choice of herbs and spices. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, toss the potatoes and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until they're crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Choosing the right potatoes

First, look for potatoes that are uniform in size and free from any eyes or blemishes. Baby potatoes or new potatoes, such as fingerlings, Yukon Golds, baby russets, or baby red potatoes, are ideal. These varieties have thinner skins, which is perfect for achieving a crispy texture. If you can't find baby potatoes, larger Yukon Gold or other yellow potatoes can work, but make sure to cut them into evenly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

The type of potato you choose will also impact the final result. Russet potatoes are a great option as they crisp up wonderfully with a pale golden colour. Yukon Golds or yellow potatoes are also a popular choice for air frying as they will crisp up nicely and turn a deeper golden colour due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. However, their crisp texture will be slightly softer than russets.

If you prefer red potatoes, keep in mind that they will turn an even darker golden brown due to their higher sugar and lower starch content. They will be crispy when they come out of the air fryer but will soften quickly. For a unique option, you can also try sweet potatoes, ensuring you scrub and dry them thoroughly before cooking.

When preparing your potatoes, it's essential to wash and scrub them well, removing any residual dirt. Then, let them air dry thoroughly before cooking. This step will help ensure your potatoes don't end up soggy.

In summary, the key to choosing the right potatoes for air frying is to select those that are uniform in size and free from blemishes. Baby potatoes or new potatoes with thinner skins are ideal, but larger potatoes can also be used if cut into evenly sized pieces. The type of potato you choose will impact the colour, texture, and flavour, so consider whether you prefer a crispier, softer, or sweeter result. Finally, don't forget to wash and dry your potatoes thoroughly before cooking for the best results.

Preparing the potatoes

Firstly, choose the right type of potatoes. Baby potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes, red potatoes, russet potatoes, and new potatoes are all great options for air frying as they crisp up nicely. If you are using larger potatoes, cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces, around 3/4-inch to 1-inch thick. Leave the skin on for that extra crispiness and added nutrition! Just give the potatoes a good scrub and pat them dry before chopping.

Next, season your potatoes. Place the chopped potatoes in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil, garlic powder or fresh garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. You can also experiment with different seasonings like smoked paprika, chili powder, taco seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or dried thyme. Get creative and tailor the seasonings to your taste preferences!

Once your potatoes are seasoned, it's time to arrange them in the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between the potatoes and don't overcrowd the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in batches.

Now, you are ready to start air frying! Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and place the basket inside. Cook the potatoes for 10 minutes, then remove the basket and give it a good shake or stir. Return the potatoes to the air fryer and continue cooking for another 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Finally, serve your steamable potatoes! You can garnish them with some freshly chopped parsley for added flavour and colour. Enjoy your delicious and healthy side dish!

Seasoning the potatoes

The beauty of air fryer potatoes is that they go with almost any meal and can be seasoned in a variety of ways. Here are some tips and suggestions for seasoning your potatoes to perfection:

Choose the right potatoes

When it comes to air fryer potatoes, Yukon Gold, red potatoes, russet potatoes, and baby or new potatoes are all excellent choices. These varieties crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, with the lower starch and higher sugar content of Yukon Golds and red potatoes resulting in a deeper golden colour.

Prepare the potatoes

Before seasoning, wash the potatoes thoroughly, especially if you plan to leave the skin on—crispy, salted potato skin is delicious and more nutritious! If you have the time, scrub the potatoes and let them dry for at least 30 minutes before cooking. You can also soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to overnight to remove excess starch and achieve even crispier potatoes.

Oil

Coat the potatoes with extra virgin olive oil. This will help them brown and soften as they cook, and it adds great flavour. Avoid using aerosol cooking sprays as these can damage the coating of your air fryer basket.

Basic seasonings

For a classic flavour profile, season your potatoes with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. You can also add dried parsley or other fresh herbs like thyme, chives, or dill. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices to find your favourite flavour.

Creative seasoning ideas

• Smoky potatoes: Replace Italian seasoning with smoked paprika.
• Spicy potatoes: Use chili powder, taco seasoning, or Cajun seasoning instead of Italian seasoning.
• Cheesy potatoes: Toss the roasted potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
• Tangy potatoes: Drizzle them with Italian dressing.
• Lemon and herb: Add dried or fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or dill, along with a squeeze of lemon.
• Ranch potatoes: Season with a packet of dry ranch seasoning.
• Taco seasoning: Give your potatoes a southwestern spin.
• Chili lime: Combine ground cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
• Bacon: Toss with cooked crumbled bacon for a savoury treat.

Storage and reheating

If you have any leftover potatoes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F to 400°F until warm and crispy.

Cooking the potatoes

Ingredients

• Potatoes (baby red potatoes, baby yellow potatoes, baby Yukon gold potatoes, or larger potatoes cut into chunks)
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Parsley (optional)

Method

• Wash the potatoes thoroughly, scrubbing any residual dirt from the skin. If you have time, it's best to do this at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow the potatoes to dry. Pat them with a paper towel and then set them on a kitchen towel, rotating after 15 minutes so that both sides of the potato skin can dry.
• Chop the potatoes into evenly sized pieces. If you are using baby potatoes, halve or quarter them. For larger potatoes, cut them into 3/4-inch or 1-inch chunks. There is no need to peel the potatoes as the skins will crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
• Place the potatoes in a large bowl and toss them with the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. You can also add other seasonings of your choice, such as smoked paprika, chili powder, or Cajun seasoning.
• Transfer the potatoes to the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with a little space between each potato. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes in multiple batches.
• Air fry the potatoes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 18-20 minutes, or until they are tender and browned around the edges. For even cooking, flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time.
• Once the potatoes are cooked to your desired level of doneness, season them with additional salt and pepper, and fresh parsley, if using.

Tips

• If you have time, you can soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to overnight after chopping them. This will help remove the starch and allow them to crisp up even more in the air fryer. Just be sure to pat them dry before adding any oil or seasonings.
• Avoid using cooking spray in your air fryer as it can damage the coating of the basket. Instead, toss the potatoes in olive oil to prevent them from sticking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. The potatoes need room for the hot air to circulate and crisp them up properly.

Serving the potatoes

Your steamable potatoes are now ready to be served! Here are some tips and suggestions for serving them:

Serving Suggestions:

• These potatoes make a great side dish for a variety of meals. Serve them with a simple protein and a green salad for a weeknight dinner.
• They go well with black bean burgers or veggie burgers.
• Pair them with a bowl of butternut squash soup or broccoli cheddar soup.
• They can also be served alongside a quiche or frittata.
• Add them to a holiday menu with classic dishes like stuffing and green bean casserole.
• Put them in breakfast tacos or a breakfast burrito.
• They can be a hearty side to steak or chicken dinners.
• Pair them with a dip and serve them as an appetiser.

Reheating and Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
• To reheat, use the microwave or the air fryer to re-crisp them at 350°F-400°F until warm.
• They can also be frozen for up to 6-8 months. Thaw overnight and reheat in the air fryer.

Seasoning and Presentation:

• Before serving, season the potatoes with salt and pepper to taste.
• For a more herby flavour, garnish with fresh parsley, thyme, chives, or dill.
• For a tangy twist, squeeze some lemon juice over the potatoes.
• For a cheesy treat, toss the potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your steamable potatoes!

Frequently asked questions