Marianne Martinez
Air fryers have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. They are easy to use, reduce cooking time, and require minimal clean-up. One of the most popular dishes to cook in an air fryer is roast potatoes. Not only are air-fried potatoes healthier, requiring less oil, but they are also quicker to make than oven-roasted potatoes. In this article, we will explore the optimal temperature for cooking roast potatoes in an air fryer and provide a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect crispy roast potatoes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 380°F (195°C) or 400°F |
| Cooking Time | 10 minutes on each side or 20 minutes in total |
| Potatoes | Yukon Golds, red potatoes, and russet potatoes |
| Oil | Olive oil or extra virgin olive oil |
| Seasonings | Smoked paprika, garlic powder/granules, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, shawarma seasoning, lemon, herbs, etc. |
| Soaking | Soaking in cold water for 10-15 minutes helps get rid of extra starch |
| Boiling | Boiling in an alkaline solution of baking soda and water helps create a crunchy crust |
| Crispy Skin | Leaving the skin on makes the potatoes crispier |
| Storage | Can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months |
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What You'll Learn
The best potatoes for roasting
When it comes to choosing the best potatoes for roasting, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, the type of potato you use can make a difference. While you can technically use any potato for roasting, certain varieties are better suited for achieving the perfect balance between a crispy exterior and a soft, creamy interior.
For example, starchy potatoes like Russets, Yukon Golds, and Yellow Potatoes are known for crisping up nicely and developing a golden colour when roasted. Their high starch content can lead to a fluffed-up centre, so it's important to manage this by soaking them in cold water before roasting to remove excess starch. On the other hand, waxy potatoes with smooth skin, like Red Potatoes, hold their shape well during roasting due to their lower starch and higher sugar content. This means they may not crisp up as easily and can take longer to cook.
Another factor to consider is the size of the potato chunks. Aim for uniform sizes, as this ensures even cooking. Potato chunks that are about two inches in size are ideal for roasting. You can create a thin slurry of mashed potato that crisps up beautifully by parboiling the potatoes first and then tossing them with fat to roughen their surfaces. Additionally, infusing the fat or oil with aromatics like garlic, rosemary, or herbs will add extra flavour to your roast potatoes.
When using an air fryer, you can follow a similar approach. Preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes, if possible, to achieve a crispier result. Then, cook your seasoned potatoes at 380-400°F (195°C) for a total of 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Remember to leave the skins on for that extra crunch and nutrition!
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Oil and seasoning
The type of oil you use for your roast potatoes is important. Extra virgin olive oil is a popular choice, but you can also use melted duck fat or vegetable oil. Using a tray insert in your air fryer basket will result in less crunchy skin, but the potatoes will still brown and have a lower fat content. If you want crunchier skin, skip the tray insert and place the potatoes directly in the air fryer basket.
Before adding oil and seasoning, you should wash and peel your potatoes. You can leave the skin on for extra crunch and nutrition, but make sure to give them a thorough scrub. If you do peel your potatoes, the peelings can be used to make potato skins or crisps. If you're using starchy potatoes like russets, it's a good idea to soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes to remove excess starch, which can cause them to brown too quickly. Pat the potatoes dry after washing and peeling.
Once your potatoes are prepared, add them to a bowl and toss them with oil and seasoning. You can use a variety of seasonings, including salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and dill. Get creative and experiment with different combinations of seasonings to find your favorite.
After seasoning, place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Drizzle on a bit more oil and give the basket a shake to coat the potatoes evenly. You can also add a splash of melted duck fat or butter for extra flavor and crispness.
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Temperature and timing
The temperature and timing for roasting potatoes in an air fryer depend on the type of potato, the size of the chunks, and the desired level of crispiness.
For fluffy and crispy potatoes, it is recommended to cook the potatoes at 380°F (195°C) for 10 minutes on each side. If you have the time, preheating the air fryer for 5 minutes can result in crispier potatoes. You can also soak starchy potatoes in cold water for 10-15 minutes before roasting to remove excess starch and prevent them from browning too quickly.
For extra crispy potatoes, some recipes suggest cooking at 400°F for a total of 20 minutes. This involves cooking the potatoes for 5 minutes, shaking or stirring them, and then cooking for another 5 minutes. Repeat this process, and then cook for a final 10 minutes. The potatoes should be crispy, golden, and tender when done.
If you prefer to keep the potato skins on, you can cook the potatoes at 400˚F for 18-20 minutes or until golden, flipping them halfway through. Leaving the skins on adds a delicious crispness and extra nutrition to your potatoes.
When reheating leftover roasted potatoes, you can place them in the air fryer at 400°F for 5-6 minutes or until they are warm and crispy again.
It's important to note that the timing may vary depending on the size of your potato chunks and the specific model of your air fryer. Always keep an eye on your potatoes to ensure they don't overcook or burn.
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Soaking and parboiling
Soaking potatoes in cold water for 10-15 minutes before roasting helps to remove excess starch, which can cause potatoes to brown too quickly and make them more likely to stick to the tray. It is especially important to soak starchy potatoes to get rid of the extra starch. After soaking, make sure to pat the potatoes dry, as they will steam instead of roast if they are not dried properly.
Parboiling is another technique that can be used to improve the texture of roast potatoes. It involves boiling the potatoes in water or a solution of water and baking soda before placing them in the air fryer. Parboiling breaks down the outer layer of the potatoes, creating a starchy slurry that coats the potatoes when they are tossed in a bowl with oil. This slurry helps to create a crunchy, craggy crust on the exterior of the potatoes. While parboiling can improve the crunchiness of roast potatoes, it is not necessary, and some recipes recommend skipping this step to save time.
To parboil potatoes, start by peeling and chopping the potatoes into bite-sized chunks. Then, boil them for 8-9 minutes, or until the edges are slightly softened. After boiling, drain the potatoes and shake them to fluff up the edges further. Finally, add the potatoes to the air fryer tray insert, drizzle with oil, and cook according to your recipe, reducing the cooking time by about 5 minutes to account for the parboiling.
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Storing and reheating
Storing roast potatoes:
To store roast potatoes, allow them to cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container and storing them in the refrigerator. They will keep in the fridge for 3-5 days. If you don't plan on eating them within that time, you can freeze them.
Freezing roast potatoes:
To freeze roast potatoes, seal them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6-8 months.
Reheating roast potatoes:
There are several ways to reheat roast potatoes, including in the oven, air fryer, frying pan, or microwave.
Reheating in the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F-400°F (176°C-204°C). Spread the potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet or in an oven-safe dish. Drizzle with olive oil or melted butter, and season with garlic powder, oregano, salt, pepper, paprika, or fresh herbs, if desired. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Cook for 15-20 minutes, then remove the foil and continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy.
Reheating in an air fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C). Spread the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. Reheat for 5-6 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.
Reheating in a frying pan:
Heat a small amount of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the potatoes and toss to coat in the oil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pan, and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the potatoes are warmed through. Uncover, increase the heat to medium-high, and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the potatoes are crispy.
Reheating in a microwave:
While not ideal, you can also reheat potatoes in the microwave. However, this method may result in soggy or chewy potatoes. If using a microwave, cook on high power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the potatoes are warmed through.
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Frequently asked questions
The best temperature to cook roast potatoes in an air fryer is 400°F (200°C).
Cooking times vary depending on the size of the potato chunks and the type of air fryer. For potatoes cut into bite-sized pieces, cook for 20 minutes, flipping or shaking the potatoes every 5 minutes.
First, peel and chop the potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Rinse them in cold water and pat dry. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, preferably in a single layer. Drizzle oil over the potatoes and shake to coat. Cook for 5 minutes, then turn or shake the potatoes and cook for another 5 minutes. Turn or shake the potatoes again and ruffle the edges with a spoon. Drizzle more oil and cook for another 10 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and thyme before serving.
