These crispy air fryer potatoes are a dream come true! With golden-brown outsides and fluffy insides, they’re the perfect side for any meal.
Who doesn’t love crispy bites that are easy to make? Just toss them in some seasonings, pop them in the air fryer, and enjoy! I serve them with ketchup for extra fun! 🍟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: These small potatoes are perfect for air frying. Their thin skin and creamy texture make them crispy on the outside while soft inside. If baby potatoes aren’t available, regular potatoes can be cut into smaller pieces. Yukon Gold or red potatoes are also great substitutes!
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps achieve that golden crunch. If you’re looking for a different flavor profile, avocado oil or vegetable oil can also work well. Just make sure to choose an oil with a high smoke point for air frying.
Garlic and Onion Powder: These add rich flavor without the fuss of chopping fresh garlic or onions. If you prefer fresh, 2 cloves of minced garlic and about half a small onion can be used instead. Use what you have on hand!
Paprika: Paprika gives a lovely color and flavor. If you want a bit of heat, try smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. For a milder taste, you can skip it entirely or use a bit of turmeric for color.
How Do I Ensure My Potatoes Are Crispy?
This is a common concern, but getting crispy potatoes in an air fryer is all about preparation and technique. Here’s how to achieve that perfect crunch!
- Dry the Potatoes: After washing, make sure to dry the baby potatoes thoroughly. Moisture can hinder crispiness.
- Coat Evenly: When tossing with oil and seasonings, make sure each piece is well-coated. This helps create a crunchy exterior.
- Airflow Matters: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. If you have too many potatoes, they won’t crisp up as nicely. Cook in batches if needed.
- Shake It Up: Shaking the basket halfway through cooking ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Potatoes:
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 to 25 minutes to cook. Altogether, you’ll spend about 30 to 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s an easy and quick way to enjoy crispy potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
First, turn on your air fryer and preheat it to 400°F (200°C). This will help the potatoes get nice and crispy as soon as you put them in.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
Wash the baby potatoes under cold water to clean them. Once they are clean, pat them dry with a towel. Cut the potatoes in half or quarters depending on their size—smaller pieces will cook faster!
3. Season the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, combine your halved potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
4. Cook the Potatoes:
Now it’s time to cook! Place the seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket in a single layer. If your air fryer is small, you may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding. Set the timer for 15 minutes!
5. Shake for Even Cooking:
Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket gently to stir the potatoes. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
6. Check for Crispy Perfection:
After 15 minutes, take a look at the potatoes. They should be golden brown and crispy! If they don’t look quite done, cook them for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, checking them frequently so they don’t burn.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When the potatoes are crispy and cooked to perfection, carefully remove them from the air fryer and place them onto a serving platter. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley to add a pop of color. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a refreshing touch. Enjoy your delicious crispy air fryer potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are great for this recipe, you can also use Yukon Gold or Red potatoes. Just be sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. Adjust the cooking time slightly if using larger potatoes, as they might need a few extra minutes!
What Should I Do If My Potatoes Aren’t Crispy Enough?
If your potatoes aren’t as crispy as you’d like after the initial cook time, simply give them a few more minutes in the air fryer. Check them every couple of minutes until they reach your desired level of crispiness. It’s essential to ensure they are in a single layer to allow for proper air circulation!
Can I Make These Potatoes in Advance?
Yes, you can! Cook the potatoes as directed and let them cool completely before storing. Place the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 400°F for about 5-7 minutes to bring back their crispness.
What Are Some Good Seasoning Alternatives?
Feel free to get creative with seasonings! You can try adding dried herbs like rosemary or thyme, or even some grated Parmesan for a cheesy kick. Just remember, if you add salt or seasoned blends, adjust the amount to taste to prevent over-seasoning.
