These crispy air fryer potatoes are a tasty and easy side dish. They’re golden on the outside and soft on the inside, making them simply irresistible!
Plus, you can enjoy them without the extra oil from frying. I love sprinkling them with my favorite herbs for that extra zing. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: These little gems are fantastic for this recipe because they cook evenly and remain creamy inside. If you can’t find baby potatoes, small to medium-sized potatoes work just as well. Just cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
Olive Oil: This is the base for your seasonings and helps achieve that crispy exterior. If olive oil isn’t available, you could use vegetable oil, avocado oil, or even melted coconut oil for a different flavor profile.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These spices add great flavor without the fuss of fresh garlic or onions. If you’ve got fresh garlic or onion on hand, feel free to use those instead. Just make sure to adjust the amounts appropriately, as they are stronger in flavor!
Smoked Paprika: This gives a nice smoky flavor to the potatoes. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works just fine. For a bit of heat, you could try using cayenne pepper or chili powder instead.
How Do I Ensure My Potatoes are Crispy?
Getting crispy potatoes in the air fryer is all about the right techniques. Here’s how to achieve that perfect crunch:
- Start by washing and drying your potatoes well. Removing excess moisture helps them crisp up.
- Coating with oil is crucial – not too much or too little. Aim for a good, even layer.
- Preheating the air fryer is key! This helps the potatoes start cooking at a high temperature for that golden crisp.
- Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the fryer basket to avoid steam and promote even cooking. If you overload the basket, they may steam instead of fry.
- Don’t skip shaking the basket halfway through cooking. This helps all the sides get crispy and avoids sticking.
Following these tips will help you get potatoes that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside every time! Enjoy your side dish!
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (or small/medium-sized potatoes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of half a lemon (optional for added freshness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and about 15-20 minutes for cooking in the air fryer. Super quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Start by washing the baby potatoes well under cold water. Dry them with a clean towel. If you’re using larger potatoes, make sure to cut them into evenly sized chunks, about 1-2 inches, so they cook evenly.
2. Season the Potatoes:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cleaned potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the potatoes are fully coated in the mix. This will make them flavorful and delicious!
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Give it about 5 minutes to heat up. This step is key to getting those potatoes nice and crispy!
4. Cook the Potatoes:
Once the air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned potatoes in the basket in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd them so they can cook evenly. Cook them for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they brown and crisp evenly.
5. Check for Doneness:
After cooking, check if the potatoes are done. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while being tender on the inside. If they need a little more time, feel free to cook them for an additional 3-5 minutes.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the potatoes are perfectly crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter. Optionally, drizzle with some fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a lovely touch. Enjoy these crispy air fryer potatoes as a tasty side dish!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes give a great result, you can use small or medium-sized potatoes too. Just make sure to cut them into evenly sized chunks (1-2 inches) for consistent cooking. Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes also work well and will still get crispy!
What If I Don’t Have an Air Fryer?
No worries! You can roast the potatoes in a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and spread the seasoned potatoes on a baking sheet. Roast for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover crispy potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness!
Can I Customize the Seasonings?
Of course! Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. You can add chili powder for heat, Italian herbs for a different flavor, or even some grated Parmesan for a cheesy twist. Just remember to taste as you go!
