Hello, potato lovers! These crispy air fryer potatoes are a game-changer for your side dish game. With that perfect golden crunch and fluffy inside, they’re hard to resist!
I love how they cook up super fast and require very little oil, making them a guilt-free treat. Just toss them in your favorite spices, and dinner is ready to impress! 🥔✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: Baby or small red potatoes work best for a tender inside and crispy outside. If you can’t find them, you can use Yukon Gold or fingerling potatoes. Just adjust cooking time based on the size!
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps achieve that crispy texture. If you want a lower-calorie option, you could try using an oil spray instead. Avocado oil is a great substitute too!
Spices: The combination of garlic and onion powder really elevates these potatoes. If you’re low on spices, feel free to use a garlic or herb seasoning mix. Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme are also tasty options.
Fresh Parsley: It’s great for a bit of color and freshness. If you don’t have parsley, cilantro or chives can work well too!
How Do I Ensure My Potatoes Cook Evenly in the Air Fryer?
One key to perfectly cooked air fryer potatoes is preparing them properly before cooking. Start by washing and scrubbing the potatoes to remove any dirt. For larger potatoes, cutting them into halves or quarters helps them cook evenly.
- Combine your olive oil and spices in a large bowl before adding the potatoes—this helps coat them thoroughly.
- Preheat your air fryer! A quick 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C) ensures the cooking environment is ready to crisp them up.
- Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the basket. If they are crowded, consider cooking in batches for that golden crunch.
- Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through to promote even cooking.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes (or small red potatoes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at roughly 30 minutes from start to finish. A quick and easy side dish that’s packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
First things first! Start by washing and scrubbing the baby potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. If your potatoes are on the larger side, feel free to cut them in halves or quarters. This will help them cook evenly and quickly!
2. Season the Potatoes:
In a spacious bowl, mix together the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add in your cleaned potatoes and toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated with the oil and spices. Make sure each potato is covered for the best flavor!
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Now it’s time to get your air fryer ready! Preheat it to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps the potatoes start cooking right away, making them crispy and delicious.
4. Air Fry the Potatoes:
Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re in a single layer. If they’re all crammed in, they’ll steam instead of fry, so you may need to cook them in batches. Cook them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure they fry up evenly and turn golden brown and crispy!
5. Garnish and Serve:
Once your potatoes are done, carefully transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a lovely touch, and serve them with lemon wedges on the side for that zesty kick. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful air fryer potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes or small red potatoes work best for this recipe, you can use other varieties like Yukon Gold or fingerling potatoes. Just adjust the cooking time based on their size, cooking larger potatoes longer until crispy.
What If I Don’t Have Olive Oil?
No problem! You can substitute with other oils like avocado oil or canola oil. Each will give slightly different flavors but will still make for delicious, crispy potatoes. Just make sure to use oil with a high smoke point for air frying.
How to Store Leftover Potatoes
Store any leftover crispy potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to get them crispy again, or use the oven if an air fryer isn’t available.
Can I Add Other Seasonings?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your seasonings. Consider adding Italian herbs, chili powder for a spicy kick, or even grated Parmesan cheese for an extra flavor dimension. Just mix them with the oil before adding to the potatoes.
