Crispy air fryer potatoes are a delightful treat! They come out golden and crunchy on the outside while being fluffy and soft inside—just the way we love them.
Making these is super easy! I toss diced potatoes with some oil and seasonings, pop them in the air fryer, and wait for that perfect crunch. Who knew potatoes could be so fun? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: These small potatoes are perfect for air frying. They’re tender and cook quickly. You can also use small Yukon gold potatoes; they have a creamy texture. If you only have larger potatoes, just cut them into smaller chunks.
Olive Oil: This oil adds flavor and helps achieve that crispy texture. If you’re after a lighter option, you can substitute with avocado oil or even a cooking spray. Both work well in high heat cooking.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These powders create a lovely savory flavor. If you don’t have them, fresh minced garlic and onion can be substituted. Just chop them finely to get that same taste.
Smoked Paprika: This spices up the dish with a gentle smokiness. If you can’t find it, regular paprika will work, but you could also use a sprinkle of chili powder for some heat.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes?
Getting that crispiness in an air fryer is fun and straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure your potatoes turn out perfectly every time:
- Start by rinsing and drying the potatoes well. This helps remove excess moisture, which is key for crispiness.
- Coat the potatoes in oil and seasoning. Make sure every potato is well-covered; this allows for even cooking and better flavor.
- Preheat your air fryer! It’s important because it helps start the cooking process right away and leads to more even results.
- Cook in a single layer. Avoid overloading the basket. It’s okay to cook in batches if needed.
- Shake the basket or stir the potatoes halfway through cooking. This promotes even browning and crispiness.
- Check for doneness by inserting a fork; they should be tender inside and golden brown outside.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes (or small Yukon gold potatoes)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and another 15-20 minutes of cooking time in the air fryer. So, in total, you’ll need about 30 minutes to enjoy these crispy delights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Start by rinsing the baby potatoes under cool water to clean them. Pat them dry with a clean towel. If you have larger potatoes, cut them in half but keep the smaller ones whole so they cook evenly.
2. Make the Seasoning Mix:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mix well to create a flavorful seasoning blend that will coat the potatoes perfectly.
3. Coat the Potatoes:
Add the prepared potatoes into the bowl with your seasoning mix. Toss the potatoes gently until they are all well-coated with the oil and seasonings. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy flavor!
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes while you finish getting ready for cooking. This helps the potatoes cook evenly and get that lovely golden brown color.
5. Air Fry the Potatoes:
Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You might need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is small. Make sure they have enough space to crisp up nicely!
6. Shake & Check:
Cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, give the basket a shake to turn the potatoes for even cooking. They should be fork-tender and golden brown when done. Use a fork to check if they’re ready!
7. Serve & Garnish:
Once they’re done, remove the crispy potatoes from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of zest!
Enjoy your deliciously crispy air fryer potatoes, perfect as a side dish or a tasty snack!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! You can use any type of small potatoes, like fingerlings or small red potatoes. Just keep in mind that different potatoes may have slight variations in cooking time, so check for doneness a few minutes earlier or later depending on the type you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you’re looking for a different flavor or a healthier option, you can use avocado oil or melted coconut oil instead of olive oil. Both will give a nice crisp to the potatoes while adding a unique taste!
How to Store Leftover Crispy Potatoes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to get them crispy again!
Can I Make This Recipe in a Conventional Oven?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and spread the seasoned potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
