These crispy air fryer potatoes are so tasty and easy to make! With their golden-brown outside and fluffy inside, they’re perfect for any meal or just as a snack.
I love how quickly they cook and how little oil you need. Simply season them up and watch them turn crispy—your taste buds will thank you! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: Yukon Gold and Red Skin are wonderful for their creamy texture. You can also use fingerling potatoes or even regular potatoes. Just cut them into similar sizes for even cooking.
Olive Oil: This adds a nice flavor and helps in crisping. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try avocado oil. It’s great for high heat cooking and has a neutral taste.
Spices: Garlic and onion powder really boost flavors. If you’re out, feel free to use fresh minced garlic or onion – just adjust the amount since they’re stronger. Smoked paprika lends a unique smoky taste; regular paprika can be a fine substitute if needed.
Parsley: This adds a fresh touch at the end. If you don’t have parsley, fresh chives or cilantro can also work well. They’ll give a different but delightful flavor!
How Do I Achieve the Best Crispiness in an Air Fryer?
Getting crispy potatoes in an air fryer is all about proper prep and technique. Follow these tips for the best results:
- Make sure to preheat your air fryer. This helps to start the cooking process immediately, resulting in better crispiness.
- Cut the potatoes evenly. By halving them into similar sizes, they cook uniformly, which ensures every piece becomes crispy.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cooking in batches if necessary allows hot air to circulate around each potato, enhancing that delicious crunch.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This movement helps golden all sides of the potatoes, making sure they’re evenly crispy.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (Yukon Gold or Red Skin)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 5 minutes to prep and about 20 minutes to cook in the air fryer. Altogether, you’re looking at about 25 minutes to enjoy your crispy, flavorful potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This should take around 5 minutes, and it’s an important step to ensure your potatoes cook evenly and get crispy!
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
While your air fryer is heating up, rinse the baby potatoes under cold water to clean them. After that, slice each potato in half. This will help them cook faster and get more crispy edges!
3. Season the Potatoes:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved potatoes with the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every potato is coated nicely with the seasoning—this is where the flavor comes from!
4. Air Fry the Potatoes:
Now, it’s time to put the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket. Make sure to place them in a single layer for the best results. If your air fryer is small, you might need to cook them in batches. Air fry the potatoes for 15-20 minutes. Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through to help them cook evenly and become perfectly crispy.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer and move them to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty kick. Squeeze some lemon over the potatoes just before enjoying!
Enjoy your deliciously crispy air fryer potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While Yukon Gold and Red Skin potatoes work best for a crispy texture, you can use other varieties like baby reds or fingerling potatoes. Just ensure they are similar in size for even cooking. If using larger potatoes, be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for best results!
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices?
No worries! If you’re missing any of the spices, you can substitute with what you have on hand. For example, Italian seasoning can replace the garlic and onion powder. Or try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that the taste may vary slightly!
How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy again. This will help restore some of that original crunch!
Can I Make These Potatoes Ahead of Time?
While they are best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the potatoes in advance by washing and cutting them, then tossing them in the olive oil and spices. Store them in the fridge in a covered bowl for up to 24 hours, then air fry when you’re ready to serve!
