If you’re looking for a tasty side dish, these crispy air fryer potatoes are just perfect! They’re golden on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making them super satisfying.
Making these potatoes is a breeze! Just cut them up, toss them with a bit of oil and your favorite spices, and let the air fryer do its magic. You won’t believe how crispy they get! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: These small potatoes are perfect for air frying. They cook evenly and achieve that crispy texture. You can substitute with small red or yellow potatoes if baby potatoes are not available; they offer a similar taste and texture.
Olive Oil: Olive oil gives the potatoes a beautiful golden color and helps them crisp up. If you’re looking for a lighter option, avocado oil is a great substitute due to its high smoke point and mild flavor.
Garlic and Onion Powder: These add a lovely flavor depth. If you’re out of garlic powder, minced fresh garlic works well. Feel free to adjust the amounts based on your taste preferences!
Smoked Paprika: This gives a smoky flavor to your potatoes. If you don’t have it, regular paprika can be used, but you might miss that smoky kick. For a spicy version, swap in cayenne pepper instead!
How Do You Ensure Your Potatoes are Perfectly Crispy?
The key to crispy air fryer potatoes is all in the preparation and cooking method. First, washing the potatoes well and cutting them into uniform sizes ensures even cooking. Season them generously to enhance flavor.
- After cutting, dry the potatoes thoroughly with a towel to remove excess moisture. This helps them crisp up.
- Toss the potatoes in olive oil and seasonings until they are fully coated. This creates a crispy outer layer.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. A single layer helps them get that crunch you want.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking for an even crisp. This redistributes the heat and promotes browning.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes (or small red potatoes)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook in the air fryer. In total, you’ll be enjoying your crispy potatoes in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Start by washing the baby potatoes thoroughly under cold water. Make sure to scrub off any dirt. Depending on their size, cut them in half or quarters to help them cook evenly. The smaller the pieces, the faster they cook!
2. Season the Potatoes:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cut potatoes. Pour in the olive oil and sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over them. Toss everything together until the potatoes are well-coated in the seasoning. This step is key for flavor!
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Now it’s time to preheat your air fryer! Set it to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for about 5 minutes. This helps to ensure your potatoes will be nice and crispy.
4. Air Fry the Potatoes:
Once the air fryer is preheated, place the seasoned potatoes into the basket in a single layer. If you have a lot of potatoes, it’s better to cook them in batches to maintain crispiness. Cook them for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to allow even cooking. They should come out golden brown and crispy!
5. Serve:
After cooking, carefully take the potatoes out of the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate. Garnish with the chopped parsley to add a touch of color. For a fresh kick, serve with lemon wedges on the side. Enjoy your delicious crispy air fryer potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby or small red potatoes work best for this recipe, you can also use Yukon Gold or fingerling potatoes. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size and type of potatoes you choose, so adjust accordingly.
What Can I Use Instead of Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can substitute it with other oils like avocado oil, canola oil, or even melted coconut oil. Each will add a slightly different flavor, but they all work well for air frying!
How to Store Leftover Crispy Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to regain their crispiness. Alternatively, you can use a conventional oven to reheat them.
Can I Make These Vegan?
Yes! This recipe is already vegan-friendly as it does not contain any animal products. Just ensure that any substitutes you use for oil or seasonings are also vegan, and you’re all set!
