Crispy air fryer potatoes are the ultimate side dish! They turn out golden and crunchy on the outside while staying fluffy inside. Plus, they’re super easy to make!
I love how quick they cook! Just season, pop them in the air fryer, and voilà! Perfect for dinner or snacking—who can resist a good potato, right? 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: Baby potatoes are perfect because they cook evenly and get crispy. If you’re in a pinch, regular potatoes cut into similar-sized pieces work just as well. Russet or Yukon Gold are great choices!
Olive Oil: This adds healthy fat and flavor. You can use other oils like avocado oil or canola oil if you’re looking for something different. Just ensure they can handle high heat.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These add a nice depth of flavor. If you prefer fresh, you can substitute with 1-2 cloves of minced garlic and a small diced onion. Just remember that fresh ingredients might cook faster!
Smoked Paprika: This gives a lovely smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, try regular paprika or a pinch of cayenne for some heat. However, the smoky touch is really worth it if you can get it!
Fresh Parsley: It’s great for color and freshness. If you don’t have parsley, try chives or cilantro would work too, adding a different but delicious touch. You could also skip the herbs if you’re not keen.
How Can You Get Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes?
The secret to crispy potatoes lies in the coating and cooking method. Start by cutting your baby potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. Toss them well with olive oil and seasonings; this helps them crisp up nicely.
- Preheat your air fryer first! This ensures immediate heat, crucial for crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Potatoes need space to crisp up properly.
- Shaking the basket during cooking is key. It promotes even cooking and helps all sides turn golden brown.
- Check for doneness. If they’re tender when pierced with a fork and golden, they are ready!
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 1 lb baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take you about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook. So, in total, set aside around 30 minutes to enjoy delicious crispy potatoes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by turning on your air fryer and preheating it to 400°F (200°C). This helps to ensure that the potatoes cook evenly and get nice and crispy!
2. Season the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, add the halved baby potatoes. Pour in the olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together well using a spoon or your hands, making sure the potatoes are fully coated in the seasoning mix. This is where the flavor comes from!
3. Air Fry the Potatoes:
Now it’s time to cook! Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If your air fryer is small, you might need to cook them in batches. Air fry the potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure they get crispy all over. They should come out golden brown and tender inside.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the potatoes are done, carefully take them out of the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. Transfer the crispy potatoes to a serving platter, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a colorful touch, and set some lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the potatoes. Now you’re all set to dig in—enjoy your tasty crispy air fryer potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are ideal for this recipe, you can use other types like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking. Adjust the cooking time if you’re using larger potatoes, possibly adding a few extra minutes to ensure they’re cooked through.
What If I Don’t Have Smoked Paprika?
No worries! If you don’t have smoked paprika on hand, regular paprika works fine, or you can try adding a pinch of cumin for a different flavor profile. You can also leave it out completely; just remember, it adds a nice smoky flavor!
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftover crispy potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until they’re crispy again. This will help restore their texture!
Can I Make These Potatoes Spicy?
You bet! To add some heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with your other seasonings. Start with a little and adjust to your taste preference—it’s easy to add more if you like it spicy!
