These crispy air fryer potatoes are a game-changer! They’re golden, crunchy, and so easy to make with just a sprinkle of seasoning.
Honestly, who can resist that satisfying crunch? They’re the perfect side dish or snack, especially when paired with your favorite dip. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: These small potatoes are perfect for crisping up in the air fryer. If you can’t find baby potatoes, you can use larger potatoes cut into similar sizes. Just make sure they are evenly cut for even cooking!
Olive Oil: I love using extra virgin olive oil because it adds great flavor. However, you can swap it with avocado oil or even canola oil if you’re looking for a lighter option.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika are my go-tos. But feel free to get creative! You can substitute with dried herbs like Italian seasoning or add some cayenne pepper for a kick.
Fresh Parsley: The parsley adds a lovely touch of freshness. If parsley isn’t available, you can use cilantro or chives as an alternative.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Crispy Potatoes in an Air Fryer?
Getting those potatoes crispy is the best part! Here’s how to master the air fryer technique for perfect results:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat it to 400°F (200°C) to kickstart the cooking process.
- Toss Evenly: Make sure to coat the potatoes thoroughly with olive oil and spices. This helps them crisp up beautifully.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Place the potatoes in a single layer in the basket. If your air fryer is small, consider working in batches. This ensures all sides get crispy.
- Shake it Up: Halfway through cooking, shake the basket. This helps them cook evenly and get that nice golden finish.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Potatoes:
- 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll spend around 25-30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy side dish that will perfectly complement any meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
First, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the potatoes. Preheating is important for achieving that crispy texture we all love!
2. Season the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, combine the halved or quartered baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the potatoes are well coated and seasoned evenly. This will give your potatoes tons of flavor!
3. Air Fry the Potatoes:
Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd them so they can crisp up nicely. Cook the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This helps them cook evenly and become golden brown and crispy.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your potatoes are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish your crispy potatoes with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. A little squeeze of lemon on top adds a bright flavor—enjoy your delicious potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are great for this recipe, you can use other types like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. Also, adjust the cooking time slightly if you use larger or denser potatoes.
What If I Don’t Have Smoked Paprika?
No worries! If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika will work just fine. For a bit of a kick, you can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Just keep in mind to adjust the amount to your taste!
How Should I Store Leftover Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Make These Potatoes in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the potatoes a few hours ahead! Just coat them with the seasoning, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before air frying to ensure even cooking.
