Ah, potatoes—the humble heroes of the culinary world. Just imagine: a crispy exterior giving way to a fluffy, warm center, like your favorite cozy sweater on a chilly day. Whenever I hear the sizzle of these beauties in the air fryer, I’m reminded of that time I accidentally set the oven to broil, but instead of a disaster, it was a happy little accident—crispy perfection!
Steps
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F to ensure it’s ready for cooking the potatoes.
- In a large bowl, combine the cut potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they have some space between them. If needed, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook the potatoes in the air fryer for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. They should be tender and browned around the edges when done.
- Once cooked, season the potatoes to taste and garnish them with fresh parsley before serving.
Ingredients
- Baby red potatoes or yellow potatoes, halved (or larger Yukon Gold potatoes cut into 3/4-inch chunks)
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning (or dried thyme as a substitute)
- Fresh parsley
- Salt
- Black pepper
FAQ
- Can I use different types of potatoes for air frying?
- Yes, you can use halved baby red or yellow potatoes, or Yukon Gold potatoes cut into 3/4-inch chunks. It’s best to avoid russet potatoes as they are more suited for making French fries due to their starchy texture.
- Do I need to peel the potatoes before air frying them?
- No, there is no need to peel the potatoes. Keeping the skins on helps them crisp up nicely in the air fryer. Just ensure they are well-scrubbed and dried before cutting.
- What should I do if my air fryer basket is too small for all the potatoes?
- If your air fryer basket is small, work in batches to avoid overcrowding. A single layer with some space between each potato piece is ideal for proper air circulation, which helps in achieving a crispy texture.
- How can I add more flavor to my air fryer potatoes?
- You can try seasoning variations such as using smoked paprika for smoky potatoes, chili or Cajun seasoning for spicy ones, or tossing with Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor. Experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste.
- How should I store and reheat leftover air-fried potatoes?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or re-crisp them in the air fryer at 350°F for a short period.
Tips
- Leave the Skins On: For a crispier texture, keep the potato skins intact. Just be sure to scrub them clean and pat them dry before chopping to ensure they crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
- Uniform Sizing: Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate, preventing some pieces from being undercooked or overcooked. Flipping them halfway through the cooking process also helps achieve even browning.
- Avoid Overcrowding: To achieve the best crispy results, place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket with space between each piece. If needed, cook them in batches to prevent overcrowding, allowing the hot air to circulate properly and promote browning.
- Experiment with Seasonings: While the garlic and herb seasoning is delicious, don’t hesitate to try different flavor profiles such as smoked paprika for a smoky taste, chili powder for a spicy kick, or grated Parmesan for a cheesy finish.
Equipment
- Air fryer
