These crispy air fryer potatoes are a tasty and easy side dish. They get nice and golden without all the oil, making them a healthier choice!
Who doesn’t love the crunch of crispy potatoes? I often make these when I’m feeling snacky! Just season and pop them in the air fryer—so simple and delicious!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: These are perfect for this recipe due to their small size and creamy texture. You can substitute with other small potatoes like fingerlings or even regular potatoes, just cut them into smaller pieces. I love using mixed color baby potatoes for a more visually appealing dish!
Olive Oil: Olive oil gives the potatoes a nice flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, avocado oil works great too! It’s got a high smoke point and a light taste.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These spices add depth to your dish. You can swap them for fresh garlic and onion if you prefer, just use them in smaller amounts. I like to use garlic powder for its instant flavor boost without the hassle of chopping.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a lovely smokiness. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika is a fine substitute. For a little kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper!
Dried Oregano: This herb really complements the potatoes. You can replace it with dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Fresh herbs can also work if you have them on hand, though you’ll need more of them.
How Can I Ensure My Potatoes Are Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy texture is key! Here are some tips to help you achieve it:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer to 400°F for a few minutes before adding the potatoes. This jumpstarts the cooking process and helps with crispiness.
- Coat Evenly: Make sure the potatoes are fully coated in oil and seasonings. Too little oil can lead to soggy results!
- Single Layer Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If the potatoes are stacked, they’ll steam instead of crisp up. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Shake the Basket: Midway through cooking, shake the basket to ensure even cooking and browning. This is crucial for that delightful crunch!
By following these steps, you’re on your way to perfectly crispy air fryer potatoes every time!
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Potatoes:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved or quartered
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish and Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Lemon wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 5 minutes for prepping the ingredients and around 20 minutes for cooking. So, in total, it takes about 25 minutes to have your tasty crispy air fryer potatoes ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is important to make sure your potatoes cook evenly and get that perfect crispiness!
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, add your halved or quartered baby potatoes. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the potatoes are nicely coated with the oil and spices. This adds tons of flavor!
3. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If your air fryer is small, you might want to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which helps them get crispy all around.
4. Air Fry the Potatoes:
Air fry the potatoes for 18-20 minutes. Make sure to shake the basket halfway through the cooking time. This helps them cook evenly and ensures every potato has that golden brown crunch.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the potatoes are crispy and golden, carefully remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Squeezing a bit of lemon juice adds a delicious zesty flavor to your crispy potatoes!
Now, enjoy your crispy air fryer potatoes as a yummy side dish with your favorite meals!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are great for their size and texture, you can use Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or even sweet potatoes. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if using larger or starchy varieties—they may need a few extra minutes in the air fryer to cook through.
What If I Don’t Have Olive Oil?
No problem! You can substitute olive oil with other oils like avocado oil or vegetable oil. Each oil has its own flavor profile, but they will all work well for crispy results. Just stick to about 2 tablespoons for optimal coating!
How Do I Store Leftover Air Fryer Potatoes?
Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-8 minutes to regain that crispy texture. Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but they might lose some crispiness!
Can I Season the Potatoes Differently?
Of course! Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices. Try adding Italian seasoning, chili powder, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for a different flavor twist. Just remember to keep the oil and other quantities the same to maintain the right texture!
