These crispy air fryer potatoes are golden and oh-so-delicious! With just a little oil and some spices, you get crunchy outsides and fluffy insides in no time.
They’re perfect as a snack or a side dish for any meal. I love serving them with ketchup or my favorite dip—just the right amount of fun and flavor! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: I love using baby potatoes for their creamy texture and cute size. If you can’t find them, try Yukon gold or red potatoes cut into chunks. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time a bit if the pieces are larger.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds great flavor and helps achieve that crispy exterior. You can substitute it with avocado oil or canola oil if you prefer something lighter or have dietary restrictions.
Garlic Powder: This adds a lovely savory depth. If you don’t have garlic powder, try fresh minced garlic—just be careful not to burn it during cooking, as it cooks faster.
Paprika: I use regular paprika for a mild taste, but smoked paprika adds a delicious twist! You could also use chili powder for a spicy kick.
Parsley: Fresh parsley gives a nice pop of color and freshness on top. You can also use chives or green onions if that’s what you have on hand!
Why is Preheating the Air Fryer Important?
Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step for getting those crispy potatoes! A hot air fryer helps start the cooking process immediately, which seals in moisture and creates that lovely crunch we all love.
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for about 5 minutes.
- This helps ensure even cooking, so your outside gets crispy while the inside stays fluffy.
How Do I Ensure Even Cooking and Crispiness?
A major key to crispy air fryer potatoes is to avoid overcrowding the basket. When too many potatoes are in there, they steam instead of crisp up.
- Cook in batches if you have a lot of potatoes.
- Shake the basket or stir the potatoes halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes so they don’t burn; each air fryer has its slight variations.
Now you’re all set to make the most amazing crispy air fryer potatoes! Enjoy every crunchy bite!
Easy Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15–20 minutes to cook in the air fryer. So, in just about 30 minutes, you’ll have deliciously crispy 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 helps the potatoes cook evenly and become nice and crispy!
2. Prep the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with olive oil until they are well coated. Make sure every piece gets a good amount of oil for maximum crispiness.
3. Season the Potatoes:
Add garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the potatoes. Toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly seasoned. Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking!
4. Load the Air Fryer Basket:
Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding them so they have enough space to crisp up nicely. If you have a lot, you might want to cook in batches.
5. Cook the Potatoes:
Cook the potatoes at 400°F for 15–20 minutes. Be sure to shake the basket or stir the potatoes halfway through the cooking time to ensure they brown evenly. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t burn!
6. Check for Doneness:
Once the time is up, check the potatoes. They should be golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside. If they need more time, cook in additional 2-3 minute increments until done.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the crispy potatoes from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve with lemon wedges if desired for a refreshing twist!
Now enjoy your lovely, crispy air fryer potatoes as a perfect side dish or snack! They’re sure to impress!
FAQs About Easy Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Yes, you can! While baby potatoes work perfectly due to their size, you can also use Yukon gold or red potatoes. Just cut them into even-sized pieces and adjust the cooking time if they are larger or smaller.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
If you’re looking to cut down on oil, you can reduce the olive oil to 1 tablespoon or use an oil spray instead. The potatoes will still crisp up nicely, but keep an eye on them while cooking to avoid drying out.
What Should I Do If My Potatoes Are Not Crispy Enough?
If your potatoes aren’t crispy after the initial cooking time, try cooking them for an extra 2-3 minutes. Just make sure to shake the basket or stir the potatoes midway to promote even crisping!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to regain some of that crispy texture before serving again.
