These crispy air fryer potatoes are the perfect side dish! They’re golden, crunchy on the outside, and soft inside, making them so tasty.
Plus, they cook up super fast in the air fryer, saving me time in the kitchen! I love to pair them with my favorite dip or enjoy them plain—so good! 🥔✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: These are perfect due to their small size and creamy texture. If not available, you can substitute with small Yukon Gold or even fingerling potatoes, which work great too.
Olive Oil: This adds wonderful flavor and helps with crisping. If you’re looking for a different flavor, avocado oil is a great alternative. You could even use melted butter for a richer taste.
Garlic Powder: This provides a nice depth of flavor. If you prefer fresh, minced garlic can be used—just reduce the quantity to your taste since fresh is stronger.
Smoked Paprika: This gives a smoky flavor that elevates the dish. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder can work, though they will alter the taste a bit.
How Do I Get My Potatoes Extra Crispy?
The secret to crispy air fryer potatoes lies in how you prepare and cook them. Start by cutting the potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Mixing them well with oil and seasonings is also key; make sure every piece is coated.
- Preheat your air fryer! This is essential for creating that crispy exterior. Aim for a temperature of 400°F (200°C).
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Cook in batches if needed, as this allows the hot air to circulate better.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking to promote even crisping on all sides.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs baby potatoes (or small yellow potatoes)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and around 20 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll need around 30 minutes to enjoy these delicious crispy air fryer potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Potatoes:
Start by washing the baby potatoes thoroughly under cold water. Depending on their size, cut them in half or quarters. Try to make sure that all the pieces are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. Once cut, you’re ready to season them!
2. Seasoning the Potatoes:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything together until all the potatoes are nicely coated with the oil and seasonings. This is where the delicious flavors come to life!
3. Preheating the Air Fryer:
Now, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is important for getting that crispy texture!
4. Air Frying the Potatoes:
Once your air fryer is ready, place the seasoned potatoes in the basket in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd them; if your air fryer is small, you may need to cook them in batches. Give them some space to get crispy and golden!
5. Cooking the Potatoes:
Cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy. The delicious aroma will fill your kitchen!
6. Serving Your Delicious Potatoes:
Once crispy and cooked through, carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a touch of color, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty kick. Enjoy your crispy air fryer potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes or small yellow potatoes work best for this recipe, you can also use red potatoes or even Yukon golds. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly, so check for doneness as you go!
How Can I Make These Potatoes Spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, feel free to add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix! Start with a small amount, about 1/4 teaspoon, and adjust according to your spice preference.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover crispy potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to revive their crispiness!
Can I Prep the Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the potatoes in advance! Simply wash, cut, and season them, then store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before air frying. This will make your cooking process quicker on the day you plan to serve them!
