These Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes are golden, crunchy, and so easy to make! Just toss them with a bit of oil and your favorite spices, then let the air fryer do its magic.
There’s something about that crispy outside and fluffy inside that just makes me smile. I love serving them with ketchup to dip—yummy! 🥔❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: Red or yellow baby potatoes work best for this recipe. They’re naturally creamy and have a wonderful texture. If they’re too big, cutting them in half promotes even cooking. You can also use fingerling potatoes as a tasty alternative!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is ideal for flavor and crispiness. However, if you’re looking for a different taste, avocado oil or melted coconut oil work well too. Just pick one that fits your flavor preference!
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika bring great flavor. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika or even chili powder can add a nice kick. I like to use a bit more garlic for a bolder taste!
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh touch. You could swap it with fresh cilantro or omit it if you prefer a simpler flavor. A sprinkle of dried herbs can also work in a pinch.
Lemon Juice: The lemon juice gives a refreshing zing. If you don’t have fresh lemons, a splash of apple cider vinegar can brighten things up, although the flavor will differ slightly!
How Do I Get My Potatoes Extra Crispy in the Air Fryer?
Achieving crispy potatoes relies on a few key techniques. First, ensure the baby potatoes are dry after washing, as moisture can cause steaming instead of crisping. Here’s how to get that golden crunch:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) before adding your potatoes. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy.
- Spread the potatoes out in a single layer in the basket. Overcrowding can prevent them from getting that lovely crispiness, so work in batches if needed.
- Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through cooking. This movement helps crisp up all sides of the potatoes.
- If you want an extra crispy finish, you can lightly spray the potatoes with olive oil again during cooking!
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (red or yellow)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lemon (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe will take about 10 minutes for prep and around 15-20 minutes to cook in the air fryer. In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes from start to finish for perfectly crispy potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Start by washing the baby potatoes thoroughly and patting them dry with a towel. If you notice any larger potatoes, simply cut them in half to help them cook evenly. This way, all your potatoes will be perfectly crispy!
2. Make the Seasoning Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This will be the yummy coating for your potatoes!
3. Coat the Potatoes:
Add the prepared potatoes into the bowl with your seasoning mixture. Toss the potatoes gently until they are evenly coated with all the delicious flavors. Make sure every potato gets some love!
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C). This step ensures that your potatoes will start cooking at the right temperature, getting them nice and crispy.
5. Cook the Potatoes:
Once preheated, carefully place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It’s better to cook them in batches if your air fryer is small, as this helps them get that perfect crunch.
6. Air Fry for Crispiness:
Cook the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure they crisp up evenly on all sides. You’ll know they’re done when they look golden brown and crispy!
7. Serve and Garnish:
When the potatoes are ready, carefully remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and flavor, then squeeze some fresh lemon juice to finish. Enjoy your crispy air fryer potatoes!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! You can use other potatoes like Yukon Gold or even fingerling potatoes. Just ensure they are cut into similar sizes for uniform cooking. If you choose a larger variety, cut them into smaller chunks or halves to match the smaller baby potatoes.
What If I Don’t Have Olive Oil?
No problem! You can substitute olive oil with canola oil, avocado oil, or even melted butter for a richer flavor. Just keep the same amount, around 3 tablespoons, for the best results.
How Can I Store Leftover Potatoes?
Store any leftover crispy potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To revive their crispiness, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Can I Prepare the Seasoning in Advance?
Yes! You can mix the olive oil and seasonings in advance and store it in a sealed container. This makes prep quicker! Just add the cut potatoes when you’re ready to cook, and you’ll have a delicious side in no time.
