These crispy air fryer potatoes are a tasty and easy side dish. They turn out golden and crunchy on the outside while staying fluffy inside, perfect for any meal!
Trust me, you’ll want to make a big batch because everyone will be asking for seconds! I love them dipped in ketchup or just sprinkled with salt—so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: These tiny spuds are great because they cook quickly and are flavorful. If you can’t find baby potatoes, you can use small Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just cut them into smaller pieces to maintain cooking time.
Olive Oil: This adds a nice richness and helps achieve that crispiness. If you prefer, swap it with avocado oil, which has a higher smoke point, or use a light cooking oil such as canola oil for a more neutral flavor.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Both are essential for flavor. If you’re fresh out, you can use fresh minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Start with less since they’re more potent than the powdered forms.
Smoked Paprika: This gives the potatoes a lovely smoky taste. If you don’t have it, regular paprika works fine; however, you might miss that smoky flavor. A pinch of cayenne can add some heat if you’re adventurous.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds freshness at the end. If you don’t have parsley, fresh cilantro or green onions can be good substitutes, giving a different yet tasty finish.
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Potatoes in the Air Fryer?
Getting that perfect crispiness is all about the steps you take. First, make sure you wash and dry the potatoes well to remove any excess moisture; moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- After cutting the potatoes, dry them with a towel for extra effectiveness.
- The olive oil is key here; don’t skimp on it, as it helps the exterior crisp up nicely.
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket – overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
- Start checking your potatoes at the 15-minute mark. You might want to give them an extra shake or turn for even cooking.
- If you want bonus crispiness, add those additional 5 minutes but keep a close eye on them so they don’t burn.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes (or any small potatoes)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook, making a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy delicious crispy potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Potatoes:
Start by washing the baby potatoes really well to get rid of any dirt. Then, cut each potato in half. If your potatoes are a bit larger, feel free to cut them into quarters so they cook evenly.
2. Seasoning the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, add the halved potatoes. Pour in the olive oil and sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good toss until all the potatoes are evenly coated with the tasty seasoning.
3. Preheating the Air Fryer:
Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it heat up for about 5 minutes to ensure your potatoes cook perfectly.
4. Air Frying the Potatoes:
Once the air fryer is ready, place the seasoned potatoes in the basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if you need to! Set the air fryer to cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Make sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking to help them get crispy all over.
5. Checking for Crispiness:
After 15 minutes, take a look at the potatoes. They should be a lovely golden brown and crispy on the outside. If you want them even crispier, you can cook them for an extra 5 minutes. Just keep an eye on them!
6. Garnishing and Serving:
When the potatoes are done cooking, take them out of the air fryer and sprinkle them with the fresh chopped parsley for a nice touch. Serve them right away with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing of flavor!
Enjoy these crispy air fryer potatoes as a side dish or a tasty snack at any time!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Yes! While baby potatoes work great for this recipe, you can use other small potatoes like Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just remember to cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking!
How Do I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Good news! This recipe is already vegan! Just ensure that any additional sides or dips you serve are also plant-based. Enjoy your crispy potatoes without worry!
What If I Don’t Have an Air Fryer?
No problem! You can roast these potatoes in the oven instead. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), spread the seasoned potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer, and roast for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are crispy and golden brown.
How to Store Leftover Potatoes?
Store any leftover crispy potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness—microwaving will make them soggy!
