These crispy air fryer potatoes are such a treat! They’re golden brown on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making them a perfect side dish or snack. Yum!
Honestly, I can’t resist munching on these! They’re so easy to whip up; just season, pop them in the air fryer, and you’re good to go! Your taste buds will thank you! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: These small potatoes are perfect for air frying due to their creamy texture once cooked. If you can’t find baby potatoes, try using Yukon Gold or red potatoes, cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds great flavor and helps achieve that crispy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, avocado oil works well too. Just remember that different oils have different smoke points!
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika give wonderful flavor. You can swap smoked paprika for regular paprika for less smokiness, or even add cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat!
Fresh Parsley: This is a lovely way to add color and freshness at the end. If you don’t have parsley, consider using fresh cilantro or chives instead.
How to Get Perfectly Crispy Potatoes in the Air Fryer?
The key to achieving that crunchy exterior is ensuring the potatoes are well-coated and cooked in a single layer. Here are some tips to help:
- Preheat: Always preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes. This helps start the cooking process immediately, promoting crispiness.
- Toss Well: Make sure the halved potatoes are evenly coated with olive oil and spices. This not only adds flavor but also helps them crisp up nicely.
- Batch Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the basket. It’s better to cook in small batches for the best results. You want the hot air to circulate freely around each potato.
- Shaking the Basket: Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through cooking! This ensures every potato gets its turn in the hot air, making them evenly crispy.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lemon (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This crispy air fryer potatoes recipe takes about 5 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to cook. So, in total, you’re looking at around 25-30 minutes before you can enjoy these delicious potatoes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it warm up for about 5 minutes while you prepare the potatoes.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, mix the halved baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the potatoes are nicely coated with the seasoning. This step is key for getting them flavorful and crispy!
3. Air Fry the Potatoes:
Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If your air fryer is small, you might need to cook them in batches. Remember, giving them space allows for better crispiness!
4. Cooking Time:
Cook the potatoes in the air fryer for about 15-20 minutes. Make sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. You want the potatoes to be golden brown and crispy on the outside when they’re finished!
5. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’ve cooked, carefully remove the potatoes from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
6. Enjoy!
Serve your crispy air fryer potatoes with extra lemon wedges on the side for added zest. Enjoy your delicious creation!
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are great for this recipe, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re using larger pieces.
What Can I Use Instead of Olive Oil?
If you’re looking for a substitute for olive oil, avocado oil or melted coconut oil work well to achieve the same crispy texture. Just keep in mind that coconut oil may impart a slight coconut flavor to the potatoes.
How to Store Leftover Air Fryer Potatoes?
Store any leftover crispy potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, the air fryer is the best option to regain their crispiness—just reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes!
Can I Add Other Seasonings or Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize the seasonings to your taste. You can add Italian herbs, chili powder, or even fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. Additionally, try adding other vegetables such as bell peppers or broccoli; just remember to adjust cooking times as needed for even doneness.
