These crispy air fryer potatoes are golden on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They are super easy to make and perfect for any meal or snack!
I love how quick they are to whip up! Just toss potatoes in a little oil and seasoning, and let the air fryer do its magic. You’ll want to make these every day! 🥔✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Potatoes: Yukon Gold or red potatoes are my favorites for their creamy texture and great flavor. If you don’t have these, you can use Russet potatoes, but they might not hold their shape as well. Sweet potatoes are a fun alternative, too!
Olive Oil: This oil adds a nice flavor and helps with crisping. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use cooking spray instead. Avocado oil is another great alternative, as it has a high smoke point.
Garlic Powder: This gives a nice savory flavor without the hassle of fresh garlic. If you prefer fresh, you can use one clove of minced garlic instead, but it may burn more easily, so watch it closely.
Smoked Paprika: It adds a wonderful smoky taste. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works fine, or you could try cayenne for some heat, but be careful with the amount!
How Can I Ensure My Potatoes Come Out Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispy texture is key! Start by cutting your potatoes into uniform sizes; this ensures even cooking. After cutting, pat them dry with paper towels. This step is super important to remove excess moisture, which can prevent crispiness.
- Coat the potatoes lightly in oil and seasonings for a great balance. Don’t over-oil them.
- Air fry in a single layer. Overcrowding the basket will trap steam, making them softer instead of crispy.
- Shaking or flipping them halfway through cooking helps achieve even browning.
- Lastly, give them a couple more minutes if they aren’t crispy enough when you check them!
Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Potatoes:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and another 15 to 20 minutes to cook in the air fryer, for a total of about 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick and tasty side dish or snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Start by washing and scrubbing your potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Cut them into even-sized bite-sized cubes or wedges—this helps them cook uniformly and become perfectly crispy!
2. Dry Them Off:
Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial because it helps the potatoes crisp up in the air fryer.
3. Season the Potatoes:
Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes. Then, sprinkle the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper on top. Toss everything together until all the potatoes are evenly coated in the seasoning mix.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that your potatoes start cooking right away and helps them crisp up quickly!
5. Cook the Potatoes:
Carefully place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to soggy potatoes. You might need to cook them in batches if your air fryer is smaller.
6. Shake or Flip Halfway:
Cook the potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes. Be sure to shake the basket or flip the potatoes halfway through to ensure they brown evenly.
7. Check for Doneness:
After the cooking time is up, poke a potato with a fork to check for tenderness and crispiness. If they’re not quite there yet, cook for a few more minutes until you achieve the perfect crisp!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your potatoes are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving bowl. If desired, garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your delicious crispy air fryer potatoes as a side dish or savory snack!
FAQ for Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold and red potatoes are great choices for their flavor and texture. If you have Russet potatoes, they can work too, but they might not hold their shape as well. Sweet potatoes are another tasty option for a unique twist!
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you’re out of olive oil, you can use avocado oil or canola oil as alternatives. For a lighter version, cooking spray works well, although keep in mind that it won’t provide the same flavor as olive oil.
How Do I Store Leftover Crispy Potatoes?
Store any leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to help restore their crispiness!
Can I Make These Potatoes Ahead of Time?
While it’s best to enjoy them fresh for optimal crispiness, you can prep the potatoes and season them a few hours in advance. Just cover them and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to air fry them!
