These crispy air fryer potatoes are golden, fluffy, and oh-so-delicious! With just a sprinkle of your favorite seasonings, they make a perfect side dish or snack.
I love how easy they are to whip up! Just chop, season, and let the air fryer do its magic. They’re crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside—pure potato perfection!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: I like using baby potatoes for their tender skin and creamy texture. Yukon Golds are perfect too! If you can’t find these, red potatoes or even larger potatoes cut into similar-sized pieces work well.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps achieve that crispy texture. Avocado oil is a great substitute as it has a high smoke point. For a lighter taste, consider using canola or vegetable oil.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These are essential for flavor. If you prefer, fresh garlic and finely chopped onion can work as substitutes. Just use more caution to avoid burning them during cooking!
Smoked Paprika: This gives a nice smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder can be used, but they will change the taste slightly. I personally love the depth smokiness brings!
How Do I Ensure My Potatoes Cook Evenly?
Getting your potatoes to crisp up can be a challenge. The key is cutting them into uniform pieces. This ensures they cook at the same rate. Here’s how to do it:
- Wash and dry the potatoes well to remove any dirt or moisture.
- Cut them into halves or quarters, depending on their size. Aim for pieces that are about the same size, ideally around 1-2 inches.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket! Layer them in a single layer for that crispy edge. If they are piled up, they may steam instead of fry.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (or small Yukon Gold potatoes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook. So, you can enjoy your crispy air fryer potatoes in about 30 minutes. Quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Potatoes:
Start by washing the potatoes really well to remove any dirt. If the potatoes are larger, cut them into halves or quarters. Try to make the pieces uniform in size so they cook evenly. This will help ensure that every bite is perfectly crispy!
2. Season:
In a large mixing bowl, toss the halved potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the potatoes are well-coated in the seasoning. You want the flavors to stick to every piece!
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Do this for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps to achieve that crispy texture we all love!
4. Air Fry the Potatoes:
Carefully place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You might need to do this in batches if you have a lot. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they get that golden-brown crispiness all over.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Once the potatoes are nice and crispy, transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a bit of color and flavor. Serve them hot with lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of lemon adds a delightful touch! Enjoy your delicious crispy air fryer potatoes!
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes and Yukon Golds are great choices for their creaminess, you can also use other potatoes like red potatoes or even fingerlings. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking!
What If I Don’t Have Paprika?
No problem! If you don’t have paprika on hand, you can substitute with chili powder for a bit of heat or simply leave it out for a different flavor profile. Your potatoes will still be delicious without it!
Can I Prep the Potatoes Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can pre-cut and season the potatoes! If you want to prep them ahead, coat the cut potatoes with the olive oil and spices, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just make sure to bring them back to room temperature before cooking for the best results.
How to Store Leftover Potatoes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to bring back their crispiness!
