Crispy air fryer potatoes are a tasty treat! These little nuggets are golden on the outside and fluffy on the inside, making them hard to resist. Plus, they’re super easy to make!
Who doesn’t love potatoes? I sprinkle mine with a bit of salt and garlic, and they disappear quickly from the bowl. Try pairing them with your favorite dip for extra fun!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Baby Potatoes: Baby potatoes are perfect for this recipe. Their small size ensures a crispy exterior while remaining tender inside. If you don’t have baby potatoes, you can use regular potatoes, just cut them into smaller pieces. Waxier potatoes like Yukon Gold work well.
Olive Oil: Olive oil gives a nice flavor and helps in achieving that crispy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, avocado oil is a great substitute. It has a higher smoke point and a mild taste.
Seasonings: The garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika enhance the taste. If you want to switch things up, you could use ranch seasoning for a different flavor. Fresh minced garlic can also replace garlic powder if you prefer fresh ingredients.
Fresh Parsley: Parsley adds freshness and color as a garnish. You can replace it with chives or cilantro if you like. If fresh herbs aren’t available, dried versions can work; just use less since they are more concentrated.
Lemon Juice: Adding lemon juice brightens the flavors. Lime juice can be an excellent substitute for a twist, or if you prefer, a splash of vinegar can also add acidity.
How Do I Ensure My Potatoes Are Super Crispy?
Getting crispy potatoes in an air fryer is all about the preparation and cooking method. Here’s how to get it right:
- Preheat your air fryer as this will help in achieving a crisp texture from the start.
- Make sure to coat your potatoes evenly with olive oil and seasonings. A good coating helps in browning.
- Cook the potatoes in a single layer. If you stack them, they won’t crisp up as well. You might need to do them in batches if you have a lot.
- Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway! This ensures all sides get the hot air and crisp up nicely.
- Monitor the cooking time as different air fryers can vary slightly. You want them golden brown but not burnt.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Juice of 1 lemon (for added flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 5 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook in the air fryer. In total, you’re looking at about 25-30 minutes to enjoy these crispy, delicious bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps the potatoes cook evenly and get that lovely crispy texture you want.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, take the halved baby potatoes and toss them with the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything together until the potatoes are well coated with the seasoning.
3. Air Fry the Potatoes:
Next, place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer without overcrowding, so they can get crispy all around. If needed, you can do this in batches.
4. Cook for Crispy Perfection:
Air fry the potatoes for 15-20 minutes. It’s a good idea to shake the basket halfway through to ensure all sides get evenly cooked and golden brown. When they’re crispy and delicious-looking, they’re ready to come out!
5. Add Final Touches:
Carefully remove the crispy potatoes from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish. Drizzle with the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle the chopped parsley on top for a beautiful finish.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
These crispy air fryer potatoes are best served hot. Dig in and enjoy the crunchy goodness! Perfect as a side dish or a tasty snack!
Can I Use Other Types of Potatoes?
Absolutely! While baby potatoes are great for this recipe, you can use any small or medium-sized potatoes, like red or Yukon Gold. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Garlic Powder?
No problem! You can substitute garlic powder with fresh minced garlic—about 1 clove should do the trick. Just add it to the bowl with the olive oil and toss well. Alternatively, you could skip it entirely or use garlic salt, but remember to reduce the added salt in the recipe.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftover crispy potatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 400°F (200°C) to regain that crispiness!
Can I Make These Potatoes Spicier?
Definitely! To add some heat, toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings. Adjust to your taste, but start with small amounts to avoid overwhelming the dish!
