Name: Air Fryer Crispy Potatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 33 min
Ingredients: 1½ lbs baby potatoes; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; Optional: parmesan (parsley, chili flakes)

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Golden, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these air fryer crispy potatoes are a delightful side or snack that requires minimal effort. Perfectly seasoned and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, they offer a satisfying crunch that complements almost any meal.

Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a versatile side dish, these potatoes deliver comforting flavors boosted by a blend of paprika, garlic, and optional parmesan. The effortless cooking method ensures you get the crispiness you love without the added oil or mess of frying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy preparation with minimal ingredients.
Healthier alternative to deep-fried potatoes with the same crispy texture.
Customizable seasonings to suit your flavor preferences.
Perfect for meal prepping and reheating without losing crispiness.

Ingredients

Baby potatoes (1½ lbs / 700 g): Small, tender potatoes that cook evenly and crisp beautifully in the air fryer.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and helps potatoes develop a golden, crispy crust during air frying.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Imparts a warm, aromatic garlic flavor without overpowering the potatoes.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Provides smoky sweetness and enhances the color with a vibrant reddish hue.
Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle depth and savoriness to the seasoning mix.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing natural potato taste.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Offers mild heat and earthiness to complement other spices.
Optional parmesan: Adds a savory, umami-packed finish when tossed on hot potatoes.
Optional parsley: Fresh herb that brightens the dish with color and mild flavor.
Optional chili flakes: For a spicy kick to elevate the flavor profile.

Instructions

Prep the Potatoes: Start by washing the baby potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Cut them into halves or quarters depending on size, ensuring pieces are uniform for even cooking. This step is important to achieve consistent tenderness inside while getting crispy edges.
Season the Potatoes: Place the cut potatoes in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until all potatoes have an even coating. Seasoning them well before air frying develops robust flavors and a golden crust.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes. Preheating ensures the potatoes start cooking with a blast of heat, which helps create that coveted crispiness right from the start.
Air Fry the Potatoes: Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. This allows hot air to circulate properly around each piece. Cook for 15 to 18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even browning and prevent sticking.
Add Finishing Touches: Once cooked, immediately toss the hot potatoes with optional parmesan and parsley if desired. The residual heat melts the parmesan slightly, lending a delicious cheesy coating and fresh herbal notes.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the crispy potatoes right away with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, aioli, or ranch. Freshly cooked potatoes offer the best texture and flavor, making them a crowd-pleaser anytime.

You Must Know

Soaking the cut potatoes in water for 20 minutes before cooking removes excess starch and results in extra crispiness.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; a single layer is key for even cooking and crunch.
Use tongs or a gentle shake halfway through to avoid breaking or mashing delicate potatoes.

Storage Tips

Store leftover crispy potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for 2–3 minutes to restore crispiness instead of microwaving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these air fryer crispy potatoes with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. They also make a satisfying snack alongside dips like spicy mayo or tzatziki.

Professional Tips

For even crisper potatoes, soak cut pieces in cold water, then dry thoroughly before seasoning.
Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to vary flavor profiles.
Enhance richness by tossing potatoes with melted garlic butter right after cooking.
Adding cayenne or chili flakes offers a nice spicy twist suitable for adventurous palates.

FAQs

Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?: Yes, regular potatoes work fine but adjust cutting size and cooking time to ensure even doneness and crispiness.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?: No, leaving the skins on adds texture and nutrients while helping the potatoes crisp up better.
How do I make these potatoes extra crispy?: Soak the cut potatoes in water for at least 20 minutes, then dry completely before seasoning and air frying.
Can I prepare these potatoes ahead of time?: Yes, you can cut and soak the potatoes in advance, then season and air fry when ready to serve.
Is olive oil the best oil to use?: Olive oil adds flavor and is healthy, but you can substitute with avocado or sunflower oil if preferred.
How do I reheat leftovers without losing crunch?: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2–3 minutes to revive crispiness instead of using a microwave.
What dipping sauces pair well with these crispy potatoes?: Ketchup, garlic aioli, ranch, or spicy mayo are excellent choices that complement the seasoned potatoes.