Simple Air Fryer Roast Potatoes Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and healthier way to make crispy roast potatoes, the Air Fryer is the answer! These Simple Air Fryer Roast Potatoes are perfectly golden, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside. They are a fantastic side dish to complement any meal, and the air fryer helps you achieve a delicious, crispy finish with little to no oil.
In this recipe, we will guide you through the steps of making perfectly crispy roast potatoes in your air fryer, plus tips and tricks to ensure that your potatoes turn out perfect every time. Let’s dive into this delicious and easy-to-follow recipe!
Ingredients:
4 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold, Russet, or any variety of your choice)
1-2 tablespoons olive oil (or your favorite cooking oil)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or fresh rosemary if you prefer)
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Wash and Peel (Optional):
Begin by thoroughly washing your potatoes to remove any dirt. Peeling is optional, depending on your preference. If you want to keep the skin on for extra texture and nutrients, simply scrub them clean with a vegetable brush. The skin will crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
If you prefer peeled potatoes, use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin.
Cut the Potatoes:
After washing (and peeling, if desired), cut the potatoes into even pieces. You can either cut them into cubes (about 1-inch pieces) or wedges—whatever shape you prefer. For crispy roast potatoes, it’s important to cut the potatoes into uniform sizes so they cook evenly.
If you’re making wedges, cut each potato in half lengthwise, then cut each half into 2-3 wedges. For cubes, chop each potato into approximately 1-inch chunks.
Optional Step – Soak the Potatoes:
This step is optional, but soaking the cut potatoes in water for 10-15 minutes helps remove excess starch, resulting in even crispier potatoes. If you have the time, it’s highly recommended.
After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is essential to ensure the potatoes crisp up in the air fryer.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
Drizzle with Olive Oil:
In a large bowl, add the soaked and dried potato pieces. Drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil (or your preferred oil, such as avocado oil or vegetable oil). Toss the potatoes well to coat them evenly with the oil. The oil helps with the crispy texture and enhances the flavor.
Add Seasonings:
Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika to the potatoes. These ingredients add a nice, savory flavor. You can also use fresh rosemary if you have it on hand for a more aromatic flavor.
Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss everything together until all the potatoes are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings. Make sure the seasonings are distributed evenly on the potatoes for maximum flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheating the air fryer is essential for getting crispy results. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes before adding the potatoes. Preheating ensures the potatoes cook evenly and crisply.
Step 4: Air Fry the Potatoes
Place the Potatoes in the Air Fryer Basket:
Once the air fryer is preheated, carefully add the seasoned potato pieces to the air fryer basket. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the basket for even cooking. If your air fryer is small, you may need to cook the potatoes in two batches to avoid overcrowding.
Overcrowding the air fryer basket can result in uneven cooking and soggy potatoes, so it’s important to give the potatoes enough room for air circulation.
Cook the Potatoes:
Air fry the potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure that all sides of the potatoes become golden brown and crispy.
After 18 minutes, check the potatoes for crispiness. If you want them crispier, continue air frying for an additional 3-5 minutes, checking every couple of minutes to ensure they don’t burn.
Check for Doneness:
Once the potatoes are golden and crispy on the outside, and tender on the inside, carefully remove them from the air fryer. You can test the potatoes with a fork; if it goes through easily, they’re done!
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Garnish (Optional):
If you like, garnish your crispy air fryer roast potatoes with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.
Serve:
Serve your Simple Air Fryer Roast Potatoes immediately as a delicious side dish. They’re perfect with meats, fish, or even as a vegetarian option with a dipping sauce.
Additional Tips for Perfect Roast Potatoes:
Choose the Right Potatoes: Some potato varieties are better suited for air frying than others. Yukon Gold potatoes are perfect for this recipe because they have a waxy texture that holds up well in the air fryer. Russet potatoes also work well, especially for creating extra crispy potatoes.
Cut Potatoes Evenly: For even cooking, make sure your potato pieces are uniform in size. This ensures they cook at the same rate, giving you perfect results.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air fryers work best when there’s room for air to circulate. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can result in uneven cooking.
Shake the Basket: Shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time will help ensure the potatoes cook evenly and become crispy on all sides.
Seasoning Variations: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings! Add some parmesan cheese or chili powder for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs, such as thyme or oregano, can also add a fragrant touch to your potatoes.
Why Air Fryer Roast Potatoes Are So Great:
Crispy Texture with Less Oil: The air fryer uses hot air to create a crispy texture, meaning you can enjoy the crispiness of traditional roast potatoes with a fraction of the oil. It’s a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.
Quick and Easy: Air frying cuts down on the cooking time compared to traditional oven roasting. You’ll have crispy potatoes in under 30 minutes with minimal hands-on time.
Customizable: You can customize this recipe with your favorite seasonings and herbs. Whether you like your roast potatoes spicy, cheesy, or herb-infused, the air fryer makes it easy to adjust the flavors to your liking.
Conclusion:
Simple Air Fryer Roast Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal—crispy, golden, and delicious, all thanks to the power of the air fryer. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a holiday feast, or a weekend barbecue, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. By following these easy steps, you’ll be able to create a batch of perfectly crispy roast potatoes in no time!
Enjoy the crispy goodness and savor every bite of your Simple Air Fryer Roast Potatoes!
