Ingredients

• 1½ pounds baby potatoes or small potatoes
• 1½ to 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped, optional
• ¼ teaspoon chili flakes, optional

Choosing the Right Potatoes

You can use several different types of potatoes for this recipe.

Baby potatoes are especially convenient because they can simply be halved or quartered. They have a creamy interior and crisp beautifully in the air fryer.

Yukon Gold-style potatoes are another excellent option because they become fluffy inside while developing a golden exterior.

Russet potatoes can also be used. They tend to become especially fluffy inside, although their texture can be slightly different from waxier varieties.

The most important thing is to cut the potatoes into relatively similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.

Step 1: Wash the Potatoes

Start by washing the potatoes thoroughly under cool running water.

If you are using baby potatoes with thin skins, you do not need to peel them. Keeping the skin on adds texture and makes preparation easier.

Use a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to dry the potatoes thoroughly.

Drying is an important step because excess water on the surface can make it harder for the potatoes to become crispy.

Step 2: Cut the Potatoes

Cut the potatoes into halves or bite-sized chunks.

Try to keep the pieces approximately the same size. If some pieces are very large while others are very small, the smaller pieces may become overly browned before the larger pieces are completely cooked.

For larger potatoes, cut them into approximately 1-inch chunks.

There is no need to make every piece perfectly identical, but keeping the sizes reasonably consistent will help them cook evenly.

Step 3: Optional Soaking

If you want particularly crispy potatoes, you can soak the cut potatoes in cold water for about 15–20 minutes.

This optional step can help remove some surface starch.

After soaking, drain the potatoes thoroughly and dry them very well with a clean kitchen towel.

Do not put wet potatoes directly into the air fryer if you are aiming for maximum crispiness.

If you are short on time, you can skip soaking and simply wash, dry, season, and cook the potatoes.

Step 4: Prepare the Seasoning

In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dried Italian herbs, salt, and black pepper.

If you enjoy a little heat, add chili flakes.

You can easily adjust the seasoning according to your taste.

For a very simple version, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder are enough.

For a smoky flavor, paprika works beautifully.

For a more herby flavor, add rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning.

Step 5: Coat the Potatoes

Place the dry potato pieces into a large bowl.

Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes and toss until every piece is lightly coated.

Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the potatoes.

Toss again until the seasoning is distributed evenly.

Take your time with this step. Even seasoning helps every potato develop a delicious golden crust.

Step 6: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for approximately 3–5 minutes if your model recommends preheating.

Some air fryers do not require preheating, so you can follow your appliance’s instructions.

A hot cooking basket helps the potatoes begin roasting immediately.

Step 7: Arrange the Potatoes

Place the seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket.

Try to arrange them in a mostly single layer.

Avoid filling the basket too heavily. If there are too many potatoes packed together, the hot air cannot circulate effectively around them.

This can cause the potatoes to steam rather than roast, resulting in softer potatoes with less crispy edges.

If you are making a large batch, cook the potatoes in two batches rather than overcrowding the basket.

Step 8: Air Fry

Cook the potatoes at 200°C (400°F) for approximately 18–25 minutes.

The exact cooking time depends on the size of the potato pieces and your air fryer.

After about 10–12 minutes, open the basket and shake it well.

This helps turn the potatoes and allows different sides to become golden and crispy.

Continue cooking until the potatoes are tender inside and golden brown around the edges.

Step 9: Check for Doneness

To check whether the potatoes are ready, carefully pierce one with a fork.

The fork should slide into the center easily.

If the potato is still firm, continue cooking for another 3–5 minutes and check again.

The outside should be golden and crisp while the inside should be soft and fluffy.

Step 10: Add Fresh Herbs

Once the potatoes are finished, transfer them to a serving bowl.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

You can also add a small pinch of freshly ground black pepper or additional herbs.

Serve immediately while the potatoes are hot and crispy.

Tips for Extra Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes

Dry the Potatoes Well

Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of crispiness. After washing or soaking, dry the potatoes thoroughly.

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket

Give the potatoes enough room for hot air to circulate.

A single layer usually produces the best results.

Shake During Cooking

Shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps expose more surfaces to the hot air.

Use Enough Oil

You don’t need a lot of oil, but a light coating helps the potatoes brown and crisp.

Cut Pieces Evenly

Similar-sized potato pieces cook more evenly.

Cook in Batches

If you have a large quantity, cooking two smaller batches is usually better than squeezing everything into the basket at once.

Flavor Variations

Garlic Herb Potatoes

Use garlic powder, dried rosemary, thyme, and parsley for a fragrant herb flavor.

Spicy Roasted Potatoes

Add paprika, chili flakes, black pepper, and a small amount of cayenne pepper.

Cheesy Potatoes

After cooking, sprinkle the hot potatoes with shredded Parmesan or another cheese and return them to the air fryer briefly until the cheese melts.

Lemon Herb Potatoes

After cooking, toss the potatoes with a small amount of fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.

Smoky Potatoes

Use smoked paprika along with garlic powder and black pepper.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes

These potatoes are incredibly versatile.

Serve them alongside:

• Grilled chicken
• Roast chicken
• Burgers
• Steak
• Fried or scrambled eggs
• Sausages
• Grilled vegetables
• Fish
• Sandwiches
• Wraps
• Salads

They can also be served as a snack with a dipping sauce.

Delicious Dipping Sauces

Try serving the potatoes with garlic yogurt sauce, ketchup, ranch-style dressing, or a simple homemade herb dip.

A creamy garlic sauce is particularly delicious with crispy roasted potatoes.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftover potatoes, allow them to cool and place them in an airtight container.

Store them in the refrigerator.

For the best texture, reheat them in the air fryer rather than the microwave.

Place the refrigerated potatoes back into the air fryer at approximately 180–190°C (350–375°F) for a few minutes until hot and crisp.

The microwave will warm them quickly, but it can make the exterior softer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to peel the potatoes?

No. If you use small potatoes with clean, thin skins, leaving the skin on works beautifully.

Why aren’t my potatoes crispy?

The most common reasons are excess moisture, overcrowding the air fryer basket, or not using enough cooking time.

Make sure the potatoes are dry and arranged with enough space around them.

Can I use frozen potatoes?

Yes, but the cooking time and method may vary depending on the product. Follow the package directions as a starting point and adjust according to your air fryer.

Can I use butter instead of olive oil?

You can use a small amount of melted butter, although olive oil is often easier for high-temperature air frying.

You can also combine a little butter with oil for extra flavor.

Can I prepare the potatoes ahead of time?

Yes. You can wash and cut the potatoes ahead of time and keep them refrigerated in a suitable covered container. Dry them thoroughly before seasoning and cooking.

Can I make these without paprika?

Absolutely. Paprika is optional. The potatoes will still taste delicious with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and herbs.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes are a simple, reliable side dish that can fit into almost any meal. With crispy golden edges, fluffy centers, flavorful seasonings, and minimal oil, they are an easy alternative to traditional oven-roasted potatoes.

The key to getting the best texture is to keep the potato pieces relatively similar in size, dry them thoroughly, avoid overcrowding the basket, and shake the potatoes during cooking.

Once you have mastered the basic recipe, you can experiment with different herbs, spices, cheese, and sauces to create your own favorite version.

Whether you are preparing breakfast potatoes, a dinner side dish, or a quick snack, these crispy air fryer potatoes are easy to make and packed with comforting roasted flavor.