These air fryer crispy baby potatoes remind me of Sunday dinners at grandma’swhen the roast took forever, but the potatoes always stole the show. Now they’re popping off all over Pinterest. Little, golden, crackly-skinned nibbles? I’m in.
This is that back-pocket potato recipe air fryer dreams are made of. Just baby reds, olive oil, garlic powderand magic. Like tiny roasted pillows with crunchy suits. Pantry staples + whole potatoes in air fryer = midweek win. Full details in the blog!
I grew up eating these straight from the pan while they were still too hot. Burnt my tongue more than once. But I had to get them extra crispy for my family’s seal of approval. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Crispy Baby Potatoes
Easy-peasy prep: You’re using pantry staples like olive oil, garlic powder, and paprikanothing fancy or intimidating here.
Crispy and tender: The air fryer gives you that perfect crunch on the outside while keeping the inside fluffy.
Quick comfort: 30 minutes from start to finish, these are the ultimate nostalgic side dish with modern ease.
Endless versatility: Serve them alongside chicken, beef, or even toss them into a salad. These potatoes play well with everything!
Key Ingredients (And Substitutions!)
This recipe centers on simplicity but still packs big, comforting flavor. Here’s what you need:
Ingredient
Purpose
Possible Swaps
Baby potatoes
The star ingredient! Tiny but mighty.
Baby red potatoes or small new potatoes
Olive oil
Gets them crispy!
Avocado oil or melted butter
Garlic powder & Onion powder
Flavor boosters
Try Italian seasoning or smoked paprika
Paprika
Adds warmth and color
Swap for chili powder for heat
Salt & Pepper
Balances everything
No substitutes herequality counts!
Fresh parsley (optional)
For garnish and freshness
Try thyme or rosemary
How It Works: Step-by-Step
Here’s how to whip up these air fryer roasted potatoes with ease:
Preheat: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat for 3–5 minutes. A hot fryer = crispy results!
Prep the potatoes: Halve the baby potatoes, then toss them in a big mixing bowl with olive oil. Get them glossy and evenly coated.
Season generously: Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir like your life depends on itno naked potatoes allowed!
Layer in the basket: Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Avoid stacking to keep them evenly crispy. Cook in batches, if needed.
Air fry to perfection: Cook for 15–20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure golden, crispy sides all around.
Check doneness: Pierce a potato with a forkit should be crunchy outside, soft inside. Total potato satisfaction!
Pro Tip: Overcrowding the basket will lead to soft potatoes. Give them room to breathe!
Quick Timing Guide (By Air Fryer Size)
Air Fryer Size
Cook Time
Batch Notes
Small (2–3 quarts)
18–20 minutes
Cook in 2–3 batches
Medium (4–5 quarts)
15–18 minutes
Split into 2 batches if needed
Large (6+ quarts)
15 minutes
Likely fits all in one batch
Troubleshooting & Tips
If your crispy air fried potatoes aren’t quite cooperating, here’s what might help:
Potatoes turning soggy? Likely too crowded in the basket. Spread them out into thinner layers.
Not browning enough? Make sure you preheated your air fryer first and toss with enough olive oil.
Bland potatoes? Don’t be shy on the seasoning! Taste your spice mix before tossing.
Storage & Reheating
Though best fresh from the air fryer, you can enjoy these potatoes later, too.
Storage Option
How-To
Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Air fry at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp.
Freezer
Lay in a single layer on a sheet pan and freeze, then transfer to a bag. Keeps for 1 month.
No thawing needed! Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
Expert Insight: Mastering Air Fryer Crispy Baby Potatoes
Achieving perfectly crispy baby potatoes in an air fryer hinges on balancing heat and airflow. The dry cooking environment helps develop a golden crust without excess oil, making the AIR FRYER CRISPY BABY POTATOES both crispy and tender insidea simple technique that elevates texture and flavor efficiently.
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The Quest for Air Fryer Crispy Baby Potatoes
Perfecting these air fryer crispy baby potatoes took a few rounds in the kitchenfirst I learned that tossing them too soon meant soggy edges, and then timing was everything to get that golden crunch. After many tasty experiments, this recipe finally nails that perfect crisp-crunch that everyone at the table loves.
FAQs ( Air Fryer Crispy Baby Potatoes )
How long do baby potatoes take in an air fryer?
Air fryer crispy baby potatoes typically take 15-20 minutes at 400°F, depending on their size. For best results with this potato recipe air fryer method, shake the basket halfway through cooking. If your potatoes are larger than 1.5 inches, add an extra 3-5 minutes. The key is achieving that perfect golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside fluffy and tender.
Do you need to pierce baby potatoes before air frying?
Yes, you should pierce baby potatoes with a fork before air frying to prevent them from bursting. Make 3-4 small holes in each potato to allow steam to escape during cooking. This simple step ensures your crispy air fried potatoes cook evenly and maintain their shape. It also helps the seasoning penetrate better for maximum flavor.
Should I wash baby potatoes before air frying?
Absolutely! Always wash baby potatoes thoroughly under cold running water before cooking. Scrub them gently with a brush to remove dirt and debris from the skin. After washing, pat them completely dry with paper towels – this step is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Excess moisture will create steam instead of the crispy exterior you want in your air fryer roasted potatoes.
What temperature is best for air fryer baby potatoes?
The ideal temperature for air fryer baby potatoes is 400°F (200°C). This high heat creates the perfect balance of crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Lower temperatures like 350°F will take longer and may not achieve the desired crispiness. Higher temperatures above 425°F risk burning the outside before the inside is fully cooked, so 400°F is the sweet spot for this air fryer baby red potatoes recipe.
Can you cook whole potatoes in air fryer without cutting?
Yes, you can definitely cook whole potatoes in air fryer without cutting them! Baby potatoes are perfect for this method since they’re naturally small and cook evenly. Just remember to pierce them with a fork and toss with a little oil and seasoning. This technique works great for small new potatoes and creates a restaurant-quality side dish with minimal prep work.
Wrapping Up Your Crispy Potato Adventure
These air fryer crispy baby potatoes come together in no time, delivering that perfect crunchy outside with tender love inside. You’ll love how easy this potato recipe air fryer fans swear by turns outweeknight dinners just got way cozier.
Want a twist? Try swapping herbs or tossing ‘em in a little parmesan before air frying. Pro tip: store leftovers airtight and reheat for next-day nibbles that feel just as fresh. A kitchen trick I picked up from a fellow potato fan!
Have you tried this or added your own flair? Snap a pic, share your story, and spread the joy of crispy air fried potatoes. They’ll soon become that no-fuss family favorite everyone asks for again and again.
These air fryer crispy baby potatoes are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This easy potato recipe air fryer tutorial shows you how to air fry potatoes quickly for a flavorful side dish. Perfect for anyone craving air fryer baby red potatoes recipes or crispy air fried potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
Infinity pound baby potatoes washed and halved
Infinity tablespoons olive oil
Infinity teaspoon garlic powder
Infinity teaspoon onion powder
Infinity teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Infinity tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved baby potatoes with olive oil. Toss well to ensure they are evenly coated.
Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the potatoes. Mix thoroughly so the seasonings are distributed evenly across all potatoes.
Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Air fry the potatoes for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. This ensures the potatoes are crispy on all sides.
Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the potatoes. They should be crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Once cooked, remove the potatoes from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate.
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for garnish, if desired.
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
