You know those air fryer baby potatoes that are all over TikTok right now? Crispy, buttery little guys with just the right golden crunch. Turns out, the hype is real. This easy recipe takes 5 minutes to prep and tastes like grandma met Pinterestbut in a cute way.
We’re talkin’ baby potatoes, olive oil, garlic, and whatever dried herbs are hiding behind your cinnamon. It’s pantry magic that works for breakfast, side dishes, or sneaking straight off the tray. Full details in the blog!
The first time I tried these, my daughter thought I actually bought them (high praise in our house). I’ve made them a dozen ways since. I tested it. You’ll love the secret for that perfect roasty-salty snap.
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
Easy peasy: 5 minutes of prep, no fancy tools or fuss required.
Perfect texture: Crispy golden edges with a tender, buttery center.
Cozy and versatile: Works for Sunday dinners, weeknight sides, or even that sneaky snack craving.
Minimal cleanup: One bowl and your trusty air fryer basketdone and dusted.
Seriously, this one’s a keeper. It’s like every bite wraps you in that comforting, “just got home” kind of hug.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
This recipe is simple and flexibleeverything starts with the baby potatoes! Here’s a quick look at what we’re using and how you can tweak it:
Ingredient
What It Does
Swaps
Baby Potatoes
Small size = faster cooking and crispy edges.
Halved fingerlings or diced Yukon Golds.
Cooking Oil
Helps crisp and carry the seasonings.
Olive oil, avocado oil, or melted butter.
Garlic Powder
That warm, cozy, garlicky flavor.
Fresh grated garlic (use sparingly).
Parmesan Cheese
That salty, cheesy finish that makes you swoon.
Grated Pecorino or skip for dairy-free.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the Parmesan! It adds a magical umami finish.
How to Make Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
This whole recipe is “toss, shake, and wait.” Here’s how it’s done:
Preheat: Warm up your air fryer to 400°F (200°C)it’s like preheating joy.
Toss: In a big bowl, toss halved baby potatoes with oil, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Get everything evenly coatedgive them a little love!
Cook: Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 15–20 minutes, shaking or tossing halfway for even crisping.
Finish: While they’re still hot and steamy, sprinkle on that Parmesan. The heat melts it into a savory crust!
Step
Timing
Preheat Air Fryer
3–5 minutes
Toss Potatoes
2 minutes
Cook
15–20 minutes
Add Parmesan
30 seconds
Pro Tip: Crowded potatoes won’t crisp as well, so spread them out in a single layereven if you need to do two batches.
Serving and Storage Tips
The beauty of these air fryer baby potatoes is that they’re great fresh AND leftover! Here’s how to make the most of them:
Serving: These are incredible right out of the air fryer! Pair with roast chicken, grilled veggies, or just eat them solo (we won’t judge).
Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Reheating: Pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 5–6 minutes to revive the crispiness.
Storage Method
How Long?
Reheating Tip
Fridge
Up to 3 days
Air fry at 375°F for 5–6 minutes.
Freezer
Not recommended (texture suffers)
N/A
Pro Tip: Add a squeeze of lemon or extra Parmesan after reheating to bring them back to life.
Expert Insight: Perfecting Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
Using an air fryer for baby potatoes ensures a crisp exterior while maintaining a tender, fluffy inside. The rapid air circulation cooks evenly without excess oil, making AIR FRYER BABY POTATOES a healthier and efficient alternative to traditional roasting methods.
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The Road to Crispy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
I must have roasted these baby potatoes in every way imaginable before the air fryer magic clicked. Early attempts were either mushy or burnt, but after many rounds of trial and error, I finally nailed that crispy, tender balance my family can’t get enough of. This recipe shows all those lessons baked right in.
FAQs ( AIR FRYER BABY POTATOES )
How long do baby potatoes take in the air fryer?
Baby potatoes typically take 15-20 minutes in the air fryer at 400°F. The exact time depends on the size of your potatoes – smaller ones cook faster while larger baby potatoes may need a few extra minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender when pierced with a fork. Don’t forget to shake the basket halfway through cooking for even browning!
Should I boil baby potatoes before air frying?
No, you don’t need to boil baby potatoes before air frying them! One of the best things about using an air fryer is that you can cook them directly from raw. Simply wash, dry, and cut them in half if they’re larger than a golf ball. The air fryer will create that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside fluffy and tender. Pre-boiling would actually make them too soft and prevent that lovely crispy texture we’re after.
What temperature is best for air fryer baby potatoes?
The ideal temperature for air fryer baby potatoes is 400°F (200°C). This temperature gives you the perfect balance of crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors without burning. Some people prefer 380°F for a gentler cook, but 400°F is the sweet spot that most air fryer enthusiasts swear by. At this temperature, you’ll get that beautiful golden-brown color and satisfying crunch that makes air fryer potatoes so irresistible.
Do I need to soak baby potatoes before air frying?
Soaking baby potatoes before air frying is optional, but it can help achieve extra crispiness! If you have 30 minutes to spare, soak the cut potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch. This helps create an even crispier exterior when air fried. After soaking, make sure to pat them completely dry with paper towels before seasoning and cooking. However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still get deliciously crispy results.
What seasonings work best for air fryer baby potatoes?
The classic combination of salt, pepper, and olive oil is always a winner, but don’t be afraid to get creative! Garlic powder, rosemary, and paprika make a delicious herb blend, while ranch seasoning or Italian seasoning packets are convenient options. For something special, try parmesan cheese and herbs, or go bold with cajun spice or everything bagel seasoning. The key is to toss the potatoes with a little oil first so the seasonings stick properly and create that perfect flavorful crust.
Wrapping Up Your Air Fryer Baby Potatoes Adventure
You’ll love how these air fryer baby potatoes turn outcrispy edges, buttery insides, all in under 30 minutes with barely any fuss. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a cozy hug after a long day in your kitchen.
Want to mix it up? Try tossing in smoked paprika or fresh rosemary for a twist. Leftovers reheat beautifully in the air fryerjust give ’em a quick toss to bring the crisp back. A kitchen tip I swear by: don’t skimp on the Parmesan; it’s pure magic.
Give this recipe a whirl, then share your tweaks or family favorites below. Did these become your new go-to side, or spark a fun kitchen story? Pass it along and keep the homemade love growingit’s what family recipes are all about.
Golden and crispy baby potatoes tossed with garlic powder onion powder thyme and parsley then air fried to perfection with a Parmesan finish. A simple flavorful side dish everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb baby potatoes halved
1 tbsp cooking oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp dried parsley
Salt & pepper to taste
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a large bowl toss potatoes with oil seasonings and herbs until evenly coated.
Air fry for 15–20 minutes shaking halfway until crispy and golden brown.
Sprinkle with Parmesan while hot and serve immediately.
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.
