Craving something crispy and irresistible yet easy to prepare? My Air Fryer Baby Potatoes are the perfect side dish! They’re tasty, seasoned just right, and pair well with almost any main course. Plus, they’re super simple to make using just the trusty air fryer. Whether you’re new to air frying or an experienced pro, these baby potatoes are a must-try. Let’s dive into it!
Ingredients
For this recipe, we’re working with simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. Each one adds flavor and enhances the incredible crispiness of these baby potatoes. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes , cut in half or quarters depending on their size
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (avocado oil works too if you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for that deep, smoky flavor)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (adds a subtle garlicky touch)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (for that extra hint of herbaceousness)
These ingredients come together to create crispy, golden-brown baby potatoes packed with flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
Here’s a quick list of kitchen gear that will make preparing air fryer baby potatoes even easier:
- Air Fryer : The star of this recipe! It’s what gives those baby potatoes that perfect crispy texture without the need for lots of oil.
- Mixing Bowl : A large bowl is great for tossing the potatoes with oil and spices to ensure all the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Tongs or Spoon : Great for stirring or tossing the potatoes so they cook evenly.
- Measuring Spoons : For accurate amounts of olive oil, salt, and seasonings.
Make sure you have these essentials ready to go for a seamless cooking experience.
Preparation Steps
Now that you’ve got your ingredients and tools ready, let’s prep those delicious baby potatoes!
1. Clean and Dry
Start by washing the baby potatoes under warm water. Scrub them gently with your hands or a vegetable brush if needed to remove any dirt. Dry them as thoroughly as possible with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Dry potatoes are the key to achieving a crispier finish in the air fryer, as any leftover moisture can make them soggy.
2. Cut the Potatoes
Cut the baby potatoes in half or into quarters depending on their size. If your potatoes are small, halving them should suffice. For bigger ones, quartering them will allow for more surface area to cook, making them even crispier. Aim to keep all pieces roughly the same size for even cooking.
3. Season Your Potatoes
Add the cut potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle them with 1 tablespoon of olive oil , ensuring they get a light, even coating. Then, add the seasonings: 1 teaspoon sea salt , 1 teaspoon smoked paprika , ½ teaspoon garlic powder , and ½ teaspoon dried thyme . Toss everything together thoroughly. I love using my hands for this part to make sure every little potato gets covered with that tasty seasoning mixture!
These steps are the foundation for getting those perfectly seasoned, enticing potatoes ready for the air fryer.
Air Frying the Potatoes
Once your baby potatoes are seasoned and prepped, it’s time for the fun part — air frying! Follow these steps for a perfectly crispy result.
1. Preheat (Optional)
Some air fryers may require preheating to reach optimal cooking temperature. If yours does, preheat it to 400°F for a few minutes. Many modern models automatically compensate for preheating, so check your air fryer’s instructions.
2. Cook the Potatoes
Place the seasoned baby potatoes into the air fryer basket in an even layer. Do not overcrowd the potatoes—this is super important. Overcrowded potatoes won’t crisp up properly as the air needs to circulate freely around each piece.
Set the temperature to 400°F and cook for 16 minutes total. After 10 minutes , pause the air fryer and shake the basket gently, or use tongs to toss the potatoes. This helps ensure that all sides get evenly browned and crispy.
3. Check for Doneness
At the end of the 16 minutes, check the doneness by inserting a paring knife or fork into a potato piece. It should be tender inside but crispy on the outside. Depending on your air fryer model, you may need an additional 1-4 minutes of cooking if they aren’t crispy enough for your liking. Feel free to adjust the time according to your preferred level of crispiness.
Serving and Storing the Potatoes
Your air-fried baby potatoes should now be golden brown, crispy, and seasoned to perfection. Now it’s time to serve and enjoy!
1. Serving Suggestions
These crispy baby potatoes make for a versatile side dish. Serve them hot and fresh with your favorite main courses like roast chicken, steaks, grilled fish, or alongside a big salad. You can also get creative and top them with your favorite garnishes. Some ideas include:
- Fresh herbs (parsley, chives, or dill) for a pop of color and freshness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese for an additional savory flavor.
- A squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty kick.
- Dips like sour cream, garlic aioli, or ketchup for extra indulgence.
Trust me, these potatoes will be the star of the meal and pair perfectly with almost anything!
2. Storage Tips
If you’re fortunate enough to have any leftovers, you can store these air fryer baby potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days .
To reheat and recapture their crispiness, toss them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the potatoes lose their crispy texture.
3. Freezing
Though best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked air fryer baby potatoes. Let them cool fully, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 1 month . Reheat them directly from frozen in the air fryer in small batches at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes , shaking halfway through.
Conclusion
There you have it! Crispy, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned air fryer baby potatoes that are not only easy to make but also a guaranteed hit at your dinner table. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you can enjoy a side dish that looks and tastes like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen.
The air fryer works wonders by giving the potatoes their signature crispy texture while using far less oil than traditional frying methods. Be sure to experiment with different seasonings or toppings to make the recipe your own.
Happy cooking, and I hope you enjoy every bite of these perfectly seasoned air fryer baby potatoes!