There’s nothing like a crispy, roasted potato to elevate any meal, and what better way to achieve that perfect balance of crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside than with an air fryer? My easy-to-follow Air Fryer Red Potatoes recipe combines baby red potatoes with aromatic seasonings like smoked paprika and thyme, tied together with a delicious garlic butter drizzle.
With minimal preparation and simple ingredients, you can craft these flavorful potatoes that pack a punch of flavor. Whether you’re serving them as a side dish at dinner or packing them for lunch, air fryer red potatoes are always a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Convenient : Ready in just 20-25 minutes, thanks to the air fryer.
- Healthy & Delicious : Get the crispy texture you love with less oil than traditional roasted potatoes.
- Customizable Flavors : Add your favorite herbs and spices to make the dish your own.
Not to mention, air frying yields a crispiness that’s hard to replicate in an oven!
Ingredients List
Let’s talk ingredients! These simple yet flavorful kitchen staples will ensure your red potatoes are anything but ordinary:
- 1 ½ pounds baby red potatoes : Small red potatoes roast quickly and evenly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil : Helps the seasoning stick and crisps the edges.
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened : Melted and mixed with garlic for a mouth-watering drizzle.
- 1 garlic clove, grated : Fresh garlic packs in a punch of flavor.
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped : Adds a bright, fresh garnish.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika : Adds depth and a smoky finish.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme : Balances out the smokiness with a subtle earthy note.
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt : For that perfect blend of salt and garlic.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper : Just enough peppery heat to elevate the flavor.
No fancy ingredients here – just pure, simple satisfaction.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Red Potatoes
Let’s dive into the details on how to make these crispy, flavorful red potatoes. The best part? You won’t need much more than a few common kitchen tools and 25 minutes to bring this recipe together!
Prepping the Ingredients
- Wash and Dry the Potatoes
It’s important to thoroughly wash your baby red potatoes, as we’ll be leaving the skins on. Red potato skins are thin and nutrient-rich, so no need to peel them. Scrub them well under cold water to remove any dirt, then pat them dry with a clean towel. If not dried properly, excess moisture can prevent the potatoes from getting crispy. - Cut into Even-Sized Pieces
For even cooking in the air fryer, it’s crucial to cut your potatoes uniformly. Larger red potatoes should be quartered, while smaller ones can simply be halved. The goal is to have pieces that are relatively the same size for consistent crisping. - Season the Potatoes
In a large bowl, place your potatoes and then drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over them. Add in your smoked paprika, dried thyme, garlic salt, and ground black pepper. Now, here’s the trick: toss the potatoes well with your hands! Ensure each potato is generously coated. This is the key to ensuring maximum flavor in every bite.
Preheating the Air Fryer
- Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F . This step ensures the air fryer is hot and ready to give the potatoes that crispy, golden finish right from the start. A preheated air fryer mimics the action of a hot oven, helping to roast and crisp up the potatoes faster.
Roasting to Perfection in the Air Fryer
Now that your potatoes are prepped and seasoned, it’s time to pop them into the air fryer.
Cooking the Potatoes
- Arrange the Potatoes in the Air Fryer
Spread your seasoned potato pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Be cautious not to overcrowd them. Overlapping or overcrowding can cause the potatoes to steam instead of roast, leading to soft, underwhelming potatoes instead of crispy perfection. You want that air to circulate around each potato piece. - Air Fry at 400°F
Set the air fryer to 400°F and let the potatoes roast for 20-25 minutes . Note that cooking time may vary slightly based on the size of your potato pieces. Smaller cuts will cook faster while larger ones may need a bit more time. To be sure they’re done, test them with a fork after about 20 minutes. They should be crispy on the outside but fork-tender inside.
- Tip: For even cooking and browning, shake the air fryer basket twice during the cooking process. This ensures the potatoes cook evenly on all sides.
- Check for Doneness
Once they’re done cooking, they should have browned, crispy edges with a soft and fluffy texture inside. If they aren’t as crispy as you’d like, feel free to give them an extra 2-3 minutes in the air fryer.
Adding the Flavorful Garlic Butter and Finishing Touches
Now that your red potatoes are perfectly crispy, let’s elevate them with a rich garlic butter drizzle and a fresh parsley garnish, giving the dish that restaurant-style finish you’re craving.
Making the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small, microwave-safe bowl, add the 2 tablespoons of softened butter and 1 grated garlic clove . Pop it into the microwave and heat for about 25 seconds —just enough to melt the butter and slightly cook the garlic (which takes off some of that raw garlic bite). This simple garlic butter adds an extra layer of richness and flavor. - Drizzle the Potatoes
Once the butter has melted and the garlic is fragrant, pour this flavorful garlic butter mixture over your freshly air-fried potatoes. Use a spoon or spatula to gently toss the potatoes, making sure each piece is coated in that delicious, buttery garlic goodness. You’ll notice the warm potatoes absorbing the butter, making them extra indulgent while still maintaining their crispiness. - Add a Fresh Garnish
To finish off, sprinkle 2 teaspoons of finely chopped fresh parsley over the top. The parsley adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness that perfectly balances the richness of the garlic butter. It’s the final touch to make these potatoes not only taste amazing but also look picture-perfect!
Serving Suggestions and Tips
These crispy, garlicky, buttery air fryer red potatoes make the perfect side dish for just about anything. Here are a few delicious pairing ideas:
- With Grilled Meats : Serve them alongside grilled chicken, steak, or pork chops for a hearty, satisfying meal.
- As a Breakfast Side : These crispy potatoes are the perfect upgrade to your usual breakfast potatoes. Pair them with scrambled eggs and bacon for a delicious morning treat.
- Topped with Cheese : Feeling indulgent? Sprinkle some shredded Parmesan or cheddar cheese over the hot potatoes for a cheesy twist.
Pro Tip for Maximum Enjoyment:
Enjoy your potatoes right out of the air fryer for the best texture. The crispiness may soften over time, but you can always give them a quick reheat in the air fryer for a minute or two to bring back the crunch.
Conclusion
And there you have it—crispy air fryer red potatoes with garlic butter that are guaranteed to impress! The combination of crispy edges, tender centers, and an aromatic garlic parsley finish will leave everyone coming back for seconds. The simplicity of this recipe, combined with the depth of flavors, makes it a go-to dish for any occasion.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, but trust me, they won’t last long! Simply reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to bring them back to life.
Thank you for following along. Enjoy your delicious creation!