Air Fryer Baby Potatoes Recipe

If you're searching for a quick, easy, and yummy way to make potatoes, then this recipe is perfect for you. 

I've been trying out various potato cooking techniques for a while now, and guess what? I've discovered a distinctive and amazing method of cooking baby potatoes in an air fryer.

This recipe offers several advantages. 

Firstly, boiling the potatoes before air frying them ensures they are incredibly tender on the inside and cook evenly. Secondly, the spice blend I use — with dried basil, garlic, paprika, black pepper, and salt — adds an amazing aroma and flavor that’s unlike any other.

That said, what truly sets this recipe apart is that it's made in an air fryer. This innovative kitchen gadget allows you to cook faster with less oil, which is a healthier approach compared to deep frying. Additionally, you get crispy and juicy potatoes with minimal grease. 

If you're in the mood for some scrumptious potatoes that are easy to make and require minimal oil, then this air fryer recipe is just what you need. You won't have to miss out on flavor or quality because this cooking method preserves all of the potatoes' best attributes. 

Stick around, and I'll show you how to make this delicious dish in no time!

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Tools and Equipment Needed
• Instructions
• Serving Recommendations
• Air Fryer Baby Potatoes Recipe Variations
• Possible Issues with Your Air Fryer Baby Potatoes and How to Fix Them
• Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes in Minutes
• Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 pounds potatoes
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 2 teaspoons ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons bread crumbs
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons olive oil spray

Tools and Equipment Needed

• Air fryer (Mine is an Instant Vortex Plus XL)
• Knives
• Cutting board
• Cooking pot
• Paper towels
• A serving dish

Instructions

1. Rinse the potatoes thoroughly and cut each one into four equal pieces

2. Put the potatoes in a saucepan, cover them with one inch of water, and add a teaspoon of salt. If you like, you can also add a bay leaf and some whole peppercorns to the water for extra flavor (optional). Bring them to a boil and let them simmer for about 20 minutes. It’s fine if the potatoes are not fully cooked at this point, as they will continue to cook while cooling down.  

3. Take the saucepan off the heat and drain the water. Let the potatoes cool down, ideally to room temperature. After this, you can refrigerate them to use the next day if you like. You can also move on to the next step right away.

4. Spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Next, put half of the potatoes in the basket with the skin side facing down, sprinkle the top with half of the spices, and then add some olive oil.

5. Set the air fryer to a temperature of 400°F or 200°C and a time of 14 minutes. Note that the total cooking time will be slightly longer as the air fryer takes about 3 minutes to preheat, but it won't significantly affect the result. Also, the cooking time is only a recommendation. You can make the potatoes as golden or crispy as you want them to be. Just check them during cooking to get your desired level of crispiness.

6. After the first batch of potatoes is finished, move it to a serving dish.

7. Repeat the same process with the remaining potatoes. Sprinkle the rest of the spices on top, and cook for another 14 minutes (or the amount of time that you prefer) using the same temperature. Once finished, take them out of the air fryer and put them on the serving dish. Serve and enjoy!

Serving Recommendations

Potatoes are a fantastic appetizer, especially when served with your favorite dipping sauce. They go well with barbecue, ketchup, mayo, cheese, and other types of condiments. Also, they make a great side dish for meat dishes, such as our Boneless Pork Neck recipe.

Air Fryer Baby Potatoes Recipe Variations

If you want to make potatoes using a deep fryer, it's best to use potato varieties that have a high starch and low sugar content. These types of potatoes usually have a firm texture and retain their shape well during frying, making them crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

There are several potato varieties that are popular for making French fries in a deep fryer. One example is Russet (or Idaho), which is known for its high starch concentration and dense texture. 

Another popular variety is the Kennebec potato, which also has a high starch content and works well for frying. It has a smooth texture and white color, making it a visually appealing option for French fries.

These are just a few potato varieties that work well for making French fries in a deep fryer. Which potato you use ultimately depends on your taste, preferences, and what's available in your area. 

As for spices, feel free to experiment with any combination you like. Paprika adds a nice red color, while turmeric gives a yellow tint. 

If you do use turmeric, be careful not to add too much, as it can make the fries taste bitter. 

You can also swap out garlic for dried onion, basil for oregano, and so on. 

Finally, serving the fries with a rich sauce like cheese sauce sounds delicious, but using just salt is always an option.

Possible Issues with Your Air Fryer Baby Potatoes and How to Fix Them

When selecting potatoes, look for ones that have few blemishes or imperfections. If they can’t be helped, be sure to trim off any questionable parts before cooking. 

When cutting the potatoes into quarters, try to inspect them for any hidden defects, which can be common in potatoes. Discard any questionable parts you find. 

While whole potatoes typically take around 25 minutes to cook, for this recipe, 20 minutes should be enough. The potatoes will continue to cook as they cool down, so it's not surprising that they'll finish cooking without water. 

Besides, it's better to slightly undercook the potatoes for this recipe than to overcook them, as overcooked potatoes may fall apart in the air fryer. 

Slightly undercooked potatoes will finish cooking in the air fryer, resulting in a delicious, crispy crust on the outside and a tender, flavorful inside. It's the perfect combination!

Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes in Minutes

Potatoes are versatile and nutritious vegetables that can make a valuable addition to a healthy diet. They are a good source of vitamin C, which is important for immune function and collagen production.

They also provide vitamin B6, which is necessary for brain development and function, as well as vitamin B3 (niacin), which supports energy metabolism.

Rich in potassium, potatoes can help maintain healthy blood pressure and nerve function. They also contain small amounts of other minerals, such as magnesium, phosphorus, and iron, which play important roles in various bodily functions.

On top of all these, potatoes contain several antioxidants, including carotenoids and flavonoids, which studies have shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.

Finally, potatoes are a great source of carbohydrates, which give your body energy. They can be a valuable source of fuel for physical activity and help maintain overall energy levels.

You can get all of these benefits and enjoy a tasty treat thanks to this air fryer recipe.

Recipe