There’s something about the crackle of crispy potatoes that makes a meal feel complete. These crispy air fryer potatoes bring that satisfying crunch without the mess of deep frying, all while keeping the inside tender and fluffy. They’re ready before you know it, making them a reliable side that fits effortlessly into any weeknight dinner.
I remember the first time I tried making these in my air fryer. It was one of those evenings where I was distracted by a phone call, tossing the potatoes in the bowl a little too quickly, and maybe not shaking the basket quite enough halfway through cooking. Despite those small hiccups, the potatoes came out golden and crisp — not perfect, but perfectly delicious. I think that slightly uneven crisp is what makes them feel homemade and comforting. The aroma of smoked paprika and garlic filling the kitchen made me impatient to dig in, and I probably ate the entire batch before the rest of the meal was even ready.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Quick to prepare and cook — these potatoes fit into busy schedules without hassle.
- Crispy on the outside, tender inside — that contrast is everything for a satisfying side.
- Simple seasoning that’s flavorful without being overpowering.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just good food.
- Uses an air fryer, which means less oil and cleanup compared to traditional frying methods.
If you’re wondering about making them ahead, they do keep well for a few days in the fridge. Just pop them back in the air fryer to bring back some crispiness. Not quite the same as fresh, but close enough for leftovers.
PrintCrispy Air Fryer Potatoes
These crispy air fryer potatoes are perfectly seasoned and golden brown on the outside, tender on the inside, and ready in under 30 minutes. A simple and delicious side dish for any meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
1 pound baby potatoes, washed and halved
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the halved baby potatoes, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated.
Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
Cook the potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
Check the potatoes for tenderness by piercing with a fork; they should be golden and crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Transfer the potatoes to a serving dish and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Kitchen Notes: You don’t need anything fancy to get started here — just an air fryer that can hold a single layer of potatoes for even cooking. I usually serve these alongside grilled chicken or a fresh salad, but they’re pretty versatile. Sometimes I toss in a pinch of chili flakes for a little kick, or swap smoked paprika for regular paprika when I’m out. I haven’t tested all the seasoning combos, but garlic and paprika together seem to hit the right balance every time. If your potatoes are a little bigger, just keep an eye on the cooking time; they might need a bit longer to get that golden crust.
FAQ:
Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?
Yes, but cut them into smaller, uniform pieces so they cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
What if my potatoes aren’t crispy enough?
Make sure they’re in a single layer and not overcrowded in the basket. A quick shake halfway through helps, too.
Can I add fresh herbs before cooking?
It’s better to sprinkle fresh parsley after cooking to keep it bright and flavorful.
Ready to turn simple potatoes into something that steals the show? Give this recipe a try and see how quickly it becomes a staple in your kitchen.