When the oven hums softly in the background and the aroma of garlic and smoked paprika fills the kitchen, you know something comforting is coming your way. These air fryer crispy potatoes are a revelation—each bite crackling with a satisfying crunch that gives way to a pillowy-soft center. They’re the kind of side dish that transforms a simple dinner into an experience worth savoring.
I remember the first time I made these potatoes. The air fryer beeped just as the golden cubes reached their peak crispiness. I couldn’t resist sneaking a piece fresh out of the basket—the warmth was gentle, the texture a perfect contrast of crispy shell and tender heart. The subtle smokiness tickled my nose, and the hint of garlic was just right—not overpowering, but enough to make me pause and appreciate the humble potato in a whole new way. It felt like comfort food had found a new form, quick and fuss-free.
- Fast and fuss-free, ready in about 30 minutes.
- Perfect balance of crunchy outside and soft inside.
- Simple seasoning with garlic and smoked paprika adds depth without complexity.
- Versatile as a snack or a side for any meal.
- Air fryer method saves on oil but keeps flavor rich and satisfying.
If you’re wary about trying the air fryer for potatoes, don’t be. The result is far from the soggy or unevenly cooked batches you might expect from other methods. This recipe consistently delivers a satisfying crisp with minimal effort.
PrintAir Fryer Crispy Potatoes
These air fryer crispy potatoes are golden, crunchy on the outside, and tender on the inside. Perfect as a side dish or snack, they are easy to make with simple ingredients and cook quickly in the air fryer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
1.5 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, washed and cut into 1-inch cubes
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, finely chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
Place the cubed potatoes in a large bowl and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
Add the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the potatoes. Toss well to evenly coat all the potato pieces.
Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even crisping.
Cook the potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, shake the basket or use tongs to turn the potatoes for even cooking.
Continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and transfer to a serving dish.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the crispy potatoes for garnish.
Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
FAQ
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Yukon Gold works best for a balance of creaminess and crisp, but Russets will also crisp up nicely.
Do I need to soak the potatoes before cooking?
Patting them dry after washing helps remove excess moisture to get that crispy edge without soaking.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, you can refrigerate leftovers and reheat them in the air fryer to bring back the crispiness.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika?
Regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder can be good alternatives to keep the smoky flavor.
Is olive oil necessary?
The oil helps create that golden crust, but you can experiment with other oils if preferred.
Simple, crispy, and full of flavor—these air fryer crispy potatoes are the kind of dish that invites you back for one more bite. Once you try them, they’ll be the side you reach for again and again.