Sometimes, the simplest foods hit the spot just right. Air fryer potato halves are one of those gems—crispy on the outside, soft and comforting inside, with a sprinkle of salt and pepper that feels just right. It’s the kind of dish that sneaks up on you when you’re hungry but don’t want to fuss over a big meal.
I remember the first time I made these. I was juggling a few things in the kitchen and almost forgot to flip the potatoes halfway through—the timer went off, and I rushed to check. They were golden and crispy, just how I hoped, with a soft center that made me wish I’d doubled the recipe. The smell filled the kitchen, and I grabbed a piece while still warm, the edges crackling under my teeth. Honestly, I think I got a little distracted scrolling through my phone and ended up eating more than I planned before dinner even started.
- They cook quickly, which is great when you’re not in the mood to wait around.
- The preparation is straightforward—no complicated steps or ingredients.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No fancy toppings required.
- The crispy outside means they reheat well, but they’re best fresh out of the air fryer.
- They’re versatile but not a full meal by themselves—you might want to pair them with something else.
If you’re worried about whether your air fryer can handle this, no stress. Most standard models work just fine, and you don’t need any special tools beyond what’s already in your kitchen.
PrintAir Fryer Potato Halves
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these air fryer potato halves make a perfect side dish or snack. Seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper, they are quick and easy to prepare.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
4 medium russet potatoes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt.
Cut each potato in half lengthwise.
Pat the potato halves dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Place the potato halves in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil.
Sprinkle salt and black pepper over the potatoes and toss to coat evenly.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Place the potato halves in the air fryer basket cut side down in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding.
Cook for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Flip the potato halves so the cut side is facing up and cook 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 let them cool for 2 minutes before serving.
These potatoes come together in a basic air fryer basket—no extras needed. When serving, I usually pair them with something saucy, like a garlic aioli or a dollop of sour cream, but sometimes just a sprinkle of cheese does the trick. If you want to mix it up, I’ve tried tossing them with smoked paprika or a pinch of rosemary before cooking, but honestly, the classic salt and pepper combo wins every time for me. I haven’t tested all possible seasonings, so feel free to experiment and see what you like best.
FAQ
Can I use other potatoes besides russets? You can, but russets tend to get the best crispy outside and fluffy inside combo. Waxy potatoes might not crisp up as well.
Do I need to flip the potatoes? Yeah, flipping halfway through helps both sides get that perfect golden crust.
How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and reheat in the air fryer to bring back some crispiness.
Can I make them ahead of time? You can cook them earlier in the day and reheat, but they’re definitely tastier fresh.
Next time you’re craving a quick snack or an easy side, give these air fryer potato halves a shot. They’re straightforward, satisfying, and just a little bit addictive. Save this recipe—you’ll want it on hand for those moments when you want something warm, crispy, and effortless.