Air Fryer Red Potatoes Recipe

I’ve always been a potato lover, and discovering the air fryer has brought my admiration for this versatile vegetable to new heights. It’s not just the no-guilt, less-oil factor that has me enamored; it’s also the unmatched texture and flavor that air frying can bring to the humble Red potato. The best part? This Air Fryer Red Potatoes recipe takes only minutes to prep and can be adapted to suit your taste buds.

How To Make red potatoes in an air fryer

Air Fryer Red Potatoes are a delicious and healthy way to make your favorite food. It’s a great alternative to deep frying and is easy to use. It’s great for people who want to eat healthier but still want fried foods’ crispy, crunchy taste.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs of small red potatoes
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
Salt and black pepper to taste
Freshly chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Begin by washing your red potatoes thoroughly and then cut them into halves (if they are larger, you may want to quarter them).
Place the halved potatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes and toss until they are fully coated.
Sprinkle the garlic powder, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper on the potatoes. Toss them again to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasonings.
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Once preheated, carefully place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them.
Cook for 15 minutes. Shake the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even crisping.
Test the potatoes for doneness – they should be golden-brown and crisp on the outside and tender inside.
Once cooked, transfer them to a serving plate and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.
Voila! Your Air Fryer Red Potatoes are ready!

Helpful Tips

Size Matters: Smaller potatoes will cook more evenly, and they also give a nice bite-sized piece, which is perfect for snacking or side dishes.
No Overcrowding: Even if your air fryer basket can fit more, resist the temptation to overcrowd the potatoes. They need room to be able to cook evenly and crisply.
Seasoning: Feel free to play with the seasonings. You can switch out rosemary for fresh dill or thyme or even add some grated parmesan for a cheesy twist.
Checking Doneness: Be sure to check your potatoes for doneness before pulling them all out of the air fryer. Cut into one – it should have a crispy crust and be soft and fluffy on the inside.

Variations

Red potatoes are such a versatile ingredient; they can be prepared in various ways to complement a wide range of dishes. Here are a few ideas:

Roasted Red Potatoes:

Toss the red potatoes in olive oil, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Roast them in the oven until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Serve alongside roasted or grilled meats such as chicken, beef, or lamb.

Mashed Red Potatoes:

Boil the red potatoes until they’re fork-tender.
Mash them with butter, milk, salt, and pepper until creamy.
These are a classic side for dishes like fried chicken, meatloaf, or grilled fish.

Garlic Parmesan Red Potatoes:

Roast red potatoes with minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
This pairs well with a juicy steak or grilled vegetables.

Red Potato Salad:

Boil red potatoes until just tender and let them cool.
Mix with a dressing made from mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Add chopped celery, red onion, and fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a side for grilled chicken.

Smashed Red Potatoes:

Boil red potatoes until fork-tender, then gently smash them with a fork.
Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
Bake until they’re crispy.
Serve with roasted or grilled meats or as an appetizer with sour cream or a flavorful dipping sauce.

Herb-Roasted Chicken with Red Potatoes:

Roast red potatoes alongside a whole chicken seasoned with herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage.
The flavors from the chicken infuse into the potatoes, creating a cohesive and delicious meal.

Grilled Red Potatoes:

Slice red potatoes into rounds and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Grill until it has prominent grill marks and is thoroughly cooked.
Serve as a side dish for burgers, grilled sausages, or kebabs.

Creamy Red Potato Soup:

Boil red potatoes and blend them with chicken or vegetable broth, cream, garlic, onions, and your favorite herbs.
Serve as a comforting soup alongside a crusty baguette or a light salad.

FAQ

Why soak potatoes in water before air frying?

Soaking potatoes before air frying them is a great way to get them nice and crispy without having to worry about burning them.
By soaking the potatoes in water, you can get rid of some of their starch, which causes them to stick together and prevents the outer layer from being able to crisp up. By soaking them in water, you’ll allow more moisture to travel through the potato and evaporate, which will help keep the outer layer crispy as it cooks.
You should also be sure to pat dry your potatoes after soaking them so they don’t end up soggy!

What kind of potatoes are best for air fryer?

The best potatoes for air fryers are waxy potatoes.
Waxy potatoes are the kind that are smooth on the outside and, when cooked, retain their shape instead of falling apart. They’re also pretty low in starch, so they don’t get gummy or mushy when you cook them.
Russets and reds are two types of waxy potatoes that work well in an air fryer.

Final Thoughts

Many of us have started using the air fryer more recently; however, we don’t always know what to cook in it. Potatoes in the air fryer will be a great recipe for you to start with, as it’s super easy and tasty.

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