Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes are a quick, crunchy, and delicious side dish that’s hard to beat. These potatoes come out golden on the outside and soft on the inside, with…
Tip: save now, cook later.Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes are a quick, crunchy, and delicious side dish that’s hard to beat. These potatoes come out golden on the outside and soft on the inside, with just the right amount of crispy edges thanks to the magic of the air fryer. You can add your favorite herbs and spices to make them taste exactly how you like.
I love making this recipe because it feels like a healthier way to enjoy that satisfying roasted potato flavor without using a lot of oil. Plus, the air fryer cuts the cooking time in half, which means I get my potatoes faster and don’t have to wait by the oven. Tossing the potatoes with just a little olive oil, garlic, and rosemary is my go-to, but you can get creative with paprika, cumin, or even a sprinkle of parmesan for some extra flavor.
These potatoes go well with pretty much any meal, whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue with friends. I often serve them alongside grilled chicken or a fresh salad, and they always disappear fast. If you’ve never tried roasting potatoes in an air fryer, I’d say now’s the time—you’ll love how easy and tasty they turn out!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions for Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
Baby Potatoes: These small potatoes cook quickly and hold their shape well. If you can’t find baby potatoes, use fingerling potatoes or cut regular potatoes into similar-sized chunks for even cooking.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps the potatoes crisp up. You can swap this for avocado or vegetable oil if you prefer a milder taste or need a higher smoke point.
Herbs (Rosemary & Thyme): Fresh herbs offer the best aroma, but dried ones work well too. If you can’t find rosemary or thyme, try substituting with oregano or parsley for a different but tasty herb profile.
Spices (Garlic Powder & Smoked Paprika): Garlic powder brings a savory depth without extra moisture. Smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness—if you don’t have it, regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder can work nicely.
How Do You Get Potatoes Crispy in an Air Fryer?
Crispy potatoes are all about even coating, spacing, and timing. Here’s how to make sure your potatoes come out golden and crunchy:
- Coat potatoes evenly with oil to help crisp the surface.
- Season well to add flavor but avoid adding too much salt beforehand to prevent drawing out moisture.
- Arrange potatoes in a single layer in the basket. Crowding them can cause steaming instead of roasting.
- Shake or stir halfway to ensure all sides get crispy and browned evenly.
- Cook until tender inside by testing with a fork, usually 15-20 minutes at 400°F.
- Don’t skip the preheat—the hot air fryer basket helps start the crisping process right away.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Air fryer – the star of this recipe, it cooks potatoes quickly and crisply with less oil.
- Large mixing bowl – perfect for tossing potatoes evenly with oil and spices.
- Tongs or a spatula – handy for shaking or stirring the potatoes halfway through cooking.
- Measuring spoons – to get the seasonings just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap rosemary and thyme for Italian seasoning for a different herbal twist.
- Add minced fresh garlic after cooking for a sharp, bright flavor that won’t burn.
- Mix in chopped bell peppers or onions halfway through cooking for extra color and sweetness.
- Try sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese on the potatoes once they’re done for a cheesy finish.
How to Make Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to cook in the air fryer. You’ll also want to preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes before cooking. Overall, you can have delicious roasted potatoes ready in around 25-30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by heating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). It usually takes about 5 minutes, and this helps the potatoes cook evenly and get nice and crispy.
2. Toss the Potatoes with Oil and Seasonings
In a large bowl, mix the halved baby potatoes with the olive oil until they are coated well. Then, sprinkle on the garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so the potatoes are fully covered with the tasty seasonings.
3. Cook the Potatoes in the Air Fryer
Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer as much as you can. If your basket is small, you might need to cook them in batches. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Halfway through, shake the basket or use a spatula to stir the potatoes. This helps them brown evenly and get crispy all over.
4. Check and Serve
After cooking, poke a potato with a fork to make sure they are tender inside and nicely golden outside. Transfer the potatoes to a serving bowl. If you like, garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs for an extra pop of flavor and color. Serve right away for the best taste and crunch!
Can I Use Frozen Potatoes for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh baby potatoes for the crispiest results. If you must use frozen, thaw them completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture before seasoning and air frying.
Can I Cook All the Potatoes at Once?
Depending on your air fryer size, you might need to cook in batches. Avoid overcrowding the basket so the potatoes crisp evenly instead of steaming.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Keep leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer or oven to help restore their crispy texture.
What Other Seasonings Can I Use?
Feel free to experiment! Try Italian seasoning, smoked garlic powder, or add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese after cooking for a tasty twist.