Crispy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes: The Ultimate Guide to Perfectly Roasted Mini Spuds
These Air Fryer Baby Potatoes are the epitome of crispy on the outside and wonderfully fluffy on the inside! They are incredibly simple to prepare, requiring minimal effort, and roast up surprisingly quickly in your air fryer. With just a few basic ingredients and about 20 minutes of cooking time, you can have a delicious and versatile side dish ready to impress.
Who doesn’t love a quick and easy side dish that demands minimal prep time and a short list of ingredients? We certainly do, and these air fryer baby potatoes tick all the right boxes!
Over the years, our kitchen has seen many potato recipes emerge from the air fryer, but this particular method for roasting baby potatoes has truly stood the test of time. It was one of the very first air fryer recipes we ever shared, dating all the way back to February 2019.
Since then, we’ve refined the recipe, experimented with different air fryer models, and discovered even better ways to achieve that perfect crispy exterior and tender interior. So, we decided it was time to give this beloved recipe a much-needed refresh. Below, you’ll discover updated photos, enhanced text, and subtle adjustments to the recipe that make it even more foolproof and delicious than before. Get ready to make the best air fryer roasted potatoes you’ve ever tasted!
Table of contents
- What makes these air fryer baby potatoes so good?
- Ingredients and substitutions
- How to roast baby potatoes in the air fryer
- Recipe variations
- Storage and reheating
- How to serve these air fryer mini potatoes
- Key recipe tips
- Recipe FAQs
- More air fryer potato recipes
- More air fryer side dishes
What Makes These Air Fryer Baby Potatoes So Good?
These air fryer baby potatoes are more than just a simple side dish; they’re a revelation in convenience and flavor. Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your cooking rotation:
- Simple yet delicious: The magic lies in the minimal seasoning that truly lets the natural flavor of the potatoes shine. A touch of oil, salt, and Italian seasoning is all it takes to transform humble baby potatoes into an irresistible treat. You’ll find yourself reaching for these tasty little spuds again and again!
- Quick and easy: With a mere 5 minutes of prep time, these potatoes are practically effortless. The air fryer works its magic, roasting them to golden-brown perfection in just 18-20 minutes, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or last-minute meal additions.
- Incredibly versatile: While our basic seasoning mix is fantastic, these baby potatoes are a blank canvas for culinary creativity. You can easily switch up the flavor profile with different herbs and spices, adapting them to complement any meal or craving.
- Saves on oven space: One of the greatest benefits of using an air fryer is freeing up your main oven. While these delicious potatoes are air frying, you can use your oven for your main course, other side dishes, or even a dessert, making meal prep for holidays or larger gatherings much more manageable.
- Perfect Texture: The air fryer excels at creating that coveted contrast – incredibly crispy skins and tender, fluffy interiors. No more soggy or undercooked potatoes!
Ingredients and Substitutions for Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
You’ll be delighted by how few ingredients are required to create such a spectacular dish. Below is a brief overview of the essentials and some recommended substitutions to suit your pantry and palate. For the exact quantities, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the very end of this post.
- Baby potatoes: This recipe calls for 1 1/2 pounds (approximately 680 grams) of baby potatoes. This amount is typically found in a small bag at most grocery stores. We particularly love red baby potatoes for their thin skin that crisps beautifully and their creamy texture. However, baby Yukon Gold potatoes also work wonderfully. If baby potatoes aren’t available, you can easily substitute with fingerling potatoes or even full-sized potatoes, simply cut into roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces to ensure even cooking. Remember to wash and dry them thoroughly before cutting.
- Oil: A good quality oil is crucial for achieving that desirable crispy texture on your potatoes. We prefer olive oil for its flavor profile, but avocado oil or canola oil are excellent neutral-tasting alternatives that also perform well under high heat. For an extra touch of richness, you could even use melted butter, which adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Seasonings: To keep things effortlessly delicious, we’ve opted for a straightforward blend of salt and Italian seasoning. This classic combination delivers a savory, herbaceous flavor that complements the potatoes perfectly. However, don’t hesitate to experiment! Feel free to substitute with your favorite herbs and spices. (We’ve included more exciting suggestions in the “Recipe Variations” section below).
- Fresh herbs (for garnish): While fresh herbs tend to burn quickly when air-fried, they add a vibrant burst of color and fresh flavor when sprinkled on the potatoes just before serving. We highly recommend finishing these potatoes with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a bright, clean taste and appealing presentation. Other excellent choices include fresh rosemary, thyme, or chives.
How to Roast Baby Potatoes in the Air Fryer
Preparing these air fryer baby potatoes is incredibly straightforward, making it an ideal recipe for cooks of all skill levels. Here’s a brief overview of the steps, accompanied by photos to guide you. For complete details and precise measurements, please consult the comprehensive recipe card located at the end of this post.
Delicious Air Fryer Baby Potato Recipe Variations
While the classic preparation of these air fryer baby potatoes is undeniably delicious, their versatility means you can easily customize them to suit your taste and specific meal. Here are some fantastic variations to inspire your next batch:
- Classic Salt and Pepper: For a truly minimalist approach that lets the potato’s natural flavor shine, simply season with a generous amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper. A timeless classic that always satisfies.
- Garlic and Onion Powder Boost: Enhance the aromatic profile by adding 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder to your seasoning mix. This creates a deeply savory and irresistible flavor.
- Smoky Flavor Profile: Achieve a warm, smoky depth by using a mix of smoked paprika and a pinch of cumin. This variation pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats.
- Spicy Kick: If you love a bit of heat, incorporate 2 teaspoons of chili powder into your seasoning. For an even more intense spice, add a dash of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes.
- Cheesy Parmesan Potatoes: For cheesy perfection, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes during the last few minutes of air frying, or immediately after removing them from the air fryer. The residual heat will melt it into a delightful crust.
- Fresh Rosemary and Garlic: Infuse an earthy and fragrant essence by adding finely chopped fresh rosemary along with a teaspoon of minced garlic (or garlic powder) when tossing the potatoes with oil. Rosemary’s robust flavor holds up well to cooking.
- Lemon Herb Zest: For a bright and fresh flavor, add the zest of one lemon along with your herbs. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice after cooking can also lift the flavors beautifully.
- Cajun or Old Bay Seasoning: For a vibrant, zesty, and slightly spicy flavor, swap out the Italian seasoning for a tablespoon of your favorite Cajun or Old Bay seasoning blend.
Storage and Reheating Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
While these crispy air fryer baby potatoes are undoubtedly at their best when served immediately, don’t worry if you have leftovers. They can be stored and reheated successfully, retaining much of their deliciousness.
To store, allow the cooked potatoes to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Proper cooling and sealing prevent moisture buildup, which can make them soggy.
To reheat and restore their delightful crispiness, the air fryer is your best friend. Simply place the leftover potatoes in the air fryer basket (avoid overcrowding, reheating in batches if necessary) and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until they are heated through and have regained their desired crisp texture. You can also reheat them in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-10 minutes, flipping once. The microwave is not recommended for reheating if you want to maintain crispiness, as it tends to make them soft.
How to Serve These Air Fryer Mini Potatoes
These versatile air fryer mini potatoes are a fantastic addition to almost any meal. Their crispy texture and savory flavor make them an ideal companion for a wide range of dishes, from casual weeknight dinners to special brunch spreads. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy them:
- With Dips Galore: We absolutely adore pairing these crispy potatoes with a selection of flavorful dips. Our creamy jalapeño dip is a current household favorite, offering a delightful kick. We also highly recommend our mayo-free chipotle dip for a smoky and slightly spicy option, and this vibrant roasted red pepper cashew dip for a rich, plant-based choice.
- Perfect Side for Main Dishes: These potatoes work beautifully as a hearty and flavorful side to a variety of main courses. Try them alongside a crispy air fryer pork schnitzel or air fryer chicken schnitzel. They also complement juicy jalapeño turkey burgers or any grilled steak, chicken, or fish.
- Brunch Time Favorite: Elevate your brunch experience by serving these potatoes with classics like a fluffy air fryer quiche or savory air fryer crab cakes. They’re also a fantastic alternative to traditional hash browns or home fries alongside eggs and bacon.
- Standalone Snack: Sometimes, these air-fried baby potatoes are so good, they don’t even need a companion! Enjoy them on their own as a satisfying and flavorful snack.
- As Part of a Bowl Meal: Add them to a grain bowl with roasted vegetables, your favorite protein, and a drizzle of dressing for a complete and wholesome meal.
Key Recipe Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
Achieving perfectly crispy and tender air fryer baby potatoes is simple when you follow a few essential tips. These small details can make a big difference in the final outcome of your dish:
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: This is arguably the most crucial tip for any air-fried food. While these small potatoes can overlap slightly, completely filling the basket or stacking them too high will trap steam. This steam prevents the hot air from circulating effectively, leading to soggy rather than crispy potatoes. If you have a larger batch, it’s always better to cook them in two separate batches to ensure optimal crisping.
- Shake the basket frequently: To guarantee even cooking and to encourage uniform browning and crispiness across all potato pieces, make sure to stop and shake the air fryer basket a few times throughout the cooking process. This redistributes the potatoes and exposes all surfaces to the circulating hot air.
- Consider pre-washed baby potatoes: Opting for pre-washed baby potatoes from the grocery store is a definite time-saver, cutting down on your prep time even further.
- Always pat potatoes dry: If you’re using potatoes that aren’t pre-washed, take the time to wash and scrub them thoroughly to remove any dirt. More importantly, pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels before adding oil and seasonings. Any residual moisture will steam the potatoes instead of crisping them, preventing that desirable crunchy exterior.
- Preheat your air fryer: Just like a conventional oven, preheating your air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the potatoes helps them start cooking immediately and contributes to better crispiness.
- Understand your air fryer model: We developed this recipe using a Cosori 5.8-quart air fryer. Air fryers vary significantly in size, brand, and wattage. Consequently, cooking times and temperatures might need slight adjustments for your specific model. It’s always a good idea to monitor your potatoes during the first cook and adjust as needed, especially if your air fryer is smaller or larger.
- Check for doneness: Potatoes are ready when they are fork-tender and deeply golden brown and crispy on the outside. A quick poke with a fork should easily go through the potato.
Air Fryer Baby Potatoes Recipe FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about making delicious air fryer baby potatoes:
For this recipe, we generally prefer baby red potatoes. Their thin skin gets beautifully crispy in the air fryer, while their waxy flesh ensures they remain creamy and fluffy in the middle. Baby Yukon Gold potatoes are also an excellent choice; they have a slightly buttery flavor and a similar texture that roasts wonderfully in the air fryer.
While we recommend cutting baby potatoes in half to maximize surface area for crisping and to speed up cooking, you certainly can air fry them whole. Just be aware that you will need to increase the air frying time by approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes, to ensure they are cooked through and tender in the center.
Absolutely! If baby potatoes aren’t available, you can easily use regular-sized potatoes such as Russets or Yukon Golds. Simply cut them into roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes. This ensures they cook evenly and within a similar timeframe as the halved baby potatoes.
One of the joys of air frying is its efficiency! For this recipe, you can save yourself time and effort by skipping the parboiling step entirely. The air fryer cooks the raw, seasoned potatoes to perfect tenderness and crispiness without any pre-boiling.
Soaking potatoes in cold water is a common technique to release excess starch, which can help achieve a crispier texture when roasting or deep-frying. However, for this air fryer baby potato recipe, especially when using waxy, lower-starch varieties like red potatoes, there is no need to soak them. Even if you opt for a slightly more starchy potato like a Yukon Gold, the air fryer’s method generally yields excellent crispiness without the extra step of soaking.
We find that 400°F (200°C) is the ideal temperature for air frying baby potatoes. This high heat ensures the exterior gets beautifully crispy and golden brown, while the interior cooks through to a tender, fluffy consistency in a short amount of time.
More Air Fryer Potato Recipes to Try
If you’re a fan of how wonderfully the air fryer handles potatoes, you’ll be thrilled to explore more of our favorite potato-based recipes crafted specifically for this appliance:
- Air Fryer Home Fries: Perfect for breakfast or brunch.
- Air Fryer Potato Wedges: A classic comfort food, great with dips.
- Air Fryer Potato Slices: Thin and crispy, a versatile side.
- Air Fryer Parmesan Potatoes: Cheesy and irresistible.
- Air Fryer Potato Cakes: A delightful way to use up leftover mashed potatoes.
More Delicious Air Fryer Side Dishes
Beyond potatoes, the air fryer is a champion for creating a wide variety of quick and healthy side dishes. Expand your repertoire with these other fantastic air fryer recipes:
- Air Fryer Carrots: Sweet and tender, a great way to enjoy vegetables.
- Air Fryer Butternut Squash: Naturally sweet and perfectly roasted.
- Air Fryer Beets: Earthy and vibrant, a unique side.
- Or check out our full collection of Air Fryer Side Dishes for even more inspiration!
If you make this fantastic recipe for air fryer baby potatoes, we would absolutely love to hear what you think! Please share your experience and any feedback in the comments section below.
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Print Recipe
Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
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5 from 29 reviews
- Author: Leanne
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dishes
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American, Canadian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Air Fryer Baby Potatoes are a quick and easy side dish. Just toss with oil and simple seasonings and air fry until golden, crispy and tender!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes, halved
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- Chopped fresh parsley to garnish
Instructions
- Cut the potatoes in half and add them to a large bowl.
- Toss with oil and seasonings until well coated.
- Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket. (It’s okay if the potatoes overlap, but don’t overcrowd the air fryer).
- Air fry on 400F for 18-20 minutes, or until fork tender and crispy. Stop to shake the basket a few times to rotate the potatoes around.
Notes
- We prefer red baby potatoes for their thin skin and creamy texture, but baby gold potatoes are also an excellent choice for this recipe.
- You can air fry baby potatoes whole, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time by an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on their size. Halving them helps achieve crispiness faster.
- For the crispiest results, ensure your potatoes are thoroughly washed, scrubbed, and then patted completely dry with a towel before you season them. Moisture leads to steaming, not crisping.
- This recipe was tested with a Cosori 5.8-quart air fryer. Air fryer models can vary, so you might need to adjust the temperature and/or air frying time slightly to suit your specific appliance. Always check for doneness.
- For more detailed advice, serving suggestions, and delicious variations, be sure to review the “Key Recipe Tips” and “Recipe Variations” sections above the recipe card.