Crispy air fryer potatoes made with real (not frozen) potatoes, a simple and lighter way to prepare one of the most beloved side dishes of all time.
The potato recipes are among the most versatile in the kitchen: from classic roasted potatoes, to buttered potatoes, up to the unmissable bag-style french fries, they are always a safe bet when you want to bring something simple but tasty to the table.
Among the many preparations, air fryer potatoes are gaining more and more space, because they allow you to get a crispy result using very little oil. Often, however, people think that to get potatoes that golden you need frozen ones, but with the right tricks you can get great results even starting from fresh potatoes.
I actually prepare these potatoes using only real potatoes, more genuine and flavorful, for a result that is crispy outside and soft inside, without the need to deep-fry in oil. If you’re looking for other light ideas for making fries, try Microwave French Fries.
If you love potato dishes and are always looking for practical and quick ideas, this is one of the recipes to try: few ingredients, a few steps and a side dish that everyone agrees on.
Today I show you how I make crispy air fryer potatoes, perfect to accompany meat mains or fish mains, or simply to enjoy as they are, just made and with a bit of homemade pasteurized-egg mayonnaise. Before heading to the stove, I remind you that if you want to stay updated on all my recipes you can follow my Facebook page (here) and my Instagram profile (here).
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- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very affordable
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Cooking time: 20 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: Air frying
- Cuisine: Italian
Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes with Real (Not Frozen) Potatoes
- 1 lb 5 oz potatoes
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pinch salt
Tools to Make Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes with Real (Not Frozen) Potatoes
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Knife
Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes with Real (Not Frozen) Potatoes
There are no complicated rules to follow to prepare delicious fresh potatoes in the air fryer: the process is simple, but there are a few key tips to respect.
The air fryer basket always has a maximum capacity for food, and it’s important not to exceed it. In my fryer, for example, I cook about 1 lb 5 oz of potatoes (both fresh and frozen) and I always stick to that amount or slightly more.
It might seem that increasing the amount helps you finish faster, but in reality the opposite happens: if the basket is too full, the air doesn’t circulate well and the potatoes end up moist, not very crispy and with longer cooking times.
Start by washing and peeling the potatoes, cut them into sticks, rinse them again under running water to remove excess starch and dry them very well.
Gather them in a bowl, season with a drizzle of oil and, if you like, add spices. Mix well to distribute evenly and arrange them in the basket without overlapping too much.
Start cooking: generally for about 1 lb 5 oz around 16 minutes are enough, but I prefer to cook them for 20 minutes because I cut them slightly larger. During cooking, from time to time, I pull out the basket and shake it to mix them.
Once ready, remove them from the fryer, season with salt and serve immediately, while they are still hot, golden and crispy.
As with traditional frying, these potatoes tend to lose crispiness once cooled, so it is always better to prepare only the amount needed and enjoy them right away.
Air fryer potatoes are best right after cooking, when they are still hot, golden and crispy.
If they cool down, they tend to lose crispiness and become softer, just like traditional french fries. For this reason it’s always advisable to prepare only the necessary amount.
If you have leftovers, you can store them for a few hours, but the result will not be the same: to restore some crispiness you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes.
To get truly crispy potatoes it’s important not to overfill the basket, to dry them well before cooking and to stir them during cooking for even browning.
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Your Questions
Why don’t air fryer potatoes get crispy?
Usually because they are too wet or the basket is too full. It’s important to dry them well after rinsing and not to overlap them too much during cooking.
Do I need to add oil?
Yes, even if only a small amount. A drizzle of oil helps achieve more even browning and makes the potatoes crispier.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen ones?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to use fresh potatoes. With the right tricks they become crispy outside and soft inside, just like frozen fries.
Can they be prepared in advance?
No, it’s better to cook and eat them immediately. When they cool they lose crispiness and become softer.
How long do potatoes cook in the air fryer?
It depends on the size of the cut, but generally for about 1 lb 5 oz it takes from 16 to 20 minutes, stirring them halfway through cooking.
