Crispy and Light Air Fryer Potatoes: The Quick Recipe
Who doesn’t love oven-baked potatoes?
That aroma that spreads throughout the house, their irresistible crispness on the outside and softness on the inside… but they often take time, mess up the oven and, let’s face it, they’re not exactly an example of lightness.
If you’re looking for a solution to enjoy perfect, crispy, golden potatoes, but with less fat and in less time, I have news that will make your day: the air fryer is the answer to all your desires!
This air fryer potato recipe is a real game changer.
It allows you to get a simple, light, and incredibly tasty side dish in less than 20 minutes.
The secret is cooking them with just one tablespoon of oil, which, thanks to the hot air flow, is enough to make them golden and crispy on the outside, while keeping the inside soft and tender.
The result is a side dish that rivals fried or oven-baked ones, but with a fraction of the fat and time.
Perfect for accompanying a meat or fish main course, these potatoes are so good you might even serve them as a tasty appetizer.
The preparation is very simple: after a brief soak to remove starch, just season them with your favorite aromas, a splash of oil, and you’re done!
Forget long cooking times and fried smells: with the air fryer, potatoes become a healthy and super quick pleasure.
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very cheap
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: Air frying
- Cuisine: Italian
- Energy 116.40 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 21.89 (g) of which sugars 1.03 (g)
- Proteins 2.57 (g)
- Fat 2.45 (g) of which saturated 0.36 (g)of which unsaturated 0.06 (g)
- Fibers 2.63 (g)
- Sodium 104.70 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 125 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Air Fryer Potatoes Ingredients
- 1.1 lbs potatoes
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 sprig rosemary
- roast spices (blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder)
- 1 pinch sweet paprika (optional, for a touch of color)
- to taste salt
Tools
- Kitchen scale
- Small bowl
- Oil sprayer
- Air fryer
- Air fryer parchment paper
How to Prepare Potatoes in the Air Fryer
First, peel the potatoes and rinse them well. Cut them into wedges or cubes, trying to get pieces of the same size to ensure even cooking. Place the cut potatoes in a bowl with cold water for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial to removing excess starch, ensuring perfect crispness.
After soaking, drain the potatoes well and pat them dry with a clean cloth or kitchen paper. Transfer them to a large bowl and season them with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, rosemary, and your preferred spices. Mix well with your hands to distribute the seasoning on each potato piece.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Spread the potatoes in the basket in a single layer, without overcrowding them. Cook for 15-20 minutes. Halfway through, shake the basket or stir the potatoes to brown them evenly on all sides. For an extra touch of flavor, you can sprinkle the potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese.
Once cooked, the potatoes will have a golden color and a crispy texture on the outside and soft on the inside. Serve immediately, perhaps with a pinch of flake salt, and enjoy your perfect side dish!
INGREDIENT NOTES AND SUBSTITUTIONS
Potatoes: All varieties work well, but yellow or red potatoes tend to hold their shape better and become crispier.
Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is ideal for flavor and health. If you prefer, you can use sunflower seed oil, but the flavor will be less intense. The important thing is not to overdo it with the quantity.
Aromas: This is the fun part! You can use rosemary, thyme, oregano, garlic powder, sweet or smoked paprika, curry, or a pre-made potato spice mix. Customize the recipe to your tastes.
Storage
Air fryer potatoes are perfect when freshly made. If there are leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. To reheat, put them back in the air fryer at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes. They’ll be crispy again!
Alternatives and Variations
Cheesy Potatoes: Add a handful of grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese in the last 5 minutes of cooking for an extra tasty touch.
Sweet Potatoes: Replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes. Cook them the same way, but slightly reduce the cooking time to 12-15 minutes, as they tend to cook faster.
Different Aromas: For a Mediterranean flavor, try a mix of oregano, parsley, and garlic. For an ethnic touch, use cumin, coriander, and turmeric.
Use and Pairings
These potatoes are the perfect side dish for a variety of main courses. They pair beautifully with a steak, grilled chicken breast, or salmon fillet. Their lightness makes them ideal for accompanying more substantial dishes without weighing them down.
Why the Air Fryer Makes a Difference
The air fryer is an appliance that revolutionizes cooking. It uses a high-speed hot air flow, similar to a convection oven but much more powerful and concentrated. This allows for “frying” foods with just one tablespoon of oil, creating the crispness and golden color we all love, but with 90% less fat than traditional frying. It’s the perfect compromise between taste and well-being.
What Potatoes to Use in the Air Fryer?
To achieve crispy outside and soft inside potatoes in the air fryer, the best choice is yellow potatoes. These potatoes, like Monalisa or Spunta, have a lower starch content compared to white potatoes and a more compact pulp, which remains firm during cooking and does not break down. This way, they will absorb less oil and develop a golden and irresistible crust, just as if they were fried.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
1. Do I absolutely need to soak them?
Yes, soaking is a crucial step. It allows you to remove excess starch from the potatoes, ensuring they become super crispy on the outside. If you skip this step, the result will be less satisfactory.
2. Can I cook the potatoes without oil?
It is possible, but a tablespoon of oil helps distribute the heat better, make the spices stick, and achieve the golden brown and crispiness that make the dish irresistible.
3. Can the potatoes be piled up in the basket?
No, this is one of the most common mistakes. If the potatoes are piled up, they will steam and become soggy. It is important to spread the pieces in a single layer to ensure that the hot air circulates evenly and makes them all crispy. If the fryer is small, cook them in batches.
