Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes

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Total Time 25 minutes

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This easy Air Fryer Potatoes recipe makes crispy baby potatoes with garlic and herbs in under 20 minutes. A quick, no-oven side dish with golden edges and fluffy centers.

Try more delicious air fryer recipes like my Air Fryer Skinless Boneless Chicken Thighs, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes, Air Fryer Butternut Squash, Air Fryer Chicken Breast, and Air Fryer Salmon.

Bowl full of crispy potatoes with serving spoon

Why This Recipe Works

Easy – Making air fryer fried potatoes is super easy! All you have to do is cut your potatoes, coat them in olive oil and seasonings, and pop them into the air fryer basket. Turn the fryer on, let them roast a bit, pull the tray out, shake them around, and let them cook until you get the perfect crispiness. So easy!

Any potatoes – I like to use baby gold potatoes in the air fryer, but you can use any potatoes you like or have on hand. I do recommend cutting them down to 1-inch pieces though, no matter which potato you choose. That way, they will all cook evenly.

Make in batches – I don’t know about you, but I like to eat my potatoes and fries nice and hot and crispy, right out of the fryer. Because the air fryer baskets aren’t generally super huge, I find it helpful to cook in batches when I’m making a lot of air fryer potatoes. That way, we can eat the first round right out of the fryer and then put in more air fryer potatoes that will be ready when everyone’s ready for seconds.

Simple ingredients – Not only are these air fryer fried potatoes easy to make, but they are also simple to make too. No fancy ingredients – just potatoes, olive oil, and simple spices you probably have in your spice drawer.

Why This Air Fryer Potatoes Recipe Is Better Than Oven Roasting

Easy – Making this air fryer potatoes recipe is super easy! All you have to do is cut your potatoes, coat them in olive oil and seasonings, and pop them into the air fryer basket. Turn the fryer on, let them roast a bit, pull the tray out, shake them around, and let them cook until you get the perfect crispiness. So easy!

Any potatoes – I like to use baby gold potatoes in this recipe for easy air fryer potatoes, but you can use any potatoes you like or have on hand. I do recommend cutting them down to 1-inch pieces though, no matter which potato you choose. That way, they will all cook evenly.

Make in batches – I don’t know about you, but I like to eat my air fryer roasted potatoes nice and hot and crispy. Because the air fryer baskets aren’t generally super huge, I find it helpful to cook in batches when I’m making a lot of air fryer potatoes. That way, we can eat the first round right out of the fryer and then put in more air fryer potatoes that will be ready when everyone’s ready for seconds.

Simple ingredients – Not only are these crispy air fryer potatoes easy to make, but they are also simple to make too. No fancy ingredients – just potatoes, olive oil, and simple spices you probably have in your spice drawer.

Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes 

Ingredients for air fryer potatoes recipe.

Baby Gold Potatoes — I mentioned above you can use any potatoes you like in this recipe but I think the best is when you make this air fryer baby potatoes recipe with the gold baby potato variety. They are small enough to easily cut into 1-inch pieces and cook up relatively fast (and crispy!) in the air fryer. 

Olive Oil — Just a little bit of EVOO is all that’s needed in these air fryer potatoes with garlic and herbs. In a pinch you can also use vegetable or canola oil.

Salt, Cracked Black Pepper and Garlic Powder — Add to taste.

Italian Seasoning or Herbs De Provence — I like to add a dash of Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence to liven up the herby flavor of these potatoes. You can also just stick with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if you prefer.

Parmesan Cheese — Grated parmesan cheese works well on these potatoes so that every little bite has some cheesy goodness baked into it. For extra deliciousness, freshly grate the parm.

How to Make Easy Air Fryer Potatoes

Making air fryer fried potatoes really couldn’t be any easier!

  1. First, cut the potatoes in half or into 1-inch pieces, then toss them into a bowl with olive oil to coat.
  2. Next, season the potatoes with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese and give it all a good stir to combine. 
  3. Now, pour the potatoes into a greased air fryer basket. 
  4. Set the air fryer to 400 degrees for 10 minutes. At the 10-minute mark, give the potatoes a stir, and then cook them for another 8-10 minutes or so longer, depending on how crispy you like them.
  5. Pour the fries out of the basket or take them out with tongs onto a plate. Garnish the air fryer potatoes with fresh herbs (if desired) and serve.
Two steps of air frying potatoes

How to Make Air Fryer Potatoes Extra Crispy

To make these potatoes extra crispy, ensure the following: 

  • Do not overcrowd the basket. Be sure air can flow around the sides of the potatoes for maximum crispiness. 
  • Don’t skimp on the oil. If one tablespoon doesn’t seem to be enough to coat the potatoes, try two tablespoons. Do measure and mix between each add of oil though — you don’t want too much oil on the potatoes or they will be soggy. 
  • If the potatoes seem extra moist or you have them waiting in cold water in the fridge, be sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly before adding oil and seasonings. You can do this with kitchen or paper towels. 
  • Once you’ve made these potatoes following the directions and you still don’t feel like they’re crispy enough, turn the heat up on the fryer a little bit for a high heat finish for another 2 minutes. 

Garlic and Herb Variation

Are you a garlic lover like I am and need a little more than the garlic powder? With just a couple tweeks, you can make a recipe for easy air fryer potatoes with garlic and herbs. 

One option is to add a tablespoon (or more) of minced garlic (in addition to the garlic powder) to the Italian seasoning mix before frying. 

You could also add only minced garlic (fresh or jarred), as much as you like, along with freshly chopped herbs, salt and pepper to the potatoes before frying.

FAQs

How Long to Air Fry Potatoes?

Not sure how long to air fry potatoes? I cook these air fryer potatoes at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes, flipping them around at the halfway mark.
If your potatoes are cut thinner, you’ll need less time. Thicker, you’ll need more time. If you’re not sure if they’re done, stick a knife or fork in the middle of one of them. If it goes in easily, then they’re done.

Should You Boil Potatoes for Air Frying?

I almost never do, I find the extra step and preparation time not worth it. But, some people prefer to boil them for a bit before air frying them. To do this, cut the potatoes first, then add them to a pot of boiling, salted water. Boil them only a few minutes – until they are about halfway cooked through.
Then, carefully remove them from the boiling water with a slotted spoon onto paper towels or a dish towel. Allow to cool slightly and pat dry.
From there, add the seasonings and put them in the air fryer for about 5 minutes each side at 400 degrees.

Why Aren’t My Air Fryer Potatoes Crispy?

Isn’t it just the worst when your air fryer potatoes come out soggy? The most likely cause is that the basket is too full. If you put too many potatoes into the basket, the hot air cannot get around all sides of the potato to crisp them up. Always add the potatoes in one layer and be sure to shake at the halfway mark. Depending on how big or small your air fryer basket is, you may have to cook these in batches to solve this problem.

Can I Use Russet or Yukon Gold Potatoes Instead?

I prefer baby gold potatoes because they are soft and cook up easily but you can totally use russet or Yukon gold potatoes instead. Just be sure to slice them uniformly and don’t overcrowd the basket for even cooking.

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

These fries only stay truly crispy for a limited time. They are best served right out of the fryer. If you need to work ahead of time, cut the potatoes up and store them in a bowl of cold water in the fridge until they are ready to be fried (up to 24 hours). Drain the potatoes and pat them dry before seasoning and frying up. (The extra water on the potatoes will most likely require a minute or two more of fry time.)

Air fryer potatoes in air fryer after being cooked

Expert Tips

  • For the parmesan cheese, you know normally I would totally say grate your own because it melts and tastes better in lots of casseroles and dishes. However, for these crispy potatoes, I like to use the pre-grated cheese that comes in a shaker can – it works totally fine!
  • Air fryer potatoes will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. I don’t recommend freezing them, as they will be soggy and mushy after thawing.
  • There’s no need to preheat the air fryer before adding the potatoes. The air fryer will heat up quickly.
  • I recommend reading the owner’s manual to find out how best to clean your air fryer. I wash mine by hand.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Potatoes

I make these potatoes often as a side. Some of these recipes are my favorite combos with these potatoes. 

(If you prefer to cook potatoes in the oven, try my recipe for 3 Ingredient Oven Roasted Potatoes.)

Air fryer potatoes in a bowl with serving spoon

More Potato Recipes

When you make this recipe, snap a photo and tag me on social – I love connecting with you and seeing what you’re up to in the kitchen!

bowl full of crispy potatoes with serving spoon
4.95 from 119 votes

Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes

This easy Air Fryer Potatoes recipe makes crispy baby potatoes with garlic and herbs in under 20 minutes. A quick, no-oven side dish with golden edges and fluffy centers.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
0 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
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Ingredients 

  • 1 pound baby gold potatoes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon cracked black pepper, or 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or Herbs de Provence
  • cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions 

  • Cut potatoes in half or into 1-inch pieces. Toss with olive oil to coat.
  • Season potatoes with salt, pepper, Italian sasoning, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese, stirring to coat well.
  • Transfer potatoes to a greased air fryer basket.
  • Set to 400 degrees for 10 minutes. Give potatoes a stir, then cook for 8-10 minutes longer depending on how crispy you like them.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve.

Notes

Parmesan cheese: normally I am an advocate for grating your own cheese because it is so much better for melting, but for these crispy potatoes I like to use the pre-grated cheese that comes in a shaker can (just go with it.)

Nutrition

Calories: 156kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 7mg | Sodium: 444mg | Potassium: 502mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 74IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 88mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Tiffany of Creme de la Crumb in the kitchen

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Hey there, I’m Tiffany – chef, photographer, mother, and avid taco eater. I am passionate about turning simple flavors and ingredients into tasty meals the whole family will love, with minimal prep and cleanup so there’s more time to spend eating and enjoying. Stay awhile, and help yourself to a taco or two!

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4.95 from 119 votes (100 ratings without comment)

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26 Comments

  1. Lester says:

    4 stars
    Always my go to, everyone loves them!

  2. Kim K says:

    5 stars
    These were incredible. Don’t skip the soaking, even for a half hour. It made such a difference. Crispy on outside and soft inside. The Parmesan was such a wonderful bonus.

    1. Jill says:

      What do you mean soaking?

  3. Susie says:

    5 stars
    We just got our Dash Tasti-Crisp Air Fryer today and this was the first recipe we tried. Thank you for your explanation about the Mallard reaction. It makes total sense. The potatoes came out very crispy with just the slightest bit of oil tossed with the potatoes. And very quick. Super delicious highly recommend.

  4. Karen says:

    5 stars
    These were fantastic! At the halfway point, I added in some chopped sweet peppers and a half of a red onion (chopped). Super delicious and a great side dish. I have a Dual Blaze air Fryer.

  5. Tyanne says:

    5 stars
    Best parmesan potatoes I’ve ever had!

  6. Lynn from Chicago says:

    5 stars
    These were absolutely delicious & truly quick & easy! I measured everything with my heart. Lol and I’m obsessed.

    1. Tiffany says:

      Lol I’m happy you enjoyed this recipe 🙂

  7. Enrique Urdaneta says:

    5 stars
    Best air fryer potatoes ever!!

  8. Kelly says:

    5 stars
    These were delectable and extremely easy. I actually made mine with fresh parmesan because I was out of the prepared kind, and they still came out amazingly.

  9. Starmaker says:

    5 stars
    These were some of the best air fryer potatoes I have had. I have already told others about it and where to find your recipes!

    1. Tiffany says:

      Thank you so much! 🙂 So glad you enjoyed them!