Air Fryer Best Crispy Roast Potatoes are the ultimate solution to getting perfectly golden, crispy potatoes without the hassle of deep frying or heating up the oven for a long cook. The air fryer’s rapid air circulation creates the ideal environment for roasting potatoes to crispy perfection, with a tender and fluffy interior. These potatoes are perfectly seasoned, golden brown, and crispy on the outside, yet soft and pillowy on the inside. Whether you’re making them as a side dish for a family dinner, a quick snack, or even for meal prep, air fryer roast potatoes are sure to impress.
One of the key benefits of Air Fryer Crispy Roast Potatoes is the reduced cooking time compared to traditional oven roasting. Typically, roasting potatoes in the oven can take up to 45 minutes to an hour, but the air fryer cuts that time down to 25-30 minutes. The result is the same crispy, golden exterior with a soft, fluffy interior, but much faster. Using the air fryer also means you need less oil, making these roast potatoes a healthier option than their deep-fried counterparts, while still delivering the satisfying crunch we all crave.
Air Fryer Best Crispy Roast Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized potatoes (such as russet or Yukon Gold)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (for extra flavor)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Potatoes: Peel the potatoes if desired (skin on adds extra crispiness) and cut them into even-sized cubes or wedges. Try to keep the pieces uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch, which helps with crisping. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any moisture.
- Season the Potatoes: Place the potatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, and toss to coat evenly. Add the garlic powder, rosemary (or thyme), salt, and pepper, and toss again until the potatoes are well-seasoned. If you like a little smoky flavor, sprinkle in some smoked paprika.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This step helps the potatoes cook evenly and crisps up the exterior.
- Cook the Potatoes: Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry the potatoes for 25-30 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping. The potatoes are done when they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside, and soft and tender on the inside. You can check the tenderness by inserting a fork into a piece—if it goes through easily, the potatoes are ready.
- Serve: Once the potatoes are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor, if desired. Serve immediately while they’re still hot and crispy.
Nutrition Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Net Carbs: 19g
- Protein: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- WW Points: 4 SmartPoints per serving (without additional toppings)
Why Air Fryer Crispy Roast Potatoes Work So Well:
- Crispy Perfection Every Time: The air fryer’s circulating hot air works wonders for crisping up potatoes. It creates that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the interior fluffy and tender. Whether you’re making wedges, cubes, or traditional roast potatoes, the air fryer guarantees a crispy result without the need for excessive oil.
- Fast and Easy: Traditional roasted potatoes can take 45 minutes or more in the oven, but the air fryer does the job in about 30 minutes or less. It’s a great solution when you need crispy roast potatoes on the table quickly, especially for busy weeknights or when you’re preparing other dishes simultaneously.
- Healthier: Using the air fryer to cook crispy roast potatoes requires much less oil than traditional roasting or deep frying. You can still get the delicious crispy exterior with just a small amount of olive oil, making it a healthier option for those looking to cut back on calories or fat.
- Versatile and Customizable: These roast potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be customized with your favorite herbs and spices. If rosemary isn’t your thing, try thyme, oregano, or a bit of cumin for a different flavor. You can also experiment with toppings—grated Parmesan, chopped garlic, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
- Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers: Not only are these Air Fryer Crispy Roast Potatoes perfect for a quick side dish, but they also make for great leftovers. Store any extra potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispiness, making them just as good as when they were first cooked.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Overcrowd: For the crispiest results, it’s important not to overcrowd the basket. The potatoes need space for the air to circulate around them to achieve that crispy texture. If you’re making a large batch, it’s better to cook in batches.
- Dry the Potatoes Thoroughly: After washing and cutting the potatoes, make sure to dry them as much as possible. Excess moisture will prevent them from crisping up and can result in soggy potatoes.
- Flip Halfway Through: Shake the basket or flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking process to ensure they cook evenly on all sides. This will help them develop that golden brown crust all over.
- Use High-Starch Potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for crispy roast potatoes because they have a higher starch content, which leads to a fluffier interior. Yukon Golds can also work well, offering a creamier texture.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to adjust the seasonings based on your preferences. Try adding a bit of onion powder, chili flakes for heat, or Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of cooking for a savory finish.
