Crispy Air-Fryer Baby Potatoes

These crispy air-fryer baby potatoes turn golden and crunchy on the outside while staying fluffy inside. Ready in about 20 to 25 minutes, they’re an easy, flavorful side dish made with simple pantry seasonings.

🍠 The Ingredients

This recipe uses simple pantry staples to give the baby potatoes a savory, smoky coating and crisp, golden edges. Find ingredient notes (including substitutions and variations) below.

📝 Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Baby potatoes: Red, yellow, or mixed baby potatoes all work. Halve smaller potatoes and quarter larger ones, so they cook evenly.
• Olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and encourages browning. Avocado oil or another neutral, high-heat cooking oil can be used instead.
• Kosher salt: Use fine salt if that’s what you have, but start with a little less and adjust to taste.
• Garlic powder: Adds savory flavor without burning as fresh garlic might. Onion powder is a nice addition or alternative.
• Smoked paprika: Gives the potatoes a warm, smoky flavor. Use sweet paprika for a milder taste, or add a pinch of cayenne for heat.
• Black pepper: Adjust to taste, or leave it out if you prefer a milder side dish.
• Parmesan (optional): Sprinkle it on after cooking for a salty, savory finish. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy-style flavor without dairy, or you can omit it.
• Italian Parsley (optional): Adds a fresh finish. Chives or green onions also work well, or skip the herbs.

🔥 Tips and Tricks for Perfect Air-Fryer Potatoes

• Dry the potatoes well: Excess moisture can prevent them from browning and crisping.
• Cut them evenly: Halve small potatoes and quarter larger ones so the pieces finish cooking at about the same time.
• Place cut sides down: Starting cut-side down helps the flat sides develop a golden crust.
• Shake halfway through: Toss or shake the basket midway through cooking for more even browning.
• Check for doneness: Air fryers vary, so begin checking around 18 minutes. The potatoes should be browned outside and easily pierced with a fork.
• Season while hot: Taste after cooking and add a little extra salt or seasoning if needed.
• Add delicate toppings at the end: Sprinkle Parmesan and fresh herbs over the potatoes after air-frying so they don’t burn.

👩🏼‍🍳 How to Make Crispy Air-Fryer Baby Potatoes

1. Step 1: Wash the potatoes and thoroughly dry them. Slice them in half, and quarter any large potatoes.

2. Step 2: Place the potatoes in a bowl and toss them with the oil.

3. Step 3: Whisk the paprika together with the garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

4. Step 4: Add the seasonings and toss to completely coat.

5. Step 5: Preheat your air-fryer to 400°F. Add the potatoes and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, until browned and crispy, shaking them halfway through.

6. Step 6: Place them in a bowl and immediately hit them with a healthy pinch of sea salt, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped Italian parsley.

🍽️ How to Serve

• As a side dish: Pair with roast chicken, grilled steak, baked tilapia with lemon sauce, or best-ever cheeseburgers.
• With breakfast: Serve alongside fluffy scrambled eggs, savory French crepes, or homemade breakfast sandwiches.
• With a dip: Offer homemade ranch, zesty tzatziki sauce, or easy homemade hummus.
• As a loaded potato bite: Top with a little sour cream, shredded cheese, and sliced green onions.
• Alongside vegetables: Add them to a plate with roasted Mediterranean veggies, Southern-style green beans, or a French bistro-style crisp salad.

🙋🏽‍♂️ Frequently Asked Questions

😋 More Classic Potato Side Dish Recipes

Ready to make the best (and crispiest) potatoes in town? Go for it!

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