Air Fryer Roast Potatoes Recipe

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Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside—roast potatoes are one of those dishes that never fail to bring comfort and satisfaction to the table. Traditionally, they’re roasted in the oven with plenty of oil and patience, but the air fryer offers a modern twist that gives you the same golden perfection in a fraction of the time. With the right preparation, you’ll achieve crispy, seasoned potatoes that rival any oven-baked version. Let’s dive into how to make the best Air Fryer Roast Potatoes—crunchy, flavorful, and ready to serve in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds (about 700 g) potatoes (Yukon Gold, russet, or baby potatoes)

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)

  • ½ teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme (optional for flavor)

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

Step 1: Choose the Right Potatoes

For the crispiest air fryer roast potatoes, the type of potato you use matters. Yukon Gold or baby potatoes work wonderfully because they have a creamy, buttery interior and hold their shape well. Russet potatoes are another great option if you love that extra-crispy texture; they fluff up beautifully inside once cooked. Avoid waxy potatoes like red potatoes, which tend to stay firm and don’t crisp up as much.

Step 2: Wash, Peel, and Cut

Wash your potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt, then decide whether to peel them. Keeping the skin on adds extra texture and flavor, but if you prefer a smoother bite, peeling is fine.

Cut the potatoes into 1-inch cubes or wedges—small enough to cook evenly in the air fryer but large enough to maintain a fluffy interior. Try to make all the pieces roughly the same size to ensure they roast uniformly.

Step 3: Parboil for Perfect Texture (Optional but Recommended)

This extra step makes a big difference! Boil a pot of salted water and add your cut potatoes. Parboil for 5 to 7 minutes, just until they’re slightly tender when poked with a fork but not fully cooked. Drain the potatoes well and let them sit for a few minutes to steam dry.

Once dry, shake them gently in the colander to rough up the edges—this creates those uneven surfaces that turn beautifully crispy in the air fryer.

Step 4: Season and Toss

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and herbs of your choice. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Add the parboiled potatoes and toss well until every piece is evenly coated in the seasoning mix. The light layer of oil helps the air fryer achieve that golden crispness, while the spices give a deliciously savory flavor.

Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes.

Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket—air needs to circulate around each piece to crisp them properly. If you’re making a large batch, cook in two rounds.

Air fry the potatoes for 18–22 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. Depending on the air fryer model and the size of your potato chunks, you may need a few extra minutes for maximum crispiness.

You’ll know they’re done when they’re beautifully golden, with a crunchy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, transfer the roast potatoes to a serving bowl and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—sometimes a final pinch of salt makes all the difference.

These air fryer roast potatoes are best served hot and crisp, straight from the fryer. Pair them with your favorite roast meats, grilled chicken, or even serve them as a hearty snack with ketchup, garlic aioli, or sour cream.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Roast Potatoes

  1. Don’t skip drying the potatoes: Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Let the potatoes steam dry after boiling before seasoning.

  2. Use the right oil: Olive oil adds flavor, but avocado or canola oil also works well for high-heat cooking.

  3. Shake halfway: This helps all sides get evenly browned and crispy.

  4. Adjust seasonings: You can easily change the flavor profile—try Cajun spice, Italian herbs, or lemon pepper for variety.

  5. Reheat like new: To revive leftover roast potatoes, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4–5 minutes. They’ll regain their crisp texture instantly.

Variations

  • Garlic Parmesan Roast Potatoes: After air frying, toss the hot potatoes with grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic for a rich, cheesy finish.

  • Spicy Version: Add chili powder or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a fiery twist.

  • Herb Lovers’ Mix: Combine rosemary, thyme, and oregano for a fragrant, earthy flavor.

  • Loaded Roast Potatoes: Top with melted cheddar, crispy bacon bits, and sour cream for a loaded potato-style treat.

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