These perfectly seasoned Extra Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes are golden and crisp on the outside with soft, fluffy insides. Made with potatoes, olive oil, and simple seasonings, they're an easy side dish that's ready in about 20 minutes.
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I've made these air fryer potatoes more times than I can count because they're one of the easiest side dishes when I don't want to turn on the oven. I usually use baby red potatoes, leave the skins on, and cut them into bite-size pieces so they cook evenly.
One thing I've learned is not to pull them just because they're fork-tender. If they're still pale, give them another few minutes. Those deeply golden edges are what give you the best crispy texture.
Serve them with Air Fryer Steak, Meal Prep Breakfast Burritos, or this Poor Man's Lobster Recipe.
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Quick Look: Air Fryer Crispy Potatoes
- Best Potatoes: I usually use baby red potatoes, but Yukon Gold and Russet potatoes also work.
- Temperature: 400°F.
- Cook Time: About 20 minutes, depending on the size of the potato pieces and your air fryer.
- No Need To: Peel, boil, or soak the potatoes first.
- For Crispy Edges: Dry the potatoes well and leave enough room in the basket for the hot air to circulate.
- How To Tell They're Done: Look for deeply golden, crisp edges and centers that are easily pierced with a fork.
Recipe Ingredients
- Potatoes: I usually use baby red potatoes for this recipe and leave the skins on. Baby Yukon Gold or yellow potatoes also work well. Russets will work too, but they have a thicker skin and a starchier, fluffier center, so the finished texture will be a little different.
- Olive oil: A light coating helps the potatoes brown and gives the seasonings something to stick to. Avocado oil also works.
- Seasoning: I use paprika, seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. It's a simple combination, but it gives the potatoes plenty of flavor without overpowering whatever you're serving them with. Feel free to use your favorite seasonings.
See the printable recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
How to Make Crispy Potatoes in Air Fryer
Step-by-Step Instructions
Before You Start: Prep Your Potatoes
- Step 1: Prepare potatoes. Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly, then cut them into evenly sized, bite-size pieces. I leave the skins on. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Step 2: Season. Add olive oil and seasonings to a large mixing bowl. Add the potato cubes and toss to coat the potatoes.
- Step 3: Air fry. Place seasoned potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket! Cook the potatoes in batches if you need to. Place the basket in the air fryer and air fry potatoes at 400°F for 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time.
Air fryers don't all cook at exactly the same rate, so start checking the potatoes toward the end of the cooking time. The size of your potato pieces will also affect how quickly they cook. The picture below was after 10 minutes of cooking when I shook the basket at the halfway point.
- Step 4: Check for doneness. The potatoes are ready when the edges are deeply golden and crisp and a fork slides easily into the center. If they're fork-tender but still pale, air fry for another 2-3 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed and garnish with fresh herbs.
Do You Need To Soak Potatoes Before Air Frying?
No. I've made these plenty of times without soaking and they still turn out crispy. If you want to soak them, place the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain and dry them really well before adding the oil and seasonings. For this recipe, I usually skip the extra step.
Tips For Crispy Potatoes
- Leave the skins on and cut the potatoes into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
- If you want SUPER crispy potatoes, soak the diced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes first. Drain well and pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel.
- Do not overcrowd the basket of the air fryer. There needs to be space around the potatoes so that they become crispy.
- For maximum crispiness, spray potatoes with cooking spray halfway through.
Variations
- Use cayenne pepper, chili powder, or Cajun seasoning for a spicier kick.
- Add oregano, thyme, dill weed, parsley, or fresh rosemary.
- Smoked paprika is fantastic if you have it.
- Toss with grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning.
- Place air-fried cooked potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, top them with shredded cheese, and pop them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy potatoes go perfectly with Pellet Smoked Hamburgers, Grilled Smash Burgers, Instant Pot BBQ Pork Ribs, or Classic Meatloaf With Brown Sugar Glaze.
They are also great as breakfast potatoes with Baked Overnight Eggnog French Toast Casserole, Crispy Buttermilk Belgian Waffles, Oven-Baked Omelet Casserole, Air Fryer Bacon, or Fluffy Banana Pancakes.
Storage + Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 400 degrees F for 3-4 minutes until hot and crispy.
Recipe FAQs
For the crispiest results, yes! Just like with an oven, preheating gives you an immediate sear when the potatoes are placed in the hot air fryer basket.
Yes! Roast at 425°F for 30-35 minutes, tossing halfway through.
About 30 minutes at 400°F. Check and shake halfway through, or follow my Crispy Oven Roasted Potatoes recipe.
You can, but I prefer cooking the potatoes directly in the basket so the circulating air can reach them easily. If you use parchment, use perforated air fryer parchment so it doesn't block the airflow.
Yes. Russets work well in the air fryer and give you a fluffier center than baby red or Yukon Gold potatoes. Leave the skin on or peel them, then cut them into evenly sized pieces.
More Favorite Air Fryer Recipes
If you like this air fryer potato recipe, check out my Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges, Curly Fries in Air Fryer, Frozen Waffle Fries in Air Fryer, and Air Fryer Frozen French Fries next.
Printable Recipe
Extra Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes (cut in 1 to 2-inch chunks, slices, wedges, or french fries)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon seasoning salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, seasoning salt, and black pepper. Add the diced potatoes and toss until well-coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F. Place seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- The potatoes are done when they are crispy and golden brown on the outside and tender when pierced with a fork. If you want them crispier, cook for an extra minute or two.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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Notes
- Leave the skins on and cut the potatoes into similar sizes so they cook evenly.
- If you want SUPER crispy potatoes, soak the diced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes first. Drain the potatoes well and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. There needs to be space around the potatoes so that they become crispy. Cook in batches.
- For maximum crispiness, spray the potatoes with cooking spray halfway through cooking.
Nutrition
The provided nutrition information is automatically calculated. Accuracy is not guaranteed.
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Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says
Why the foods we love the most have a warning sign all over them? SO not fair:)) These chips look amazing!!!
Jamie says
Love the seasoning on this!
Jeri says
I'm glad you like it, Jamie!
Pam Greer says
I Love how crispy these come out!
Amy Roskelley says
Yes! I love having sweet potato fries at breakfast too!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
It looks incredibly delicious. I wish this were in front of me.
Jeri says
Thank you! It's so easy to make!
Amy says
I just got an air fryer, I will be giving this a try!
Jeri says
That's great! I have been loving mine! Enjoy!
Sue says
What a delicious way to use my new air fryer!