Learn how to make air fryer red potatoes using my QUICK and simple recipe. They’re crinkly and crisp on the outside yet buttery soft in the center. Ready in 15 minutes!
Need more air fryer potato recipes? Try my air fryer french fries, air fryer potato wedges, air fryer sweet potato fries, or air fryer home fries next!
I might lose some fans over this, but I think red potatoes are the superior potato.
For starters, they’re less starchy than russet potatoes but starchier than Yukon gold potatoes. This means they have the perfect bite that’s soft but not mushy. Plus, when you make air-fryer potatoes, they develop a gorgeous crinkly skin while maintaining their silky smooth interior.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- They’re actually healthy. Potatoes are a fantastic source of carbs, and when you air fry them, you skip most of the added fat from the oil.
- The simplest ingredient list. We’re talking potatoes, oil, and a couple of common herbs and spices.
- Yes, you can throw in other potatoes. I’m not gonna lie; if I have a handful of fingerling potatoes lying around my pantry, I’ll throw them in for good measure.
- The best texture. They’re firm on the outside, smooth on the inside, and perfectly fork tender.
Ingredients needed
- Red potatoes. Look for firm potatoes equal in size. They’ll need to be cleaned and cut in half. Discard any bruised or overly soft ones.
- Olive oil. This gives the skins a gorgeous color and helps them crisp up in the air fryer.
- Dried rosemary. My favorite herb to pair with potatoes. Dried oregano also works.
- Smoked paprika. For a touch of smokiness and sweetness.
- Salt and black pepper. To taste.
How to air fry red potatoes
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Prep the potatoes. Preheat the air fryer and toss the potatoes with the remaining ingredients in a large mixing bowl until fully coated.
Step 2- Air fry. Add the potatoes to the air fryer basket in a single layer and air fry until crisp.
Step 3- Finish and serve. Repeat cooking the potatoes in batches until they’re all cooked, then serve warm and enjoy!
Arman’s recipe tips
- If you use red baby potatoes, reduce the cooking time to 12-14 minutes.
- Work in batches if needed. This is my #1 tip for using the air fryer. To get the crispiest results, every piece should get plenty of heat access. This means NO overlapping!
- Want less clean-up? Line the basket with parchment paper or aluminum foil to catch the excess oil.
- Shake the basket often. So the potatoes flip and get equal heat access.
- Pierce them with a fork periodically. Everyone’s air fryers are different, so your cooking time may vary. I suggest checking them at the 10-minute mark and then every 3-4 minutes until they’re done.
Variations
- Swap the spices. Use a Cajun seasoning blend, lemon pepper, Italian seasonings, or even ranch seasoning to change the flavor.
- Cheese. Toss the potatoes in parmesan cheese before AND after baking for extra cheesy goodness.
- Garlic. Again, toss the potatoes in freshly minced garlic (or honestly, even garlic powder) before baking, and everyone will be dying to get the recipe.
- Spice it up. Add a pinch of chili powder or red pepper flakes.
- Garnish. Top the potatoes with fresh herbs, like fresh rosemary or basil.
Storage instructions
To store: Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
To freeze: Let the leftovers cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the air fryer, oven, or microwave until warm.
Frequently asked questions
Some prefer to soak potatoes to remove any excess starch and help them become more crispy. I don’t find this necessary, but it certainly doesn’t hurt. Make sure you dry them VERY well before adding them to the air fryer.
The potatoes are done when they’re fork-tender.
If your potatoes are hard, it’s likely because they weren’t cooked long enough or at a high enough temperature. Cook them around 375-415F for a minimum of 15 minutes, and shake the basket periodically.
More air fryer side dish recipes
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Preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F.
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In a large bowl, add the red potatoes, olive oil, dried Rosemary, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and mix until fully coated.
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Place a single layer of potatoes into the air fryer basket and air fry for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
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Repeat the process until all the potatoes are cooked.
TO FREEZE: Let the leftovers cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for 3 months.
TO REHEAT: Reheat leftovers in the air fryer, oven, or microwave until warm.
Serving: 1servingCalories: 192kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 4gFat: 7gSodium: 332mgPotassium: 1041mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 141IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 2mgNET CARBS: 28g
