Air-Frying Perfect Roasted Potatoes: Timing For Best Results

Air fryers have revolutionised the way we cook, and they are especially handy for making roast potatoes. The circulating air gives the potatoes an impeccable golden crust, and the insides are soft, tender, and flavourful. Using an air fryer also reduces the amount of oil required, making it a healthier option. So, how long do you need to air fry roast potatoes?

Air fryer roast potato recipes

Air-fried roast potatoes are a great, quick alternative to oven-roasted potatoes. They are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and use a fraction of the oil that you would normally use. Here are some tips and recipes to help you make the perfect air-fried roast potatoes.

Tips:

• You can use any type of potato, but Yukon Golds, red potatoes, and russet potatoes work particularly well.
• If you want to peel the potatoes, go for it! But leaving the peel on gives the potatoes a rustic look and means you get all the nutrients from the skin.
• Cut the potatoes into evenly-sized pieces, around 1-inch (2.5cm) cubes.
• If you are using starchy potatoes, soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes before roasting to remove excess starch. Then, be sure to pat them dry so they roast rather than steam.
• If you have time, preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes before adding the potatoes. This will make them crispier.
• To get an even crispier roast potato, toss them in a little flour before putting them in the fryer with the oil.
• Use a shallow tray insert in your air fryer basket so that the potatoes are in contact with the oil, creating a crispier roast potato.

Recipe 1:

• Ingredients: 1kg sebago potatoes, olive oil spray, and sea salt.
• Method: Peel and cut the potatoes into 4cm chunks. Rub them dry with a clean tea towel. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, spray with oil, and toss. Then, spray again and cook at 180°C for 15 minutes. Shake the basket, increase the heat to 200°C, and cook for another 10 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Season with salt and serve.

Recipe 2:

• Ingredients: 1kg Maris Piper potatoes, 1 tbsp sunflower or olive oil, and salt.
• Method: Cut the potatoes into evenly-sized pieces. Steam or simmer in a pan of boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain. Tip the potatoes into the air fryer, add the oil, and toss to ensure they are well-coated. Set the fryer to 190°C and cook for 30 minutes. Check the potatoes and cook for another 5-10 minutes if needed. Season and serve.

Recipe 3:

• Ingredients: 1 and 1/2 lbs potatoes, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp ground black pepper.
• Method: Cut the potatoes into 1-inch pieces. In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the potatoes are well coated. Place in the air fryer basket and roast at 380°F (195°C) for 10 minutes. Flip the potatoes and roast for another 10 minutes. Serve hot and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Recipe 4:

• Ingredients: 1 lb Yukon gold baby potatoes, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tbsp Italian seasoning, 3 cloves of garlic (minced), 1/4 cup shredded parmesan, and chopped parsley for garnish.
• Method: Cut the potatoes into 1-inch pieces. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the potatoes with the olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, pepper, and parmesan. Add to the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F for 10 minutes. Toss the potatoes and cook for another 8-10 minutes, or until tender and crisp. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Enjoy your crispy, golden, air-fried roast potatoes!

The best potatoes for roasting

When it comes to choosing the best potatoes for roasting, there are a few factors to consider. The ideal potato should strike a balance between being waxy and starchy. Waxy potatoes hold their shape well when roasted, but don't crisp up as easily, while starchy potatoes crisp up nicely but can lose their shape, resulting in a fluffed-up centre.

Yukon Gold Potatoes

The Yukon Gold potato is an excellent choice for roasting. Its thin skin allows it to cook through quickly, and it has just the right amount of waxiness to maintain its shape. Yukon Golds are known for their buttery, creamy centres, making them a popular option for roasting. They roast to a darker colour and have a deeper flavour due to their lower starch and higher sugar content.

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are another good option for roasting. They lean more towards the starchy end of the spectrum, resulting in a nice, crisp crust. However, the starchy flesh will fluff up when cooked, creating a less creamy texture than Yukon Golds. Russets are ideal for oven-baked fries as they can be easily sliced into wedges.

Red Potatoes

Red potatoes are more waxy with a smooth skin, allowing them to hold their shape when roasted. However, due to their low starch and high moisture content, they may take longer to crisp up. Red potatoes roast to a very dark colour because of their low starch content, but they tend to lose their crunch and become soft and tender.

Maris Piper Potatoes

Maris Piper potatoes are a popular choice for roasting, especially in the UK. They have a floury texture and a white colour, similar to russet potatoes.

King Edward Potatoes

King Edward potatoes are another variety recommended for roasting, known for their ability to produce crispy roast potatoes.

Other Varieties

Other potato varieties mentioned include Saxon, Arnold Bartlet Rooster, Cyprus, Spunta, and La Ratte potatoes, which can be found in specialty stores.

Size and Cooking Method

Regardless of the variety, size also plays a role in achieving crispy roast potatoes. For the best results, cut your potatoes into uniform, large chunks of at least 2 to 3 inches. Pre-boiling the potatoes for about 10 minutes can also help break down the exterior, leading to a crispier texture. The ideal roasting temperature is between 400 and 475 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to get the perfect crisp

To get the perfect crisp on your roast potatoes, there are several methods you can try. Firstly, it is important to note that the type of potato you use matters. Russet, Yukon Gold, and red potatoes are all suitable varieties for air frying, with each variety resulting in a slightly different texture and colour.

Pre-cooking methods

One pre-cooking method is to parboil the potatoes before placing them in the air fryer. This traditional method helps to create a thicker, crunchier skin. However, this recipe prioritises speed and simplicity, so parboiling is not necessary. If you do choose to parboil, peel and chop the potatoes, then boil them for 8-9 minutes until softened. Drain and shake to fluff up the edges, then add them to the air fryer with oil and follow the cooking instructions.

Another pre-cooking method is to steam the potatoes. Cut the potatoes into evenly-sized pieces and steam them in a steamer insert over a pan of boiling water for 5 minutes. Drain and tip the potatoes into the air fryer basket.

Oil

Using oil is essential to achieving the perfect crisp. It is recommended to use extra virgin olive oil or another neutral oil such as rapeseed, avocado, or sunflower oil. Drizzle or spray the potatoes with oil, ensuring they are well-coated. You can also add oil to the air fryer basket or tray to ensure the potatoes are sitting in hot fat, which will result in a thicker, crunchier skin.

Seasoning

Seasoning is also key to enhancing the crispiness of your roast potatoes. You can use a variety of seasonings such as salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or a blend of spices like Cajun or Mexican spices. Toss the potatoes with the seasonings in a bowl before placing them in the air fryer.

Cooking instructions

Preheat your air fryer for 5 minutes to achieve maximum crispiness. Then, cook the potatoes at a temperature between 180°C and 200°C for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the potatoes halfway through. For crispier potatoes, increase the heat to 200°C and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Other tips

• Cut the potatoes into evenly-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Wash the potatoes thoroughly if you are leaving the skins on.
• Use a spatula or spoon to turn the potatoes, as shaking the basket may cause them to break.
• Read your air fryer's manual to understand the optimal temperatures and timings for your specific model.

How to cut potatoes for roasting

The first step to making roast potatoes in an air fryer is to cut your potatoes into the right shape and size. Here is a detailed guide on how to cut your potatoes to achieve the perfect roast potatoes:

Choose the Right Potato Variety

Before you start cutting, it's important to select the right type of potatoes. Floury or starchy potatoes, such as Yukon Golds, russets, Maris Piper, red-skinned Rooster potatoes, or sebago potatoes, are ideal for roasting. These varieties tend to have a lower water content and a higher starch content, resulting in a fluffier texture and crispier exterior when cooked.

Wash and Peel the Potatoes

Start by thoroughly washing the potatoes, especially if you plan to leave the skins on. You can choose to peel the potatoes for a more rustic look, or keep the skins on to retain more nutrients and add texture.

Cut into Evenly Sized Pieces

For even cooking and browning, it's crucial to cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces. Aim for a uniform size of about 1-inch (2.5 cm) cubes or chunks. This ensures that all the potatoes cook at a similar rate, resulting in a consistent texture and colour.

If you're using baby potatoes, simply cut them in half. For larger potatoes, cut them into the desired size. You can also poke holes in tiny baby potatoes with a fork to allow steam to escape during cooking.

Soaking (Optional)

If your potatoes are particularly starchy, you may want to soak them in cold water for 10-15 minutes before roasting. This step helps remove excess starch, ensuring that your potatoes roast instead of steam. After soaking, be sure to pat the potatoes dry before adding them to the air fryer.

Drizzle with Oil and Seasonings

After cutting the potatoes, it's time to add flavour! Drizzle them with olive oil, avocado oil, sunflower oil, or another neutral oil of your choice. Make sure the potatoes are well-coated, as this will help them crisp up and attain a golden colour during cooking.

You can also add various seasonings to enhance the flavour. Try Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, or a combination of your favourite herbs and spices. Toss the potatoes in a large bowl to ensure an even coating of oil and seasonings.

Now that your potatoes are cut and seasoned, they're ready to be placed in the air fryer! Follow the cooking instructions provided by your air fryer's manufacturer for the best results. Enjoy your perfectly cut and roasted potatoes!

How long to cook roast potatoes in an air fryer

Cooking roast potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to get delicious, crispy roasties with a fluffy centre—and you don't need to parboil them first! The length of time it takes to cook roast potatoes in an air fryer depends on the type of potato and the size of the pieces. Here is a guide to help you get perfect roast potatoes every time.

Preparation

First, peel and chop your potatoes into evenly-sized pieces. For baby potatoes, cut them in half. For larger potatoes, cut them into 1-inch pieces. Rinse the potatoes under cold water and pat them dry with a clean tea towel. Place the potatoes in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil and your choice of seasonings. Make sure the potatoes are well coated.

Cooking Time

For a standard air fryer, the cooking time is typically around 20 minutes. Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket and set the temperature to between 180-200°C. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the potatoes and cook for another 10 minutes. The potatoes are ready when they are fork-tender and crispy on the outside.

If you are using a Tefal ActiFry Genius XL 2-in-1 air fryer, set the fryer to cook at 190°C for 30 minutes using the paddle. Check the potatoes, then cook for another 5-10 minutes if they are not tender or brown enough.

Tips for Crispy Roast Potatoes

For extra crispy roast potatoes, you can soak starchy potatoes in cold water for 10-15 minutes before roasting to remove excess starch. Make sure to pat the potatoes dry before roasting, as they will steam instead of roast if they are wet.

You can also use a shallow tray insert in your air fryer basket to ensure the potatoes are in contact with the oil, creating a crispier result.

Frequently asked questions