Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
Dig into the satisfyingly crispy yet tender texture of air fryer baby potatoes! These bite-sized beauties are seasoned with aromatic herbs, like thyme and rosemary, and air-fried until golden brown.
These air fryer baby potatoes are ready in 20 minutes flat, making them the ideal side dish for any meal, from fancy occasions to weekday suppers. Check out my air fryer Brussels sprouts recipe for some more easy and delicious side dish inspiration!
Why I love this recipe
The air fryer is one of my favorite kitchen appliances for recipes like these air fryer baby potatoes. It not only frees up oven space for other dishes, but it also saves time! Plus, the results speak for themselves.
To be honest, I think the air fryer is even better than the oven, and I pretty much opt for it whenever possible. All you have to do is toss your mini spuds in a mix of olive oil and savory spices, then air-fry them until they’re perfectly crispy and fluffy.
Another benefit of the air fryer is that it helps you reduce your oil intake without compromising flavor. Plus, these potatoes are vegan and gluten-free, making them ideal for just about everyone!
Ingredient notes
You only need 7 ingredients to make the best air fryer baby potatoes. Find a full breakdown and suitable substitutes below!
Baby potatoes
Baby red or Yukon gold potatoes are my usual go-to varieties. I find they provide the creamiest, most buttery flavor and texture.
Substitute: Try any type of new potato, but note the cooking time will vary.
Garlic & onion
Both garlic and onion powder add a hearty, savory depth. Fresh garlic and onion can be used in a pinch, but their powdered forms coat the potatoes more evenly.
Dried herbs
Rosemary and thyme impart earthy, aromatic, slightly minty notes. Again, I prefer dried herbs for this recipe since they hold up better to roasting.
Substitute: Feel free to experiment with other dried herbs, such as oregano, sage, marjoram, dill, or parsley.
Fresh herbs
I use fresh parsley as a garnish to add a pop of color and freshness to the air fryer mini potatoes. Other fresh herbs, like chives, cilantro, or dill, are also delicious!
For a complete ingredient list and step-by-step guide, scroll down to the recipe card.
How to make
Learn the best way to make air fryer baby potatoes with my straightforward, easy-to-follow instructions. Look for the tips in green throughout this section for consistent and successful results!
Preparation
Step 1
To preheat or not to preheat? I’m always in the preheat camp! Depending on the brand and model, there may be a preheat button. If not, set the air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and turn it on for 3-5 minutes.
Letting your air fryer heat up results in much more consistent and even cooking results.
Step 2
In the meantime, wash and thoroughly dry the potatoes with a clean kitchen towel. Cut them in half so all pieces are roughly the same size. Add them to a mixing bowl with the olive oil and all the seasonings, tossing until they are evenly coated.
You want your potatoes to be quite dry to promote a crispy, golden-brown texture.
Cooking
Step 1
Transfer the potatoes to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry them for 15-20 minutes until golden brown, remembering to shake them at the halfway point. Some air fryers even have a reminder button for this.
Ensure the basket isnโt overcrowded, or the potatoes will steam instead of crisp. If necessary, you can cook them in batches.
Step 2
Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish. Before serving, garnish them with fresh chopped parsley or other herbs. Happy eating!
Expert tip
Achieving a perfectly crispy texture in your air fryer baby potatoes hinges on the potatoes being completely dry before cooking. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
Seriously though, any excess water on the surface of the potatoes can steam them inside the air fryer, leading to soggy results rather than that golden crunch.
After washing the potatoes, take the time to thoroughly dry each one with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. This extra step helps the olive oil and seasonings coat the potatoes evenly, promoting an even, crispy finish.
I also can’t stress the importance of not overcrowding the air fryer basket enough. Arranging the potatoes in a single layer allows hot air to circulate freely around each piece so they cook evenly and get nicely browned all over.
Serving suggestions
These air fryer baby potatoes make the perfect accompaniment to a variety of mains, such as cauliflower steaks, vegan meatloaf, vegan chicken, vegan stuffed portobello mushrooms, vegan meatballs, and vegan stuffed acorn squash.
I also love pairing them with lemon herb tahini, homemade hummus, baba ganoush, vegan chipotle sauce, adobo sauce, and vegan tzatziki for a burst of flavor.
Cooking tips
Cut to an even size: Ensure the potatoes are roughly the same size for even cooking. If necessary, cut larger ones into quarters.
Optimal temperature and timing: Keep a close eye on the potatoes, as cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of the potato pieces.
Check for doneness: The potatoes should be crispy and golden brown on the outside yet tender on the inside. Test one with a fork to double-check it’s softness.
Herb handling: If you’re using fresh herbs like parsley, add them after cooking so they remain vibrant and donโt wilt under the high heat of the air fryer.
Frequently asked questions
To make this recipe oil-free, replace the oil with lemon juice or vegetable broth to help the seasonings adhere. Just know that the potatoes wonโt turn out as crispy.
Yes, you can use frozen baby potatoes. Just extend the cooking time by a few minutes and ensure they are dry if they have frost on them.
The potatoes should be golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. A fork should easily pierce through them.
This could be due to excess moisture. Make sure the potatoes are dry and the air fryer isnโt overcrowded.
Storing & reheating
Your air fryer baby potatoes should be cooled before storing them to maintain their texture and prevent any steam buildup in the container.
Fridge
You can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The best container is a shallow one, as this allows the potatoes to cool quickly and evenly.
Freezer
You can also freeze the cooked and cooled potatoes. Spread them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container. They can be stored for up to 1 month.
Reheating
Reheat your potatoes in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 3-5 minutes until they are hot and crispy again, straight from the fridge or freezer.
More vegan side dishes
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Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 ยฝ pounds baby potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 380ยฐF for 3-5 minutes.
- In the meantime, wash and thoroughly dry the potatoes with a clean kitchen towel, then cut them in half so all pieces are roughly the same size.
- Add the potatoes to a large mixing bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss until they are evenly coated.
- Transfer the potatoes to the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. If necessary, cook them in batches.
- Air fry the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or other herbs before serving. Happy eating!
Notes
Nutrition
Note:ย Iโve updated this post to include new information and helpful tips about the recipe.
Justine Drosdovech is a food writer, photographer, and one of the founders of Broke Bank Vegan. She is a self-taught plant-based chef but uses her healthcare background to craft dishes that are both delicious and nourishing.