Air Fryer Baby Potatoes - Easy Side Dish Recipe

Last updated on November 15th, 2023 at 12:12 am

The humble yet mighty baby potatoes! If you're ready for a side dish that's as easy as it is delicious, you've come to the right place. Air Fryer Baby Potatoes complement any recipe and are ready in 25 minutes. With the help of the air fryer, we will transform these little potatoes into crispy golden nuggets of delight with very little preparation and a few simple ingredients. Air fryers have taken the culinary world by storm and for a good reason! The crispiness, speed, and mouthwatering results are a kitchen gadget game-changer. And what better way to showcase its skills than with an easy yet tasty recipe for air fryer baby potatoes? Let's get started!

These crispy baby potatoes were inspired by my Air Fry Range Homemade French Fries and Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes, which are the perfect weeknight recipe that pairs perfectly with BBQ Flanken-Cut Beef Short Ribs, Air Fryer Whole Chicken or Instant Pot Cajun Turkey Breast and compliments Air Fryer Broccoli and Instant Pot Corn on the Cob Perfectly. 

Ingredients

• Baby potatoes - any variety of baby red potatoes, baby gold potatoes, or a medley.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Granulated Garlic or Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Dried Parsley
• Sea Salt
• Black Pepper

Preparation

Cut each potato in half and place them in a large bowl with cold water. Soak potatoes for about 10 minutes to remove some of the starch from the potatoes. Drain the potatoes and pat them dry or lay them out on paper towels to dry. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. In a small bowl or mason jar combine the seasonings and stir to combine. Sprinkle the spice blend over the potatoes and toss again to evenly coat the potatoes.

Where To Buy

Baby potatoes also go by little potatoes or petite potatoes can be found at various locations, both online and in physical stores. Here are some common places where you can find baby potatoes:

1. Grocery Stores: Most well-stocked grocery stores carry baby potatoes. They are often available in the produce section, typically near the regular-sized potatoes.
2. Farmers' Markets: Local farmers' markets or farm stands are excellent places to find fresh, locally grown baby potatoes. The availability may depend on the season and the region.
3. Specialty Food Stores: Stores that specialize in organic or specialty foods may offer a selection of baby potatoes, including different varieties and colors.
4. Online Retailers: Many online grocery retailers and specialty food websites offer the convenience of ordering baby potatoes online. Websites like Amazon, Instacart, or specialty food stores can deliver them to your doorstep.
5. Wholesale Clubs: Stores like Costco or Sam's Club often sell baby potatoes in bulk quantities, which can be convenient if you're planning to use them for large gatherings or meal prepping.

Counter Top Air Fryer

For this easy recipe, I'll be using the Instant Pot Vortex Air Fryer. 

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350° 
2. Spread the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
3.  Set the cooking time, and let the air fryer work its crispy magic. 
4. Remember to give them a shake halfway through for even cooking. 
5. If needed increase or decrease the cooking time to achieve crispy air fryer potatoes.

Air Fry Range Instructions

In a full-size oven or larger air fryers, the cooking time and temperature may differ from the smaller countertop appliance due to the size of the appliance. The quickest way to air fry for a larger group or holiday meal without the hassle of air frying multiple batches is by using the full-size air fry range.

Select the air fry function and set the temperature to 350° allowing the range to preheat for about 5 minutes.

Follow the same directions for preparing the potatoes, wash, dry, coat with EVOO and season the potatoes.

Place the seasoned potatoes in the basket of your air fryer, on the air fry tray, or on a baking sheet in a single layer.

On the oven rack directly below place a sheet pan lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil to prevent any crumbs or oil from dripping onto the bottom of the oven if using an air fry basket.

Air fry for 20-25 minutes turning or flipping halfway through the cooking time.

At about 20 minutes check the potatoes and continue to air fry for 5 more minutes if needed to achieve the perfect crispy golden color and texture.

Checking for Doneness

Depending on the size of your potatoes some make take a bit longer than others. To check if they are done look for the exterior to have a crispy skin and the inside should be fork tender.

Serving

Serve these seasoned air-fried potatoes as the perfect side dish to grilled meats, a hearty addition to salads, or a delightful standalone snack. The crispy exterior and tender interior, coupled with the explosion of flavors from the seasonings, ensure each bite is flavorful and crispy. So, whether it's a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, these seasoned air-fried potatoes are the guaranteed stars of the show.

Tips

Small potatoes may air fry faster than larger potatoes so if you are working with a variety of sizes half or quarter them accordingly so that they will cook evenly. Be sure to flip or toss the potatoes halfway so all sides of the potatoes reach crispy perfection.

Variations

Red Potatoes- Maybe slightly larger and require more time, consider cutting them into quarters if needed for faster cooking time. These young potatoes are known for their tender texture and slightly sweet, creamy flavor.

Purple Potatoes- These potatoes are often smaller in size compared to regular potatoes and are known for their rich, nutty flavor and firm texture which make them perfect for air frying.

Fingerling Potatoes- A fingerling potato is a small, elongated type of potato that typically has a knobbly, finger-like shape. Cut lengthwise they would also be wonderful in the air fryer.

Spice Blend- Potatoes make a wonderful canvas for you to customize with your favorite seasonings. For variations consider Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, or even a cajun seasoning for a whole new flavor profile.

Toppings- Additionally after air frying you can add some grated parmesan cheese or fresh herbs before serving.

Leftovers

Store leftover crispy air fryer baby potatoes in an airtight container for up to three days. To reheat place them back into the air fryer and reheat at 350° for 3-5 minutes or until the potatoes are crispy and hot again. Alternatively, they can be reheated in the microwave but will lose their crispy texture.

Equipment

I’m using the Instant Pot Vortex Plus 6 Qt Air Fryer on the air fryer setting, but any countertop air fryer appliance can be used to make crispy air fryer tots however, please refer to your owner’s manual for specific cooking times and directions if you are unsure. The Samsung full-size air fry range can also be used to air fry larger batches of food when you need to air fry large amounts of food.