Name: Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-485770H14M57S
Total time: PT-485770H14M57S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds baby potatoes (halved if larger) 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika) 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Optional: fresh chopped parsley or chives for garnish

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious side without spending hours in the kitchen. The air fryer cooks the potatoes faster than traditional roasting and gives them a satisfying crunch without deep frying. Plus, it’s versatile—simple seasoning brings out their natural flavor, but you can easily customize it to your taste. It’s healthier, less messy, and yields consistent results every time.

Ingredients

1.5 pounds baby potatoes (halved if larger)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional: fresh chopped parsley or chives for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, toss the baby potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket or stirring the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
Check for doneness by piercing a potato with a fork—it should be tender inside and crispy outside.
Remove from the air fryer and garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 5 minutes, and cooking time ranges from 15 to 20 minutes, for a total of around 25 minutes.

Variations

Add fresh rosemary or thyme before cooking for an herbal note.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese immediately after cooking.
Use chili powder or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Toss with minced garlic before cooking for extra flavor.
Drizzle with lemon juice or garlic aioli before serving for a fresh finish.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to regain crispiness, or warm in the oven.

FAQs

Can I use frozen baby potatoes?

Fresh baby potatoes are best. Frozen potatoes may cook unevenly and can be soggy.

How do I keep potatoes from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly grease the basket or use a perforated parchment liner designed for air fryers.

Can I cook whole baby potatoes?

Yes, but make sure they are small and uniform in size to cook evenly.

How do I know when the potatoes are done?

Potatoes should be golden brown and tender when pierced with a fork.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free.

Can I add other vegetables to the air fryer?

Yes, but choose vegetables that cook in a similar time frame to avoid over- or undercooking.

What oil is best for air frying potatoes?

Olive oil is great for flavor, but avocado or vegetable oil also work well.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, it’s naturally vegan as written.

Can I prepare the potatoes ahead of time?

You can season the potatoes ahead but air fry just before serving for best texture.

Can I freeze cooked air fryer potatoes?

Freezing is possible but may affect texture; reheated potatoes might be less crispy.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Baby Potatoes offer a simple, tasty, and healthier way to enjoy crispy potatoes with minimal effort. Their golden crust and tender inside make them an ideal side dish for virtually any meal, from casual dinners to special occasions. Easy to customize and quick to prepare, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.