Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for crispy air fryer potatoes, what each one does in my recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
How To Cook Potatoes In The Air Fryer
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Cut the pieces to the same size. This ensures they’ll cook evenly. Soak in cold water if you have time. This is not required, but it does make the air fryer potatoes crispier! This is because it removes some of the excess starch. Just 30 minutes will do the trick, but I usually do it in the fridge overnight. If you like to meal prep like me, it’s convenient anyway. Time will vary greatly depending on the size you cut the potatoes. My cook time is for 1-inch pieces. Even 1.5-inch pieces, just a little larger, take quite a bit longer (more like 14-18 minutes) and you may need to reduce heat once they brown — see my next tip. Lower the temp if needed. If your air fried potatoes are browned but not soft enough, that means the pieces were a little too large. This is easy to fix! Just reduce the temperature to 320 degrees F and continue air frying until they are soft. Test with a fork. When a fork pierces the potato easily, they’re ready to serve. You can double the recipe, but cook in batches. This makes a small batch (two 1-cup servings). You can double the recipe to make 4 servings, just cook in 2 batches for best results. But I’ve totally made 4 servings in one batch when I was in a rush, though they are not as crisp that way. You’ll need to shake the basket several times during cooking — cook time will be a few minutes longer, but still faster than 2 single batches.
Wedges – Instead of 1-inch cubes, cut the potatoes into wedges. See the details in my steak fries recipe (I’ve got an air fryer method included). Baked – Want a whole baked potato in half the time? You’ll love my air fryer baked potato. You can also add toppings inside, like I do for stuffed sweet potatoes. Fries – If you want a dippable side for your burger or a quick appetizer, whip up my air fryer french fries. Sliced – The time can vary depending on how thick you slice them. I like them 1/4 inch thick, and they take about 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Sweet Potatoes – For a sweeter side, make my air fryer sweet potatoes.
Chicken – For everyday meals, my kids love crispy cast iron chicken thighs or baked chicken legs. For dinner parties, I make a whole roasted chicken or spatchcock chicken. Steak – My all-time fave is filet mignon, but for a more casual meal, try my sirloin tip steak or London broil. For a larger crowd, make my rump roast. Pork – Air fryer roasted potatoes are perfect for soaking up the sauce from smothered pork chops. You can also air fry pork chops to make your dinner in the same appliances and have fewer dishes to wash. Fish – Baked salmon, cod, or rainbow trout to have your main dish and side done around the same time, or just cook salmon in the air fryer. Veggies – I always (always!) serve potatoes with a side of vegetables. My air fryer broccoli, air fryer carrots, air fryer brussels sprouts, and air fryer cauliflower are all excellent choices. If you don’t want to cook something else, chop up my simple cucumber tomato salad. Breakfast – Turn these into breakfast with a runny fried egg or coddled egg on top! For a brunch vibe, serve them on the side with my frittata or crustless quiche.
Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. Nutrition info does not include optional butter. This picture from my phone is from when I made them in our Minnesota house over the summer. Most of my kitchen tools stayed in Florida, but my air fryer is the one big thing that I had to have in both places. I can’t live without it, ha! What’s your #1 can’t-live-without kitchen tool? Let me know in the comments below! I want to make my recipes using the tools you’ve got and love the most.
