When it comes to cooking with an air fryer, red potatoes are one of the best options for a crispy, golden result with minimal effort. Air fryer red potatoes are the perfect side dish for nearly any meal, whether you’re cooking a steak, chicken, or even a veggie-centric dinner. What I love about making them is how quickly they cook while still maintaining that delicious crispy exterior and soft, creamy interior. Plus, they require so little prep time—just wash, cut, and toss with seasoning before letting the air fryer do all the hard work.
I’ve tried various methods for cooking red potatoes, but the air fryer method is truly my favorite. You get all the benefits of crispy potatoes without the excess oil and mess that comes with traditional frying. These red potatoes are seasoned to perfection, with a little bit of olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs to bring out their natural flavor. It’s an easy, healthy, and flavorful recipe that I know you’ll love!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
To make these air fryer red potatoes, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Let’s dive into the details!
Red Potatoes: Red potatoes are the star of this recipe. Their waxy texture is perfect for air frying because they hold their shape well while becoming tender on the inside. They also have a naturally creamy texture when cooked, making them ideal for a crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside result.
Olive Oil: Olive oil helps give the potatoes that crispy, golden exterior that everyone loves. It also aids in the seasoning sticking to the potatoes while they cook. The rich, fruity flavor of olive oil enhances the taste of the potatoes without overpowering them.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a savory, aromatic depth to the potatoes. It’s the perfect seasoning to elevate the natural flavor of the red potatoes without being too overwhelming. Plus, it’s quick and easy to incorporate into the recipe.
Dried Oregano: Dried oregano brings a slight earthy and herbaceous flavor to the dish, complementing the garlic and potatoes perfectly. It’s a classic herb that works well with most savory dishes, adding a touch of Mediterranean flair.
Salt: Salt is essential to bring out all the natural flavors of the potatoes and season them to perfection. It helps balance the richness of the olive oil and garlic while ensuring the potatoes are properly seasoned.
Black Pepper: A little black pepper goes a long way in adding a subtle kick of spice to the potatoes. It’s the perfect finishing touch to bring everything together.
Ingredients List
- 1.5 lbs red potatoes, cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
How to Make Air Fryer Red Potatoes
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by washing your red potatoes thoroughly. Cut them into wedges, ensuring they are roughly the same size so they cook evenly. You don’t need to peel the potatoes, as the skin adds a wonderful crisp texture and extra flavor.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss the potato wedges with olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Make sure each wedge is evenly coated with the seasoning mix, as this will help ensure the potatoes are flavorful throughout.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy exterior. Most air fryers take only a few minutes to heat up, so it’s a quick step to get the cooking process started.
Step 4: Cook the Potatoes
Place the seasoned potato wedges into the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Air fry the potatoes for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, tender on the inside.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the potatoes are crispy and perfectly cooked, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. These air fryer red potatoes are the perfect side dish to any meal. Pair them with your favorite protein, or enjoy them on their own with a dipping sauce.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Cut Evenly: Try to cut your potatoes into even-sized wedges so they cook at the same rate. This will ensure that some pieces don’t burn while others are undercooked.
- Don’t Overcrowd: For the best crispy results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook the potatoes in two batches to allow them to crisp up properly.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to get creative with your seasonings. Try adding paprika, Parmesan cheese, or fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Shake the Basket: Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure the potatoes cook evenly and get crispy all over.
- Check for Doneness: Different air fryer models can vary in cooking times, so check the potatoes periodically toward the end of the cooking time to ensure they don’t burn.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other types of potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or russet potatoes. However, red potatoes are ideal because they hold their shape well and have a creamy texture.
How can I make these potatoes spicier?
If you like a little heat, try adding some red pepper flakes, chili powder, or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix. It’ll give the potatoes a nice spicy kick!
Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?
You can prep the potatoes ahead of time by cutting and seasoning them, then storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just follow the steps as usual.
Can I use olive oil spray instead of regular olive oil?
Yes, you can use olive oil spray if you want to reduce the amount of oil. Just make sure to evenly coat the potatoes for the best crisping result.