I absolutely love cooking with my air fryer—it’s quick, easy, and the results are always crispy and delicious! One of my favorite things to make with it is Air Fryer Potato Peelings. It’s the perfect recipe to use up those leftover potato skins after making mashed potatoes or baked potatoes. Not only is it a sustainable way to minimize food waste, but it also turns those simple potato peels into a tasty snack or side dish. The air fryer crisps them up beautifully, and with a bit of seasoning, they become utterly irresistible!
If you’re someone who enjoys snacking or loves finding ways to make dishes out of leftover ingredients, then you’ll absolutely enjoy this recipe. The beauty of air frying potato peels is in its simplicity. All you need are a few ingredients you likely already have on hand, and in less than 15 minutes, you’ll have a crunchy, savory treat that’s perfect for dipping or munching on during movie night. Let’s get into what you need to create this crispy snack!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Potato Peelings: The main ingredient here—these are simply the leftover skins from peeled potatoes. I recommend using russet potatoes for their thick skins that crisp up nicely in the air fryer. You can also use peels from red potatoes, but they may not crisp as well.
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds richness and helps achieve the crispy texture we’re looking for. It also helps the seasoning to stick to the potato peels.
Salt: A basic seasoning that enhances the natural flavor of the potato peels. You can add more or less depending on your preference.
Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a savory, slightly smoky flavor to the peels. It’s the perfect companion to the earthy taste of potatoes.
Paprika: This spice gives the potato peels a bit of smoky flavor and a vibrant color. It’s optional, but it’s highly recommended for a deeper flavor profile.
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper will add a nice kick to the peels. You can adjust the amount depending on your tolerance for spice.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a delightful umami flavor and a bit of crispy cheesiness when air fried. It’s a game changer for those who enjoy a cheesy snack.
Ingredients list
- Potato peels (from 4 medium russet potatoes)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How to Make Air Fryer Potato Peelings
Step 1: Prepare the Potato Peelings
Start by peeling your potatoes. Make sure to leave a bit of the potato flesh on the skins, as this helps the peels stay sturdy during the cooking process. Once you’ve peeled the potatoes, give the skins a quick rinse to remove any excess dirt. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure they’re completely dry.
Step 2: Season the Peelings
Place the potato skins in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Toss them around to coat evenly. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Toss again to ensure the seasonings are distributed well on each peel. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the peels at this stage for extra flavor.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures the air fryer is hot and ready to crisp up the peels perfectly.
Step 4: Air Fry the Potato Peelings
Place the seasoned potato peels 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. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the peels are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Allow them to cool for a minute before serving. You can enjoy them as they are or pair them with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Use thick-skinned potatoes: Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their thick skins. Thin-skinned potatoes like red potatoes may not hold up as well.
- Dry the peels thoroughly: The drier the potato peels, the crisper they’ll become in the air fryer. Make sure to pat them dry with a towel before seasoning.
- Experiment with seasonings: While I love garlic powder and paprika, feel free to customize the seasoning to your liking. Try adding chili powder for some heat, or rosemary for an earthy flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: For the crispiest results, make sure to arrange the potato peels in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If needed, cook in batches.
- Serve with dipping sauces: These potato peelings are perfect for dipping. Try pairing them with ranch, sour cream, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for an extra kick.
FAQs
Can I make Air Fryer Potato Peelings ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the potato skins in advance and store them in the fridge for up to a day. When you’re ready to cook them, simply season and air fry as usual.
Can I use sweet potato peels instead of regular potatoes?
Yes! Sweet potato peels can be used for a sweeter version of this snack. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the peels, so check for crispiness.
Can I freeze the potato peelings?
While it’s possible to freeze the seasoned peels before air frying, I recommend air frying them fresh for the best texture. Freezing may cause them to lose some of their crispiness.
How do I know when the peels are done?
The potato peels should be golden brown and crispy. If they’re not crispy enough for your liking, air fry them for an additional 1-2 minutes, but keep an eye on them to avoid burning.