Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
This Air Fryer Baby Potatoes recipe creates flavorful potatoes that are slightly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. An incredibly easy side dish with simple ingredients that is wonderful served with Easy Broiled Pork Chops, Marinated Chicken or Ribeye Steaks.
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Creamer Potatoes, New Potatoes and Baby Potatoes
All three of these little potatoes work perfectly in this Air Fryer Baby Potatoes recipe and are in short, basically the same type of potatoes.
More specifically, all of these types of small potatoes are harvested young. The main difference though, creamer potatoes are generally Yukon Gold or red potatoes where as new potatoes and baby potatoes can be any variety of potato.
Best Oil For Air Fryer
The type of oil that is chosen when air frying is incredibly important for a smoke-free cooking experience. Having your air fryer looking like it is about to catch on fire because it is smoking is a horrible experience. This often happens as a result of using a low smoke point oil. (Smoke point is the temperature at which a specific oil is no longer stable and begins to smoke.) Additionally, the compounds that are released when an oil smokes can have unfavorable health consequences.
With all of this in mind my favorite all around high heat oil is avocado oil. Avocado oil has a high smoke point and has a mild flavor that makes it perfect for all types of cooking and baking. (Pro Tip: Costco has the best price on Chosen Foods Avocado Oil).
Smoke Point of Oils
Knowledge is power, therefore here is a quick run down of the smoke point of other types of oils. Just make sure that if you chose one of the oils mentioned below that your temperature in the air fryer does not go above its smoke point.
- Light Olive Oil– 465-470℉
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil– 350-374℉
- Avocado Oil– 520℉
- Canola Oil– 400℉
- Vegetable Oil– 400℉
- Refined Coconut Oil– 400℉
- Grapeseed Oil– 420℉
- Peanut Oil– 450℉
- Sesame Oil– 410℉
Note: Air fryers highly recommend not to use olive oil, butter or margarine.
Variations
Making Air Fryer Baby Potatoes from scratch allows you the flexibility to change the flavor by simply changing a few ingredients. Below are just a few fun ideas.
- Add in 1 teaspoon of Italian Seasoning, Herbs de Provence or All Purpose Seasoning.
- Replace the smoked paprika, onion and garlic powder with 1/2- 1 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning.
- Use Lemon Pepper instead of traditional black pepper.
- Add in 1/4 cup shredded parmesan.
- Eliminate the smoked paprika and add in 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh rosemary.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 1/2 pounds of either creamer, new or whole baby potatoes
- High Heat Oil
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Smoked Paprika
How To Make Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
- Add basket and preheat air fryer to 400℉ using the roast function.
- Wash with cold water and towel dry potatoes. (Throughly drying the potatoes with a towel or paper towel allows the oil to stick to the surface of the potatoes.)
- Place potatoes into a large bowl and drizzle with oil.
- Sprinkle potatoes with spices.
- Toss well and add potatoes to the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook potatoes for 18-20 minutes or until fork tender, making sure to stir halfway through.
- Once removed from the air fryer, drizzle potatoes with a few tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and garnish with fresh parsley. Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Best Air Fryer
I am in love with my Ninja Foodie Smart Grill Air Fryer with smart probe. The “air crisp” setting makes the most amazing crispy tacos and I adore the accuracy of the thermometer because it creates the most perfectly cooked steaks. This particular air fryer also roasts, bakes, dehydrates and is just an all around phenomenal kitchen tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is oil necessary when using an air fryer?
The beauty of cooking with an air fryer is that you do not need very much oil to end up with a delicious meal. However, oil is necessary because it adds flavor and helps to provide moisture. Additionally, a small amount of oil helps to add a crispy texture to many recipes.
Should baby potatoes be cut before cooking?
Baby potatoes do not need to be cut before cooking. However, cutting them in half is always a fun change and can allow the cut edges to crisp up. Just make sure to keep a watchful eye anthem at round the 15 minute marker to ensure that they do not burn.
Can other types of potatoes be used?
Absolutely! If using larger potatoes use the same amount weight wise and cut into 1 inch pieces.
Do the potatoes need to have spices when cooked in an air fryer?
No. This recipe can be made eliminating the garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika. However, the addittion of the spices add a wonderful flavor to the potatoes making them much more interesting to eat.
More Easy Dinner Recipes
Asian Cucumber Salad with Asian Steak Marinade
Tabouli Salad with Easy Broiled Pork Chops
Equipment
- Ninja Foodie Smart Air Fryer *or your favorite air fryer
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes See Note #1 below
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil *or your favorite high heat oil
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Add basket and preheat air fryer to 400℉ using the roast function.
- Wash and towel dry potatoes. See Note #2 below.
- Place potatoes into a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle oil over potatoes and sprinkle with spices. Toss well.
- Cook for 18-20 minutes making sure to stir halfway through.
- Remove potatoes from air fryer and transfer into a serving bowl. Drizzle with a few tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. See Note #3 below.
