If you've been searching for an easy way to get perfectly browned, golden, and flavorful potatoes every single time, you’re going to love this Crispy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes Recipe. It’s quick, fuss-free, and packed with garlicky, herby goodness that will have you reaching for seconds!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, I can’t get enough of these crispy little bites. Whether it’s a busy weeknight side or part of a weekend feast, these baby potatoes always steal the show.
- Speedy and Convenient: Done in just 25 minutes, this recipe saves you from long oven waits.
- Perfectly Crispy: The air fryer gives you that satisfying crunch without frying in oil.
- Flavorful Seasonings: Garlic, Italian herbs, and an optional Cajun kick make these potatoes anything but boring.
- Easy to Customize: Add lemon and parsley at the end for freshness or swap Cajun seasoning for smoked paprika.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Before we get cooking, here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why these ingredients come together so well. Plus, a little tip on shopping so your potatoes come out just right.
- Baby potatoes: Small, tender, and perfect for quick cooking—halving them speeds up the crisping process.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Helps the potatoes brown beautifully and carries the flavors of the seasonings.
- Garlic powder: Adds that warm, savory punch without burning, unlike fresh garlic in fast air frying.
- Italian seasoning: A flavorful blend of herbs that brings a sunny, Mediterranean vibe to the dish.
- Cajun seasoning (optional): For those who like a bit of spice and smokiness, but totally optional if you want it mild.
- Kosher salt: Essential for bringing out the natural potato flavor.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of bite and complexity.
- Lemon wedge: The squeeze brightens the whole dish at the end, balancing the richness.
- Freshly chopped parsley: A fresh, green garnish that adds color and a mild herbal note.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this Crispy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes Recipe is how easy it is to customize it to your own taste. Feel free to tweak the seasonings or add your favorite herbs to make it truly yours!
- Herb swap: I love switching up the Italian seasoning for fresh rosemary or thyme when they're in season—it adds such a lovely, fragrant twist.
- Spice it up: If you want to turn up the heat, try adding smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne instead of Cajun seasoning for a slightly different spicy kick.
- Make it vegan: This recipe is naturally vegetarian and vegan-friendly—just be sure to use your favorite high-quality olive oil for that perfect crispy texture.
- Seasonal flair: During fall, a sprinkle of ground sage or a drizzle of browned butter right after air frying can bring cozy autumn vibes to your potatoes.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Toss the Potatoes with Seasonings
Start by halving 1 pound of baby potatoes and placing them in a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil, then sprinkle 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and Italian seasoning. If you’re feeling adventurous, add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning for a spicy punch—totally optional but so worth it. Now season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything thoroughly so each potato piece is evenly coated. This step is where all the flavor begins to build—make sure every bite will be packed with seasoning!
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes in the Air Fryer
Transfer your seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket in a single layer. It’s important not to overcrowd them so that hot air can circulate freely, making the potatoes beautifully crispy. Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for 10 minutes. You’ll notice the aroma of garlic and herbs start to fill your kitchen—that’s a delicious sign it’s working!
Step 3: Shake and Finish Cooking
After the first 10 minutes, give the air fryer basket a good shake to turn the potatoes. This helps them brown evenly on all sides. Pop them back in and cook for another 10 minutes, shaking once more halfway through. By the end, your potatoes should be golden brown, perfectly tender on the inside, and irresistibly crisp on the outside.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
As soon as your potatoes come out of the air fryer, squeeze a fresh lemon wedge over them for brightness and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy that perfect combination of crispy skin and soft centers—this is what makes the Crispy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes Recipe a total winner every time.
Top Tip
Getting those baby potatoes perfectly crispy and bursting with flavor is easier than you think. These tips come from my hands-on experience whipping up this Crispy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes Recipe, making sure every bite turns out just right.
- Don't Overcrowd the Basket: Giving each potato room to breathe means the hot air can circulate freely, giving you that sought-after crunchy exterior without steaming them.
- Give ‘Em a Good Toss Midway: Shaking the basket after 10 minutes ensures even cooking and browning, so no potato feels left out of the crispy club.
- Choose the Right Potatoes: I found that fingerling or new potatoes strike the perfect balance of creaminess inside and crispness outside. Plus, halving them helps them cook evenly and quickly.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with the kosher salt and pepper! They bring out the depth of flavor and complement the garlic and Italian herbs beautifully.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley isn’t just for looks—it adds a bright, herbaceous lift to these potatoes. And that squeeze of lemon juice right before serving? It cuts through the richness and brings a zesty freshness that keeps every bite lively. For an extra touch, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or add a dollop of garlic aioli on the side.
Side Dishes
These crispy potatoes are the perfect sidekick to grilled chicken, steak, or even a veggie burger. They also pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Feeling cozy? Serve them alongside your favorite soup for a comforting combo.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover crispy baby potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their flavor and prevents them from drying out.
Freezing
This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze cooked baby potatoes if needed. Let them cool completely, then spread them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Use within 1 month for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
For reheating, the air fryer is your best friend to regain that crispy texture. Warm them at 400°F for about 5 minutes, shaking halfway through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crispy—it tends to make them soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While fingerling and new potatoes work best for texture and size, you can also use small red or Yukon gold potatoes. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
Nope! Cajun seasoning is optional. If you want a little spice, go for it. Otherwise, Italian seasoning alone delivers plenty of flavor. You can also swap Cajun for smoked paprika or chili powder for a different twist.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate. Also, shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Lastly, using halved small potatoes helps them crisp up nicely.
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but it’s best to cook the potatoes in batches rather than crowding the basket. This helps maintain that crisp texture everyone loves!
Final Thoughts
Making this Crispy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes Recipe is a little moment of joy—quick, simple, and delightfully tasty. It’s one of those side dishes that never fails to bring smiles to the table, whether for a busy weeknight dinner or a special get-together. So go ahead, give it a try, and savor those golden, garlicky bites that just might become your new favorite!
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Crispy Air Fryer Baby Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Air Fryer Potatoes recipe delivers perfectly crispy, golden baby potatoes seasoned with a flavorful blend of garlic, Italian herbs, and optional Cajun spice. Quickly cooked in an air fryer, these potatoes make a delicious side dish that’s ready faster than traditional oven roasting, finished with a fresh squeeze of lemon and parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb. baby potatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp. Cajun seasoning (optional)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Serving
- Lemon wedge, for serving
- Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with extra-virgin olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and Cajun seasoning if using. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
- Cook in Air Fryer: Place the seasoned potatoes in the basket of the air fryer. Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes.
- Shake and Continue Cooking: After 10 minutes, shake the air fryer basket to turn the potatoes. Continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and tender, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked potatoes and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy crispy, flavorful potatoes immediately.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
- Use fingerling or new potatoes for the best texture and flavor.
- If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can substitute with smoked paprika or chili powder for a spicy kick.
- This recipe is easily doubled but cook in batches to maintain crispiness and even cooking.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer to restore crisp texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 123 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 283 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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