Name: Air Fryer Red Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds (680 grams) red potatoes; 2 tablespoons (26 grams) olive oil; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

These air fryer red potatoes are crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, making them the ultimate side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or prepping for a holiday spread, these potatoes are a crowd-pleaser.

Plus, you don’t have to peel them, which saves time, preserves the nutrients, and adds to their rustic charm (which also goes for these Red-skinned Mashed Potatoes!). And they’re naturally gluten-free, vegan, paleo and Whole30-friendly!

The air fryer ensures a crispy exterior with a tender interior, using less oil for a healthier result.

This highly customizable recipe allows you to experiment with seasonings, herbs, and even different types of potatoes. With their versatility and crowd-pleasing taste, these potatoes are bound to become a staple in your kitchen!

Ingredients

You don’t need anything fancy here!

Don’t have red potatoes? Yukon Gold potatoes are an excellent substitute and bring a creamy, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the crispy air-fried exterior. Baby potatoes or fingerling potatoes also work well, offering a slightly firmer texture and nutty undertones. Just make sure to cut any variety into 1-inch (2.5-cm) pieces for even cooking.

If you prefer to use fresh garlic, then replace the garlic powder with 2-3 cloves of fresh garlic, finely minced. Stir it into the potatoes after about 10 minutes of cooking to prevent burning.

You can also swap olive oil for avocado oil or melted butter for a richer flavor. Or replace parsley with fresh dill, thyme, or rosemary for a different twist.

If they’re not exciting enough for you as is, you can add smoked paprika, onion powder, or a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor.

How to make them

These air fryer potatoes are super easy to make.

Wash and scrub the potatoes. Cut them into halves or quarters to ensure they are about 1″ (2.5 cm) in size.
Toss the potatoes in a bowl with olive oil.
Combine the seasonings and sprinkle them over the potatoes. Stir until evenly coated.
Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Air fry at 400 °F (205 °C) for 20-22 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes until the potatoes are tender and golden brown.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Tips

Ensure the potatoes are cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
Shake the air fryer basket every 5 minutes to promote even crisping.
Avoid overcrowding the basket. Cook in batches if needed to achieve the best texture.

How to make ahead

For busy days, you can prep these potatoes in advance. Wash, scrub, and cut the potatoes, then toss them with olive oil and seasonings. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, simply transfer them to the air fryer and follow the cooking instructions.

You can refrigerate leftover potatoes in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350 °F (175 °C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispiness.

While these potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers. They actually freeze pretty well when done properly.

Let them cool completely and then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, and then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 375 °F (190 °C) until heated through.

Don’t microwave them, as it’d make them soggy. Simple seasonings, like in this recipe, work best, as dairy-based sauces or delicate herbs may not freeze well.

Troubleshooting

You really shouldn’t have any trouble with this recipe, but if you do, here are a few tips.

Potatoes not crispy enough – make sure they’re evenly coated in oil and not overcrowded in the air fryer.
Potatoes too dry – toss them with a little extra oil.
Uneven cooking – cut the potatoes into uniform pieces and shake the basket frequently.

Variations

If these red potatoes aren’t exciting enough for you, here are a few ideas.

For Parmesan potatoes, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a crispy, cheesy finish. Or use Pecorino Romano (my favorite!). Also, be sure to try these Gluten-free Scalloped Potatoes if you love cheesy potatoes!

For lemon herb potatoes, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of lemon zest after cooking to brighten the flavors.

For spicy potatoes, toss the potatoes with a dash of chili powder or red pepper flakes before air frying to give them a bold, zesty kick.

What to serve them with

These air fryer red potatoes are super versatile and pair well with many dishes. Here are some serving suggestions.

Serve alongside roasted chicken leg quarters, grilled steak (or smoked ribeye!), or air fryer salmon for a hearty meal. This air fryer meatloaf also sounds great!
Add them to a breakfast spread with scrambled eggs, bacon, air fryer sausage patties and toast. Some of this Ajvar recipe on the side sounds perfect, too.
Pair with a fresh garden salad or boiled broccoli.
Use them as a base for a loaded potato bowl with toppings like sour cream, cheese, and green onions.
Include them in a holiday spread alongside a regular or smoked turkey or ham.
Or with Sheet Pan Eggs for breakfast? That sounds like a great way to start the day.

I hope you’ll enjoy these air fryer red potatoes! I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Thanks for reading! 🙂

Close-up photo of crispy, halved red potatoes cooked in an air fryer.

5 from 1 vote