Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes: A Weeknight Side Dish That's Crispy, Fluffy, and Effortless
In the annals of culinary history, few dishes have achieved the level of ubiquity and adoration as the humble roasted potato. Whether gracing the tables of Michelin-starred restaurants or adorning the plates of home cooks everywhere, the roasted potato reigns supreme as a beloved side dish. And while traditional methods of roasting potatoes in the oven yield delicious results, the air fryer has emerged as a game-changer in the world of spud preparation. With its ability to circulate hot air around the food, the air fryer produces potatoes that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, all in a fraction of the time it takes to roast them in the oven.
Our air fryer roasted potato recipe is the epitome of simplicity and effectiveness. With just a few pantry staples and a few minutes of your time, you'll have a side dish that will elevate any meal. The key to achieving perfectly roasted potatoes in the air fryer lies in the combination of high heat and rapid air circulation. The high heat creates a golden-brown, crispy exterior, while the circulating air ensures that the potatoes cook evenly and thoroughly. Tossing the potatoes in a flavorful mixture of olive oil, herbs, and spices before air frying adds an extra layer of depth and complexity to the dish.
These air fryer roasted potatoes are not only incredibly easy to make, but they are also a versatile side dish that can complement a wide range of entrees. Serve them alongside grilled meats, fish, or poultry, or pair them with a hearty soup or stew. They're also delicious as a snack on their own, dipped in your favorite sauce or spread. With their crispy exterior, fluffy interior, and ease of preparation, our air fryer roasted potatoes are sure to become a staple in your weeknight cooking repertoire.
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 20 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
1 pound russet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
Toss the potatoes with the olive oil, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Spread the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
Serve immediately.
Why It Works
The high heat of the air fryer creates a crispy exterior on the potatoes, while the rapid air circulation ensures that they cook evenly and thoroughly.
The combination of olive oil, herbs, and spices adds flavor and complexity to the potatoes.
Tossing the potatoes in the flavorful mixture before air frying helps the seasonings adhere to the potatoes, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Air frying the potatoes is a much faster method than roasting them in the oven, making it a great option for weeknight meals.