My recipe for diced potatoes in the air fryer is a quick and easy way to make irresistibly crispy, flavorful potatoes! I can always count on this method to get that perfect golden brown crunch.
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My Easy Way to Make Air Fryer Diced Potatoes
The first time I made diced potatoes in the air fryer, I had promised my son Connor some frozen French fries with dinner only to discover the bag in the freezer was basically empty! But I had a bag of potatoes sitting in the pantry, so I decided to improvise.
I diced and soaked the potatoes so they would cook quickly and get super crispy on the outside. After that, I tossed them in some seasonings, olive oil, and lemon juice, then let the air fryer work its magic.
For my final touch, I served the air fried diced potatoes with ketchup to mimic the French fry experience. Connor loved them so much, I don’t think he even noticed the diced potatoes weren’t actually French fries!
Plus, I have to say they cook twice as fast than roasting them in the oven. The preheat time was much quicker and they ended up tasting even crispier.
And, if you love a good potato recipe, try my recipes for sliced potatoes in the air fryer, air fryer sweet potato cubes, a baked potato in the air fryer, and air fryer baby potatoes.
Air Fryer Potato Cubes Ingredients
- Potatoes – I love using small potatoes like yellow potatoes or red potatoes since they cook quickly and have a creamy texture, but most potatoes will work
- Water – For soaking the potatoes to remove some starch
- Thyme – Adds a wonderful herb flavor
- Garlic – I use freshly minced for more depth, but garlic powder will also work
- Olive oil – Helps the potatoes crisp up in the air fryer
- Lemon – Brightens up the flavors and balances the richness
- Salt – Add to taste to enhance the other ingredients
How to Make Diced Potatoes in the Air Fryer
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F. Then, wash and dice the potatoes into small evenly-sized cubes.
STEP TWO: Soak the diced potatoes in cold water for 10 minutes. Once they have soaked, drain them and then pat them dry with a paper towel.
STEP THREE: In a bowl, toss the potatoes with the thyme, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice.
STEP FOUR: Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket or tray in a single layer. Cook them at 380 degrees F for 20 to 25 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Potatoes
- I try to dice potatoes to be evenly sized so they’ll cook at the same rate.
- Soak the diced potatoes in cold water to help remove some of the starch. This is my secret to getting extra crispy potatoes!
- I pat the potatoes dry with paper towels really well after soaking so they won’t steam in the air fryer.
- Cook the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer so the hot air can circulate properly. I also turn the potatoes over at the halfway point to help them get cooked evenly on both sides.
- Before serving, I like to boost the flavor by sprinkling more fresh thyme over the potatoes, adding some zest from the lemon, or both!
Air Fryer Diced Potatoes Variations and Substitutions
- I sometimes use russet potatoes if I have any on hand. It still gives that nice crispy texture!
- When I want diced potatoes that are super creamy on the inside, I switch to Yukon gold potatoes.
- For a different flavor, I’ll swap out the thyme for other herbs or spices like smoked paprika, onion powder, chili powder, black pepper, or even red pepper flakes for some heat.
- I like to sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the potatoes right before serving. This version is always a crowd pleaser.
- My kids love when I serve ketchup with the diced potatoes. They say it’s like eating French fries!
What to Serve with Air Fryer Potato Cubes
Crispy air fryer potatoes are so versatile! I serve them as a side dish with all my repeat dinners like air fryer chicken tenders, air fryer salmon, air fryer meatloaf, and air fryer chicken thighs.
They’re also amazing as part of a breakfast spread with soft boiled eggs, poached eggs, or fried eggs with some crispy bacon or turkey bacon on the side!
Diced Potatoes in the Air Fryer FAQs
How to store leftover roasted Air Fryer potatoes
I let any leftover potatoes fully cool to prevent them from getting soggy from condensation. After that, I transfer them to an airtight container for storage and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
How long to cook diced potatoes in the air fryer
The exact cook time will depend on the size of the diced potatoes, but my potatoes are usually ready in 20 to 25 minutes. I air fry diced potatoes until they’re crispy and golden on the outside but fluffy and fork-tender on the inside.
Should I soak or rinse potatoes prior to air frying?
I always recommend soaking the potatoes before air frying! This removes some of the starch so the potatoes can get crispier. It only takes 10 minutes, so I try not to skip this step when I can.
How to reheat diced potatoes in the air fryer
I love to reheat my diced potatoes in the air fryer, of course! I start by preheating the air fryer to 350 degrees F, then lay the leftover diced potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 3-5 minutes until they’re heated through.
Can I make frozen diced potatoes in the air fryer?
When I’m super pressed for time, I’ll use a bag of Simply Potatoes or Ore Ida frozen diced potatoes to cut out the prep!
I preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F, add the frozen diced potatoes in a single layer, and cook for 15-20 minutes. I shake the basket halfway through and spray a little cooking spray over the potatoes.
What types of potatoes are best to air fry?
I recommend small potatoes like baby potatoes, red potatoes, Yukon golds, or russets. Baby potatoes and Yukon golds will have a creamier inside while russets get extra crispy on the outside.
Why aren’t my air fryer diced potatoes getting crispy?
If my potatoes aren’t crisping up, I check to make sure I’m not overcrowding the air fryer. Too many potatoes in the basket can cause them to steam instead of crisp. I also never skip the soaking step, which helps remove some starch, and always pat them dry really well.
Why are my air fryer potato cubes dried out?
I’ve found that overcooking potatoes or not using enough oil can cause them to dry out. I always keep an eye on the cooking time and will sometimes spray the potatoes with a little more oil when I shake the basket if they’re looking dry.
More Easy Air Fryer Side Dish Recipes
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Crispy Air Fryer Diced Potatoes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds small potatoes
- 2 cups cold water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F.
- Wash the potatoes and dice them into small cubes. The closer they are in size, the more evenly they will cook.
- Soak the cut potatoes for 10 minutes in cold water. This will help remove some starch and allow them to crisp up more. Once they have soaked, drain them and then pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Combine the potatoes with the lemon juice, thyme, garlic, and olive oil in a large bowl.
- Place them into the air fryer basket or tray and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time.
- They are done when they're golden brown on the outside and easily pierced with a fork.
Video
Notes
- Dice the potatoes to the same size so they’ll cook at the same rate.
- Soak the diced potatoes in cold water to help remove some of the starch.
- Pat the potatoes dry with paper towels really well after soaking so they won’t steam in the air fryer and the oil sticks better to crisp them up.
- Cook the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer so the hot air can circulate properly.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheat leftovers in a preheated air fryer at 350 degrees F for 3 to 5 minutes until they’re heated through.
Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
These sound great! (Like my Mom used to make in a cast-iron skillet!)
I can’t wait to give ’em a try! I’ll be back with a rating & review!
I can’t wait to hear what you think, John!