My air fryer red potatoes are crispy, garlicky, delicious, and so easy! I make this recipe when I want a quick, no-fuss side dish that feels like comfort food.
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My Crispy Recipe For Red Potatoes in the Air Fryer
The first time I made air fryer red potatoes, my whole family had just gotten home from my daughter Leah’s soccer practice that ran extra lon,g and I was exhausted. Crispy potatoes sounded delicious, but I didn’t have the patience to fire up the oven or babysit potatoes in a pan with oil popping everywhere.
But I knew I had a very short window before everyone started begging to order takeout, so I quickly chopped the potatoes into bite-sized pieces, tossed them with some minced garlic and Italian seasoning plus olive oil, then threw everything in the air fryer.
By the time my kids came down from their showers, they were already asking what smelled so good! I served up the potatoes with some leftover chicken, and everyone happily devoured their whole plates. I even found my husband Ben sneaking some of the leftover potatoes I was cooling on the counter when he thought I wasn’t looking!
And, if you love good air fryer potato recipes, try my recipes for an air fryer baked potato, sliced potatoes in the air fryer, air fryer potato wedges, and air fryer baby potatoes.
Air Fry Red Potatoes Ingredients
- Red-skinned potatoes – Red potatoes are waxy potatoes, which means they have a lower starch content and get beautifully crispy on the outside, and stay soft inside.
- Olive oil – Helps the seasonings stick and adds that delicious roasted flavor. Any other neutral oil or butter will work too.
- Minced garlic – I always use fresh garlic because it adds a ton of flavor as it caramelizes in the air fryer.
- Italian seasoning – A simple way to add a blend of herbs without measuring each one individually.
- Salt – Brings out all the natural flavor of the potatoes. I sprinkle a little extra on at the end too.
- Black pepper – Adds just enough bite to balance the other flavors.
How to Make Air Fryer Red Potatoes
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 400 degrees F.
STEP TWO: In a large bowl, add the cut potatoes followed by the olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper. Toss to coat the potatoes in the oil and seasoning.
STEP THREE: Place the red potatoes in the air fryer in a single layer and cook them for 15 minutes, turning the potatoes halfway through the cooking time, until they are crispy and cooked through.
Tips for the Best Roasted Red Potatoes in the Air Fryer
- I opt for baby red potatoes or small red potatoes for the best flavor.
- When in doubt, I always add more seasoning to potatoes. The Italian seasoning combined with minced garlic gives these potatoes such amazing flavor!
- Preheat the air fryer to ensure the potatoes cook evenly and get that crispy crust.
- Roast potatoes in the air fryer in a single layer so the hot air can circulate on all sides. I sometimes cook in batches to prevent overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Turn the potatoes halfway through the cooking time. This helps the potatoes cook evenly on all sides.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I let mine fully cool first so I don’t trap any condensation in the container that could make the potatoes soggy.
Air Fryer Red Potatoes Variations and Substitutions
- I sometimes use Yukon golds instead of red potatoes if that’s what I have in my kitchen. They turn out delicious!
- Swap the Italian seasoning for Cajun seasoning and paprika to add a smoky flavor with a little spice. I do this when we’re making grilled sausage or burgers.
- I like to toss the roasted red potatoes in the air fryer with fresh rosemary or thyme before cooking for a more herb-forward flavor.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs after cooking for a fancier finish. My kids go crazy for this cheesy version.
- In a pinch, I’ve used garlic powder in place of minced garlic. I also like adding some onion powder for a boost of flavor.
- Serve with ketchup or ranch. My kids love to dip their roasted potatoes in some kind of sauce!
What to Serve with Air Fried Red Potatoes
I have paired my air fryer red potatoes with pretty much every kind of dish, and this side never lets me down! Some of my favorites are air fryer pork chops, air fryer fried chicken, and air fryer sirloin steak.
I also like tossing them with some air fryer onions and bacon or sausage with eggs on top for a delicious breakfast jumble!
Air Fryer Red Potatoes FAQs
Do I need to soak Red potatoes ahead of time?
I never soak red potatoes before air frying. They crisp up just fine without it, and skipping this step saves time. I just rinse and dry them before chopping and tossing with oil and seasoning!
How long to cook red potatoes in the air fryer
I cook my red potatoes at 400 degrees F for about 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Once they’re crispy and golden on the outside and fork tender on the inside, I know they’re ready!
How do I get red potatoes crispy in the air fryer?
The key to crispness is to air fry red potatoes in a single layer and not overcrowd the basket. I also make sure the potatoes are dry before seasoning, and I always flip them halfway through cooking to get even browning on all sides!
More Easy Air Fryer Side Dishes
- Air fryer broccoli
- Air fryer zucchini chips
- Air fryer garlic bread
- Air fryer asparagus
- Air fryer carrots
- Air fryer squash
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Crispy Air Fryer Red Potatoes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds red skinned potatoes scrubbed and cut into bite size pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 F.
- In a large bowl, add the potatoes, olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the potatoes in the oil and seasoning.
- Add the potatoes to the hot air fryer, then cook them for 15 minutes, turning the potatoes halfway through cooking, or until they are crispy and cooked through.
Notes
- Use baby red potatoes or small red potatoes for the best flavor.
- When in doubt, always add more seasoning to potatoes.
- Preheat the air fryer to ensure the potatoes cook evenly and get that crispy crust.
- Roast potatoes in the air fryer in a single layer so the hot air can circulate on all sides.
- Turn the potatoes halfway through the cooking time. This helps the potatoes cook evenly on all sides.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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.
Thank you very much for your help. I love all of your recipes .
You are so welcome, I am so happy to hear that you are enjoying all the recipes!