Learning how to cook roast potatoes in an air fryer is one of the easiest ways to make perfectly crisp, golden potatoes in a fraction of the time compared to a traditional oven. The rapid hot air circulation creates an evenly roasted surface while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. This method is faster, uses less oil, and consistently delivers excellent results.
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Why Make Roast Potatoes in an Air Fryer?
There are several advantages to understanding how to cook roast potatoes in an air fryer. The air fryer heats quickly, cooks faster than a conventional oven, and produces an evenly crisp exterior with minimal effort. Because it requires far less oil, the final dish is lighter yet still incredibly flavourful. It is also ideal for smaller batches and quick meals.
Best Potatoes for Air Frying
Choosing the right potato variety is important when mastering how to cook roast potatoes in an air fryer. Potatoes that become fluffy inside while crisping well on the outside work best. Maris Piper, King Edward, Russet, or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they roast evenly and develop a delicious texture.
Ingredients
4 to 6 medium potatoes
1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt
Optional spices: garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary, paprika, pepper
Optional: 1 teaspoon flour for extra crispiness
Step 1: Peel and Cut the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes if you prefer, then cut them into evenly sized pieces, around 4 to 5 centimetres. Evenly sized chunks ensure that the roast potatoes cook at the same speed and become consistently crisp.
Step 2: Parboil the Potatoes (Optional)
Parboiling is optional, but it is a useful step if you want to achieve the crispiest possible finish. Boil the potatoes for 7 to 8 minutes until the edges begin to soften. Drain them well and shake the pot gently to roughen the surface. This creates a textured coating that crisps beautifully in the air fryer. If you skip this step, the recipe still works well, just slightly less crispy.
Step 3: Season the Potatoes
Place the potatoes in a large bowl and toss them with olive oil, salt, and any optional spices you like. Adding a teaspoon of flour can help create an extra crunchy exterior. Mix thoroughly so every piece is evenly coated before cooking.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating the air fryer is a simple trick that improves the final texture. Set it to 190°C (375°F) for a few minutes before placing the potatoes inside. This ensures the potatoes start crisping immediately.
Step 5: Cook the Potatoes
Spread the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this can prevent them from crisping properly.
Cook at 190°C (375°F) for 20 minutes and shake the basket halfway through. For a more intense crisp, increase the temperature to 200°C (400°F) and cook for an additional five minutes. Total cooking time is typically around 25 minutes.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Roast Potatoes
Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure proper airflow.
Use a potato variety suitable for roasting.
Add a small amount of flour or semolina for a crunchy coating.
Shake the potatoes during cooking for even browning.
Finish at a higher temperature for a crispier result.
Seasoning Variations
Once you know how to cook roast potatoes in an air fryer, it becomes easy to adapt the recipe. Popular seasoning combinations include garlic and rosemary, smoked paprika and black pepper, lemon herb blends, or parmesan and garlic butter for a richer flavour profile.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Roast Potatoes
Air fryer roast potatoes pair well with roast chicken, beef, grilled vegetables, air fryer salmon, or simple dipping sauces like garlic mayo or ketchup. They work as a side dish for everyday meals but are also suitable for Sunday roasts and holiday dinners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to parboil the potatoes first?
It is not required, but it helps create a crispier exterior.
How long does it take to cook roast potatoes in an air fryer?
Most air fryers cook them in 20 to 25 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.
Why are my roast potatoes not crispy in the air fryer?
Common causes include overcrowding the basket, not using enough oil, unevenly cut pieces, or skipping the preheating step.
Can you reheat roast potatoes in an air fryer?
Yes. Heat them at 180°C for 4 to 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Conclusion
Now that you have learned how to cook roast potatoes in an air fryer, you can prepare perfectly crisp, golden, fluffy roast potatoes quickly and with minimal effort. This method is reliable, healthier than deep-frying, and produces excellent results every time.
If you’re looking for more simple cooking guides, check out our How to Cook White Rice tutorial.