If you’re looking for a versatile and delicious side dish, these crispy air fryer red potatoes are a must-try! Seasoned to perfection and air-fried to a golden crisp, they’re a healthier, less messy option than deep-fried potatoes. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, these potatoes will pair well with almost any meal.
I could eat potatoes every day and never get tired of them. With so many ways to prepare them—roasted, air fried, sauteed, or baked—they always taste amazing. In fact, air frying makes them extra crispy while using less oil than frying. Potatoes cooked in the air fryer are simple to make, healthier, and less messy!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Red Potatoes
These air-fried red potatoes are packed with flavor thanks to a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and salt. The best part? You can customize the seasonings to fit your taste! Try Cajun seasoning for a spicy twist, or use smoked paprika for extra depth. If you’re feeling indulgent, cook them in bacon grease for a rich, savory flavor.
At home, we’re usually big fans of Yukon gold potatoes, but lately, I’ve been obsessed with baby red potatoes. They crisp up so nicely in the air fryer and have a light, buttery taste.
Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Red Potatoes
- Baby red potatoes (or quartered larger red potatoes)
- Olive oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Dried thyme
- Salt
- Optional: Bacon grease, smoked paprika, or Cajun seasoning
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Red Potatoes
- Quarter the Potatoes: Start by cutting your red potatoes into quarters so they cook evenly. Toss them in a bowl.
- Oil Them Up: Drizzle your favorite oil—whether it’s olive oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil—over the potatoes.
- Season: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and salt. Stir to coat the potatoes thoroughly.
- Air Fry: Place the seasoned potatoes in your air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for around 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
By the end, you’ll have perfectly crispy air fryer red potatoes that are golden and flavorful!
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Red Potatoes
These crispy air fryer potatoes are incredibly versatile and can be served with just about anything. Here are some ideas:
- For breakfast: Pair them with air fryer sausage links or crispy bacon.
- For lunch or dinner: Serve them alongside air fryer turkey breast or air fryer salmon nuggets.
- Add veggies: Mix in bell peppers, zucchini, or onions during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a hearty side.
You can also dip them in ketchup, ranch dressing, or even a bit of mayo. For extra flavor, garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or grated Parmesan.
Recipe Tips for the Best Air Fryer Potatoes
- Not all air fryers are the same, so check your potatoes after 15 minutes using a fork test.
- Want to make it a full meal? Add extra vegetables like onions or bell peppers to the air fryer during the last 10 minutes.
- If you have larger potatoes, cut them smaller or extend the cooking time slightly.
Final Thoughts
These crispy air fryer red potatoes are a delicious and easy side dish that works for any meal of the day. With simple ingredients and customizable seasonings, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite. Whether you enjoy them on their own or paired with meats and veggies, these healthy air fryer potatoes are guaranteed to satisfy!
