Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Air Fryer Roast Potatoes
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into even-sized chunks. This ensures they cook evenly. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch, which helps them crisp up better.
2. Parboil the Potatoes
Place the potatoes in a pot and cover them with water, ensuring the water level is about 2 inches above the potatoes. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water for seasoning. Bring the pot to a boil and let the potatoes cook for 8-15 minutes, depending on their size. Be cautious not to overcook; the potatoes should be slightly tender but not falling apart.
3. Drain and Scuff
Drain the potatoes in a colander and give them a good shake to roughen up the edges. This step is crucial as the scuffed surfaces create more texture, leading to extra crispiness during air frying. Allow the potatoes to cool for about 5 minutes.
4. Air Fry the Potatoes
Transfer the scuffed potatoes to the air fryer basket. Spray them lightly with cooking spray to ensure even browning. Set the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) and cook for 20-25 minutes. Shake the basket every 10 minutes to turn the potatoes, spraying additional cooking spray as needed to coat all sides evenly.
5. Make Garlic Herb Butter (Optional)
While the potatoes are air frying, prepare the garlic herb butter. Combine softened butter, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and black pepper in a small bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
6. Add Garlic Herb Butter (Optional)
For an extra burst of flavor, add the chilled garlic herb butter to the potatoes about 5 minutes before they’re done cooking. Let the butter melt and coat the potatoes as they finish crisping up in the air fryer.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish. Garnish with additional parsley if desired. Serve immediately as a side dish alongside your favorite mains.
- Choose the Right Potatoes: Starchy potatoes like Russets yield the crispiest results, while waxy potatoes like Red Bliss are better for creamier interiors.
- Don’t Skip Parboiling: This step helps remove excess starch and ensures the potatoes cook evenly.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Starting with a hot air fryer gives the potatoes a head start on crisping.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the potatoes in a single layer for even cooking.
- Adjust Seasoning: Customize the flavor with your favorite herbs and spices, such as rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Cheesy Roast Potatoes: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Roast Potatoes: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix.
- Lemon Herb Potatoes: Toss the cooked potatoes with fresh lemon juice and zest for a zesty twist.
- Meal Pairings: Serve these potatoes alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a hearty beef stew.
Air Fryer Roast Potatoes Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 kg potatoes
- Salt
- Cooking spray
Optional for Garlic Herb Butter Potatoes:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced or paste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Peel and cut the potatoes into equal sizes. Rinse thoroughly.
- Boil potatoes in salted water for 8-15 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and scuff.
- Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket, spray with cooking spray, and cook at 190°C for 20-25 minutes, shaking every 10 minutes.
- (Optional) Mix butter, parsley, garlic, and black pepper. Add to potatoes 5 minutes before they’re done.
- Serve hot as a side dish with your favorite meals.
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 140kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 9mg | Sodium: 37mg | Potassium: 601mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 100IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg