Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes with Crispy Skin and Fluffy Inside

Potatoes are one of the most versatile and beloved ingredients in many households around the world. Whether mashed, baked, or fried, potatoes have a way of turning any meal into something extraordinary. One of the best ways to prepare potatoes is by roasting them, especially when done in an air fryer. This method produces crispy, golden-brown skin while maintaining a fluffy, soft interior—just the way roasted potatoes should be.

If you love a good side dish to accompany your Thanksgiving turkey, Sunday roast, or even just a casual weekday dinner, air fryer roasted potatoes are an excellent choice. Not only are they quick and easy to make, but they also require minimal ingredients, making them a convenient and delicious option. The air fryer’s rapid air circulation cooks the potatoes evenly and quickly, creating that perfect balance of crunchy and soft textures without the need for excessive oil or extra effort.

In this guide, we will walk you through a step-by-step process for making air fryer roasted potatoes, from prepping the potatoes to achieving that flawless crispiness that everyone loves. Whether you are new to air frying or an experienced pro, this method will help you create the perfect roasted potatoes every time. Plus, we’ll share an extra twist with garlic herb butter for added flavor and richness. So, let’s dive into the process and explore why air frying is the best way to cook potatoes.

Why Choose the Air Fryer for Roasting Potatoes?

Using an air fryer for roasting potatoes has many advantages. Traditional oven-roasted potatoes often take a long time to cook, requiring preheating and extensive wait times. However, the air fryer offers a faster and more energy-efficient method that delivers crispy potatoes in less time. Here’s why air fryers are ideal for making roasted potatoes:

1. Quick Cooking Time

Air fryers heat up much faster than conventional ovens, and they cook food more quickly, making them the perfect tool for a speedy meal. Depending on the size and type of your potatoes, air fryer roasted potatoes can be ready in as little as 20 to 25 minutes, significantly cutting down on preparation time.

2. Crispy Texture Without Deep Frying

One of the main draws of an air fryer is its ability to create crispy, golden-brown food with little to no oil. By circulating hot air around the potatoes, the air fryer crisps up the outer layer while keeping the inside tender and soft. This method delivers the same crispy texture as deep-frying but with much less fat.

3. Energy Efficient

Air fryers use less electricity compared to a traditional oven because they don’t require preheating and cook food faster. This can save you money on your electricity bill while providing a quick, efficient cooking process.

4. Consistent Results

The air fryer’s circulating hot air ensures that your potatoes cook evenly from all sides. This uniformity in cooking guarantees that every potato gets that delicious crispiness, unlike traditional roasting where you might have to flip them several times.

How to Achieve the Perfect Roasted Potatoes

The key to achieving the perfect roasted potatoes is to focus on both texture and flavor. The potatoes should be golden and crispy on the outside, with a soft, fluffy interior. To get the right balance, it’s essential to follow a few simple steps. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Choosing the Right Potatoes

While you can technically roast any variety of potatoes, certain types are better suited for air frying. Russet potatoes and Yukon Golds are two of the most popular choices for roasting, as they have the right balance of starch and moisture to create a fluffy interior and crispy exterior. Russets are particularly ideal for air frying because their skin crisps up beautifully, while the flesh stays light and fluffy.

2. Cutting the Potatoes into Even Sizes

To ensure that your potatoes cook evenly, it’s important to cut them into similar sizes. Larger potato pieces take longer to cook than smaller ones, so try to aim for about 1 to 1.5-inch cubes or wedges. This will help all the potatoes cook at the same rate.

3. Boiling the Potatoes Before Roasting

While some people may skip the boiling step, parboiling the potatoes before air frying helps to achieve that fluffy, soft texture inside. Boiling the potatoes for a few minutes softens the outer layer, allowing it to crisp up nicely when exposed to hot air in the air fryer. Be sure not to overcook them—boil for just 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the potato pieces, until they are just starting to soften but still hold their shape.

4. Scuffing the Potatoes

Once the potatoes are drained, it’s important to shake them in a colander to rough up the surface. This creates a textured outer layer that will help develop the crispy skin during cooking. This extra step is key to getting those deliciously crunchy potatoes you’ll want to keep coming back to.

5. Seasoning the Potatoes

Seasoning plays a crucial role in bringing out the best flavors in your roasted potatoes. Simple ingredients like salt and pepper go a long way, but adding garlic, herbs, and butter can elevate the dish to another level. The combination of garlic and fresh herbs, like parsley, adds aromatic flavor and richness to the potatoes, making them a perfect side dish for any occasion.

Part 2: Easy Recipe for Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes with Garlic Herb Butter

Now that you understand the benefits of using an air fryer and how to achieve the perfect roasted potatoes, let’s dive into the simple recipe. This method will help you create golden, crispy potatoes with a soft interior, and the garlic herb butter will give them an extra burst of flavor.

Ingredients:

For the Roasted Potatoes:

1 kg potatoes (such as Russet or Yukon Gold)
Salt (to taste)
Cooking spray (for greasing)

For Garlic Herb Butter:

2 tablespoons butter (room temperature)
1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
1 teaspoon minced garlic (or garlic paste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

Prep the Potatoes:
- Begin by peeling the potatoes and cutting them into evenly-sized pieces. Rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch.
Boil 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 pinch of salt, cover the pot, and bring it to a boil. Allow the potatoes to boil for 8 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces, until they are just tender. Be sure not to overcook them.
Create Scuff on the Potatoes:
- Drain the potatoes in a colander and gently shake them to create rough edges on the surface. This will help them crisp up in the air fryer. Let them sit for about 5 minutes to cool slightly.
Air Fry the Potatoes:
- Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Add the scuffed potatoes to the basket, ensuring they are in a single layer for even cooking.
- Air fry the potatoes for 20 to 25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure all sides are evenly crisped. If necessary, spray with cooking spray again for extra crispiness.
Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter:
- While the potatoes are air frying, make the garlic herb butter. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, chopped parsley, minced garlic, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well-incorporated, then place the butter mixture in the fridge to chill.
Finish the Potatoes:
- Once the potatoes are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Immediately toss the hot potatoes with the garlic herb butter, allowing the butter to melt and coat the potatoes evenly. Let the potatoes sit for a few minutes before serving.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your air fryer roasted potatoes as a side dish with your favorite mains. They’re perfect for Thanksgiving dinner, Sunday roasts, or even casual meals during the week. Enjoy the crispy exterior, fluffy interior, and savory garlic herb butter!

Nutrition Information (per serving):

Calories: 140
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