Crispy Air Fryer Red Potatoes: Quick and Delicious Side Dish Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for an easy yet mouthwatering side dish, Air Fryer Red Potatoes are the answer. This simple recipe will deliver perfectly crispy and seasoned potatoes with minimal effort.
In just 20 minutes, you’ll have a delightful accompaniment to any meal, from weeknight dinners to holiday feasts. Air frying red potatoes provides a healthier alternative to traditional frying, without sacrificing that coveted crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
Why Choose Air Fryer Red Potatoes?
Air fryer recipes, particularly for red potatoes, are incredibly convenient. The air fryer cooks the potatoes to perfection, saving you both time and effort compared to conventional oven roasting or frying.
The crunchy skin and soft inside provide a satisfying contrast that pairs wonderfully with many main dishes. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner or serving guests, these potatoes will elevate your meal.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Red Potatoes
To make air fryer red potatoes, you’ll need a few basic ingredients. Fortunately, these are items most likely already in your pantry, making this recipe a great go-to when you want something quick and tasty.
- Red Potatoes: Small red-skinned potatoes, also known as new potatoes, are ideal for this recipe. They are creamy, mildly sweet, and hold their shape well when cooked. Avoid starchy varieties like russet potatoes, as they won’t crisp up as effectively.
- Olive Oil: This provides a crispy texture and helps the seasonings adhere to the potatoes. You can also use other mild oils, such as avocado oil or ghee.
- Seasonings: A blend of dried thyme, garlic powder, paprika, kosher salt, and ground black pepper gives these potatoes a rich, savoury flavour. For a smoky twist, smoked paprika is a great addition.

Optional Seasoning Variations for Air Fryer Red Potatoes
Want to customise your air fryer roasted red potatoes? Here are a few seasoning ideas to make this dish even more delicious:
- Italian Seasoning: Perfect for a sweet and peppery flavour profile.
- Cajun Seasoning: For a bold, spicy kick, try using homemade Cajun seasoning or my Blackened Seasoning recipe.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary, basil, or parsley can brighten up the dish with aromatic flavours.
- Cheese: For an indulgent twist, sprinkle the potatoes with grated Parmesan once they are cooked.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Air Fryer Red Potatoes
Cooking red potatoes in the air fryer is incredibly straightforward. In just six steps, you’ll have a delicious, crispy side dish ready to serve.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Seasoning Mix: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, thyme, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Coat the Potatoes: Add the washed and halved red potatoes to the bowl and toss until the potatoes are fully coated in the seasoning mixture.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket: Place the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper air circulation.
- Air Fry: Cook the potatoes for 15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. If needed, continue cooking for additional 1-minute increments until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Serve: Once cooked, transfer the potatoes to a serving dish. You can add extra seasoning or fresh herbs at this stage for added flavour.
How to Store and Reheat Air Fryer Red Potatoes
While air-fried red potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers for up to 3 days. Here are some simple storage and reheating tips:
- Storage: Keep leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Reheating: To restore the crispiness, place the potatoes in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until they’re heated through.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Red Potatoes
These crispy red potatoes are versatile and pair perfectly with a wide variety of main dishes. Here are a few ideas:
- Pair with Chicken: Serve your potatoes with baked chicken kabobs or air fried Cornish hens for a complete meal.
- Serve with Beef: For a hearty dinner, serve with reverse sear tenderloin or a classic pot roast.
- Finger Food: These potatoes make an excellent finger food for parties. Pair them with your favourite dipping sauces, such as blue cheese dip or yogurt ranch dip.

Expert Tips for the Best Air Fryer Red Potatoes
Follow these expert tips to ensure your air fryer red potatoes turn out perfectly every time:
- Wash and Dry: Thoroughly wash the potatoes and pat them dry before seasoning. This ensures the seasonings stick and helps the potatoes crisp up.
- Cut Evenly: If using larger potatoes, cut them into uniform pieces for even cooking. Small potatoes can be cooked whole.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Ensure there’s enough space between potatoes for the air to circulate. If needed, cook in batches.
- Toss During Cooking: Shake the air fryer basket every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Check Doneness: Use the knife test to check for tenderness. If the knife slides through easily, your potatoes are ready.
FAQs About Air Fryer Red Potatoes
How long do I cook red potatoes in the air fryer?
Typically, 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) is enough. If needed, cook for additional 1-minute increments.
Can I use other types of potatoes?
While red potatoes are ideal for this recipe, you can substitute them with other small, waxy potatoes like Yukon Gold.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
No, there’s no need to peel red potatoes. The skins crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
How do I prevent the potatoes from becoming soggy?
Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, and ensure the potatoes are dry before seasoning.
Can I make this recipe without olive oil?
Yes, you can substitute olive oil with avocado oil or ghee.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Red Potatoes are the perfect side dish for any meal. Quick, easy, and bursting with flavour, they will soon become a staple in your kitchen.
Whether you’re serving them with a hearty dinner or enjoying them as a snack, these potatoes offer the best of both worlds: crispy and satisfying with a soft, tender centre. Plus, they’re much healthier than traditional frying, making them a win-win for any occasion.
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