I recently tried one of my favorite air fryer dinner recipes and was amazed at how effortlessly it delivered crispy, flavor-packed baby potatoes. The hint of smoky paprika melds beautifully with garlic and olive oil to create a distinctive crunch. Sharing this dish with friends quickly turned an ordinary meal into a memorable feast.

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I’ve been experimenting with air fryer recipes lately and when I stumbled on this recipe for Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes, I was instantly hooked. Imagine taking 2 lbs baby potatoes, cut into halves and mixed with just the right balance of 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper.

Then, add a bold kick with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. The secret is how these flavors come together to create a crispy exterior and a tender inside that just surprises you with every bite.

I tried it knowing that I was in for some seriously awesome air fried food, and honestly, it did not disappoint. I even tossed a little chopped fresh parsley at the end just for that perfect finishing touch.

If you’re into air fryer meals that are both healthy and full of flavor, this is a recipe that might become your new go-to.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because firstly, it’s super easy to make. I don’t need a ton of ingredients and the steps are simple to follow, which is perfect for when I’m short on time. Secondly, the potatoes always come out just right – crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, which is a combination that I absolutely love. Thirdly, the seasonings mix really well together, giving the dish a balanced flavor that isn’t too overpowering or bland. Also, I like that I can easily add my own twist, like extra herbs or a bit more spice if I’m feeling adventurous. Overall, it’s a reliable recipe that makes a delicious snack or side dish every time I whip it up.

Ingredients

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Baby potatoes are rich in carbs and fiber, giving a natural, hearty sweetness and energy.
Olive oil provides healthy fats and helps the potatoes get crispy while adding a mild flavor.
Salt boosts the overall taste and balances the flavors without taking over.
Black pepper adds a little heat and a robust punch that really livens up the dish.
Garlic powder brings a savory, pungent boost that enhances the potatoes taste.
Smoked paprika gives a sweet, smoky note along with a vibrant, inviting color.
Fresh parsley offers a finishing touch and a pop of freshness that makes it pop.

Ingredient Quantities

2 lbs baby potatoes, washed and cut into halves

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Optional: a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F so it’s ready for the potatoes.

2. Wash and cut the baby potatoes into halves then place them in a big bowl.

3. Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes and stir them until they are evenly coated.

4. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder over the potatoes.

5. Mix everything really good and make sure the spice mix coats all the potatoes.

6. Pour the seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket in a single layer for the best crispiness.

7. Cook for about 15 minutes, then shake or stir the potatoes to help them crisp up evenly.

8. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 5 minutes or until they reach your desired crunch.

9. Once done, optionally sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and serve immediately.

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer (with its basket)
2. Large bowl
3. Cutting board
4. Sharp knife
5. Measuring spoons
6. Spoon or spatula for stirring
7. Optional: Small knife for chopping parsley

FAQ

Q: How do i know when the potatoes are done? A: They should be tender on the inside and crispy on the outside, usually around 15-20 minutes depending on your air fryer.

Q: Can I use other potatoes besides baby potatoes? A: Yes, you can, but baby potatoes help get a nicer crisp. If you use larger ones, chop them into smaller pieces so they cook evenly.

Q: Do i need to preheat the air fryer? A: Yes its a good idea to preheat it for 3-5 minutes to help the potatoes get crispier faster.

Q: Can i add different seasonings? A: Sure, feel free to experiment with herbs like rosemary or thyme if you want a different flavor profile, but the given spices make a tasty combo too.

Q: Should i toss the potatoes halfway through cooking? A: Yes you should toss them a couple times during cooking so they crisp up evenly on all sides.

Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Instead of baby potatoes, you could use red or Yukon Gold potatoes if thats what you have on hand.
If you dont have olive oil, try avocado oil or any neutral vegetable oil; they work pretty well too.
For salt, sea salt is a great substitute that might add a different texture and flavor.
Swap garlic powder for some fresh minced garlic if you want that extra kick in taste.
If you’re low on smoked paprika, regular paprika mixed with a pinch of chipotle powder can give you a similar smokey flavor.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. When the potatoes have plenty of room its way easier for them to get crispy, so if needed, cook in batches.
2. Try tossing in a pinch of cayenne pepper or even a little rosemary for extra flavor. It adds a fun twist without messing up the basic taste.
3. Shake the basket a couple of extra times during cooking. It might seem like a hassle but it really helps all the pieces cook evenly.
4. If you got some fresh garlic, you can mix it with the olive oil before coating the potatoes. It gives a more intense and fresh garlic taste than the powder sometimes.

Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes Recipe

Recipe by Bob Jones

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

235

kcal

Equipment: 1. Air fryer (with its basket)
2. Large bowl
3. Cutting board
4. Sharp knife
5. Measuring spoons
6. Spoon or spatula for stirring
7. Optional: Small knife for chopping parsley

Ingredients

2 lbs baby potatoes, washed and cut into halves
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Optional: a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Directions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F so it’s ready for the potatoes.
Wash and cut the baby potatoes into halves then place them in a big bowl.
Drizzle the olive oil over the potatoes and stir them until they are evenly coated.
Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder over the potatoes.
Mix everything really good and make sure the spice mix coats all the potatoes.
Pour the seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket in a single layer for the best crispiness.
Cook for about 15 minutes, then shake or stir the potatoes to help them crisp up evenly.
Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for another 5 minutes or until they reach your desired crunch.
Once done, optionally sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and serve immediately.

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.