Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
Air fryer baby potatoes need no boiling and very little oil. Halved and tossed with garlic, rosemary and salt, they come out with crisp, golden edges and a soft, fluffy middle after 20 minutes at 200°C. A 500g bag feeds four as a side dish, and the whole thing takes about half an hour including the preheat, so it is quicker than roasting them in the oven.
- Total
- 31 min
- Prep
- 8 min
- Cook
- 23 min
- Serves
- 4
- Per serving
- 160kcal
Ingredients and swaps for air fryer baby potatoes
Any small, waxy potato works, including Charlotte, Jersey Royals or ordinary new potatoes. Garlic powder is used here because fresh garlic burns in the hot air, but you can swap the rosemary for thyme, oregano or smoked paprika. No dried herbs to hand? A teaspoon of Italian herbs does the job.
Air fryer baby potatoes method
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Preheat Heat the air fryer to 200°C for .
- Prepare the potatoes Scrub the potatoes under cold running water, then dry them thoroughly with a tea towel. Cut any larger than a golf ball in half, so that all the pieces are about the same size.
- Season Tip the potatoes into a large bowl with the olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder and rosemary. Toss until every piece is coated.
- Air fry Put the potatoes in the basket in a single layer, cut-side down for halves. Cook at 200°C for , shaking the basket after , until golden and crisp, and a fork slides into the middle with no resistance.
- Serve Tip into a warm bowl and serve straight away, while the skins are still crisp.
Serving ideas and an oven alternative
Air fryer baby potatoes go with almost anything, from a Sunday roast to grilled chicken, sausages or a piece of fish. For something a little different, try air fryer smashed potatoes or air fryer hasselback potatoes, which have even more crunch.
Without an air fryer, spread the seasoned potatoes on a baking tray and roast at 220°C (200°C fan), gas 7, for 30–35 minutes, turning halfway.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
- The potatoes come out pale and soft instead of crisp.
- Dry them completely before adding the oil and keep them in one layer. If the basket is crowded, cook in two batches and return the first batch for 2 minutes at the end to heat through.
- The outside is dark but the middle is still firm.
- The potatoes are too big. Halve or quarter anything larger than a golf ball, or lower the heat to 180°C and add 5 minutes.
- The garlic and rosemary taste burnt.
- Dried herbs and garlic powder scorch if there is too little oil. Make sure every potato is lightly coated, and add fresh herbs after cooking if you prefer a gentler flavour.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
How long do baby potatoes take in the air fryer?
Halved baby potatoes take 20 minutes at 200°C, plus a 3-minute preheat. Whole potatoes need 25–30 minutes at 190°C and a shake every 10 minutes.
Do I need to boil baby potatoes before air frying them?
No. Halved baby potatoes cook through in the air fryer from raw. Parboiling for 8 minutes first gives a fluffier middle, but it is not necessary.
Do I need to peel baby potatoes?
No. The skins crisp up nicely and hold the seasoning, so a good scrub is all they need.
How do I reheat them?
Put them back in the air fryer at 180°C for 4–5 minutes, until piping hot. Leftovers keep for up to 2 days in the fridge, and should be reheated only once.
How did you like the recipe?
4.8 / 5 · 57 ratings
