Air Fryer Small Potatoes
Air fryer small potatoes come out crisp and golden after about 20 minutes at 200°C, with soft, fluffy middles and no need to parboil first. Halved baby potatoes are tossed in a tablespoon of olive oil with garlic powder and rosemary, then shaken once halfway through. They need less oil than roasting and no oven, which leaves the hob and oven free for the rest of the meal.
- Total
- 28 min
- Prep
- 5 min
- Cook
- 23 min
- Serves
- 3
- Per serving
- 195kcal
Basket size and batches for air fryer small potatoes
A 4–5.5 litre basket holds 600g of halved baby potatoes in a single layer, which is what they need to crisp. For a bigger crowd, cook two rounds rather than piling them on top of each other, and tip the first batch into a warm bowl while the second cooks.
Timing depends on size. Potatoes about 4cm across, halved, take 20 minutes at 200°C. Tiny salad potatoes may be done in 15, and whole ones need 25–30 minutes. Fresh potatoes brown best, and new potatoes with thin skins give the crispest result.
Method for air fryer small potatoes
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Dry and halve the potatoes Scrub the potatoes under cold water, leaving the skins on, and dry them thoroughly with kitchen paper. Cut any larger than a walnut in half, so everything is about the same size.
- Season Put the potatoes in a large bowl with the olive oil, garlic powder, rosemary, salt and pepper. Toss until every piece is lightly and evenly coated.
- Preheat Heat the air fryer to 200°C for .
- Air fry Tip the potatoes into the basket, cut sides down where you can, in a single layer. Cook for , shaking the basket at , until deep golden and crisp.
- Check and serve Pierce the biggest potato with a knife. It should slide in easily. If the outsides are not crisp enough, cook for another , then serve straight away.
Serving suggestions and the oven alternative
These go with almost anything: a roast chicken, grilled sausages, fish or a steak. They also work as a Sunday side if the oven is full, because they free up space next to the joint, for example alongside roast beef with roast potatoes. For a flatter, extra-crunchy version, crush them lightly after boiling to make air fryer smashed potatoes.
Swap the rosemary for thyme or smoked paprika, or toss the cooked potatoes in grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.
Without an air fryer, roast the halved potatoes on a hot baking tray at 220°C (200°C fan), gas 7, for 30–35 minutes, turning once.
Common problems and fixes for Air Fryer Small Potatoes
- The potatoes are soft and pale instead of crisp.
- They were damp or the basket was overfilled. Dry them well after washing, keep to one layer, and cook any extra in a second batch.
- The outsides are dark but the middles are firm.
- The potatoes were too large or uneven. Halve the bigger ones, and give whole potatoes 5–10 minutes longer, testing them with a knife.
- The herbs and garlic taste bitter.
- Dried herbs and garlic powder can scorch on the surface. Coat the potatoes evenly in oil so the seasoning sticks, and use no more than the amounts given.
Frequently asked questions about Air Fryer Small Potatoes
How long do small potatoes take in the air fryer?
Halved baby potatoes take 20 minutes at 200°C, shaking halfway. Whole potatoes of the same size take 25–30 minutes, so test one with a knife before serving.
Do you need to parboil small potatoes first?
No, they cook through from raw. If you want an even fluffier middle, boil them for 8 minutes, drain, steam dry for 2 minutes, then toss in the oil and air fry for 15 minutes.
Do you need to peel small potatoes?
No. The skin crisps up nicely and holds in the fluffy centre. Just scrub off any soil.
How do you store and reheat leftover potatoes?
Cool them within an hour and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C for 4–5 minutes, until steaming hot and crisp again.
How did you like the recipe?
4.8 / 5 · 46 ratings
