Can You Cook Raw Potatoes in an Air Fryer?

Yes, you can absolutely cook raw potatoes in an air fryer! Using this kitchen appliance is one of the fastest and easiest ways to prepare delicious, crispy potatoes. Whether you're looking to cook baby potatoes or cutting them into chips, an air fryer is an ideal solution that ensures even cooking without the mess of a deep fryer. Below, we will guide you through the process, and share some variations for making French fries and other crispy potato preparations.

Ingredients and Equipment

To start, gather your ingredients and equipment:

Ingredients:

1 lb. Baby potatoes, halved if using larger ones 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. Italian seasoning Kosher salt Black pepper Lemon wedge for serving Freshly chopped parsley for garnish

Equipment:

Large bowl Small basin for seasoning Air fryer

Cooking in an Air Fryer

The process for cooking raw potatoes in an air fryer is quite straightforward. Here's how to do it:

Preparation

1. In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. If desired, add additional seasonings like Cajun seasoning for extra flavor. Season well with salt and pepper to taste.

Cooking

2. Place the seasoned potatoes in the basket of the air fryer. Set the temperature to 400°F and cook for 10 minutes.

3. After the initial 10 minutes, check if the potatoes are golden-brown and tender. If needed, continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes or until they reach your desired crispiness.

Serving

4. Once the potatoes are ready, sprinkle them with lemon juice and chopped parsley before serving. The lemon adds a bright, fresh touch to complement the savory flavors of the potatoes.

Practical Uses and Variations

Air fryers aren't just for plain roasted potatoes. Here’s a look at some other ways to use them to prepare chips, French fries, and other crispy potato dishes:

Cooking French Fries in an Air Fryer

1. Simple and straightforward, here’s a quick method for making delicious chips:

Ingredients:

Vegetable oil (1-2 teaspoons in a basin) Chips, cut into 1 cm / half an inch square pieces Seasoning (pepper, salt, or any preferred seasoning)

Steps:

Place a teaspoon or two of vegetable oil in a basin and grind in a lot of pepper (this helps you see the oil distribution clearly). Add your cut chips to the basin and toss them until they’re well coated with the oil and pepper. Cook them for 20 minutes at 190°C (375°F). Shake the basket halfway through to achieve even cooking and crispy texture.

This method ensures that your fries are evenly coated and don’t stick together, making them perfect for snacking or serving with dipping sauces.

Other Variations

As mentioned, all your veggies can be cooked from raw in an air fryer. Paprika, parmesan, or other seasonings can be used to create different flavors and textures. You can par-boil them first, but many people find that it slightly lengthens the overall cooking time without a significant difference in the end result.

For those who enjoy homemade potato chips, cooking in an air fryer is an excellent alternative to using a deep fryer. Simply ensure the chips are coated properly and spaced evenly in the basket to promote even cooking and a great texture.

Remember, the key to good crispy potatoes in an air fryer is to ensure they are evenly coated with oil, placed properly in the basket, and cooked with regular stirring or shaking to prevent sticking. Different air fryer models may have varying performance, so it’s a good idea to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific model.

Experiment with different seasonings and cooking times to find the perfect combination for your taste preferences. With an air fryer, you can take your potato cooking to the next level without the hassle of a deep fryer!