Marcos Gonzales • updated: Dec 10 2024
Crispy Air Fryer Potato Cubes: Easy and delicious
Looking for a side dish that’s crispy, flavorful, and ready in minutes? Meet your new favorite: air fryer potato cubes! Whether you're a busy home cook, a parent juggling meals, or hosting friends, we got you covered with this easy air fryer recipe.
Did you know that potatoes are one of the most versatile ingredients on the planet? In fact, the average American consumes about 120 pounds of potatoes each year! Our air fryer method will revolutionize the way you think about preparing this classic ingredient.
Why Air Fryer Potato Cubes are a Culinary Game-Changer
- Incredibly crispy exterior with a soft, fluffy interior - We're talking about way crisper than you can get with a traditional oven. Delivering up to 50% more crispiness in half the cooking time compared to a traditional oven.
- Significantly less oil compared to traditional frying - Looking to cut down on calories but still want to eat a crispy fry? We got you covered. Only have sweet potatoes on hand? Check out my Sweet potato recipe
- Quick and easy preparation - These are easy to meal prep and go perfect with salmon.
- Minimal cleanup required - Hate cleaning up after cooking like me? The only dish you'll have to clean in this recipe is the air fryer basket! Talk about easy side for your week night dinner.
Choosing the Perfect Potatoes for Air Frying
Best varieties for cubed potatoes
- Russet vs. Yukon Gold vs. Red potatoes - When it comes to starch content, the ranking is russet potatoes first, followed by Yukon Gold, and then red potatoes. The starch makes the potatoes more crispy so i'd try to get either russet or gold potatoes.
- Importance of potato size and shape - You are going to want to cut them into roughly the same sizes in order for them to cook evenly. Place the potatoes in a single layer when you air fry them.
Ingredients needed
For this potato recipe you will need:
- potatoes
- oil of your choice
- salt
- pepper
- seasonings of your choice (i like rosemary and parsley, and garlic)
- Wash and cut your potatoes - You are going to want to cube your potatoes in 1/2 inch to 3/4 of an inch.
- Tips for crispier bites - I recommend soaking the potatoes in a large bowl of water for 20-30 minutes to remove some of the starches. This avoids the potatoes sticking together and getting a waxy feeling, allowing for maximum crispiness.
- If you soaked your potatoes make sure to pat dry them with a wash cloth or paper towel. The extra moisture will lead to soggy fries if you don't dry them and We don't want this!
- Seasoning
- 5 guys copy cat You are going to want to use peanut oil for this one.
- peanut oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 0.5 tsp celery seeds
- 1 tsp salt
- My Personal Favorite - Garlic rosemary
- Coat with oil - I prefer using olive oil but you can use which ever you please. Cooking spray works here too.
- Garlic I tend to use the pre chopped garlic to save on time. If you prefer fresh garlic use 2-3 cloves depending on how garlicky you want it them.
- 1 Tbsp. rosemary
- 1 Tbsp. parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Coat the potatoes with your choice of seasonings. Season generously for best outcome.
- Cook the potatoes in the air fryer at 400F for 20 minutes. Shake the air fryer basket at half way point the ensure even cooking.
- Take out of air fryer and let set for a few minutes to cool off.
- Plate and Enjoy Plate and serve with your favorite condiments.
- Batch cooking strategies - Prepare the potatoes (cut into desired shape and complete submerge into water) and place in the refrigerator overnight. To preserve a good texture and enhance flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the soaking water. Just keep in mind that the potatoes may absorb some salt, so adjust your seasoning accordingly to avoid them becoming overly salty.
- Reheating leftover potato cubes - Place potatoes in air fryer at 300F for 5 minutes. Avoid stacking potatoes to ensure they warm evenly.
- Prepare overnight - Busy? You can dice potatoes and soak overnight in the fridge. When you're ready to eat simply coat with oil, season, and place in air fryer to cut down on prep time.
- Storage and reheating - Store in an air tight container for up to 4 days. When ready to reheat place in the air fryer at 300 degrees for 5 minutes.
How to cook air fryer diced potatoes
FAQS
How long do you put cut potatoes in the air fryer?
Place them in the air fryer at 400F for 20 Minutes. Remember to shake the basket half way for a even cook.
Why do you soak potatoes in water before air frying?
Soaking removes excess starch, preventing potatoes from sticking and ensuring maximum crispiness.
optional - Consider soaking potatoes in water to maintain texture and flavor.
Why are my potatoes not crispy in the air fryer?
This could be due to several reasons. If you soaked your potatoes make sure to pat them dry, the excess moisture will prevent the potatoes from developing a crisp. Consider coating the potatoes in oil for an even more crispy potatoes .
Troubleshooting and Pro Tips
Try these crispy air fryer potato cubes today and transform your sides into the star of the meal! Looking for other meals? Read Below.
