1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Wash and Cut: Start by thoroughly washing the red potatoes. Cut them into evenly sized 1-inch pieces to ensure they cook evenly in the air fryer.
- Dry Potatoes: Pat the potato pieces dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This helps them get crispy in the air fryer.
2. Season the Potatoes:
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Season: In a large bowl, toss the potato pieces with olive oil, making sure they are well coated. Then, add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasoning.
3. Air Fry the Potatoes:
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the seasoned potato pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure the potatoes cook evenly and get crispy. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook: Air fry the potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. The potatoes are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your potato pieces and the model of your air fryer.
4. Serve:
- Optional Garnish: Once the potatoes are cooked, transfer them to a serving bowl. If desired, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the hot potatoes and toss to combine. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the Air Fryer Red Potatoes immediately while they are hot and crispy. They make a perfect side dish for any main course, such as grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even a simple salad.
Tips for Success:
- Even Cutting: Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
- Dry Potatoes: Make sure the potatoes are dry before tossing them with oil and seasonings to help them crisp up better.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer helps achieve a crispier texture.
- Shaking: Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness on all sides.
- Batch Cooking: If your air fryer basket is small, cook the potatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking.
Variations:
- Herb Variations: Try different herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil for varied flavors.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy: Mix in some shredded cheddar cheese or crumbled feta after cooking for a cheesy variation.
- Garlic Butter: Toss the cooked potatoes in melted garlic butter for a rich and flavorful finish.
Conclusion:
Air Fryer Red Potatoes are a quick, easy, and delicious side dish that will complement any meal. With their crispy exterior and tender interior, these seasoned potatoes are sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Follow this detailed recipe to achieve perfectly cooked potatoes every time. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of Air Fryer Red Potatoes!