If you are looking for a perfect side dish that is crispy, flavorful, and ready in less time with less oil, then these crispy air fryer red potatoes are a great choice. Made with small red potatoes, a simple seasoning blend, and cooked in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This recipe delivers crispy skin, fluffy centers, and bold flavors with every bite.
Red skin potatoes are a great option for air frying because of their thin skin and creamy texture. Unlike russet potatoes, which are better for French fries, red potatoes hold their shape and develop crispy edges without drying out.
Potato Picker - Which Potato should you use?
- Red Potatoes
- Best for air fryer potatoes, roasting, and potato salad
- Why - because they have thin skin, creamy texture, and hold shape well
- Russet Potatoes
- Best for french fries, baked potatoes, mashed potatoes
- Why - Starch and fluffy with a crispy exterior when fried
- Yukon Gold Potatoes
- Best for roasting, mashing, and soups
- Why - Buttery flavor and medium starch content
- Sweet Potatoes
- Best for fries, wedges, and casseroles
- Why - Naturally sweet with a soft interior
- Baby/Petite Potatoes
- Best for air fryer baby potatoes, sheet pan meals
- Why- Small size cooks quickly and evenly
- Yellow Potatoes
- Best for everyday roasting and skillet potatoes
- Why - Mild flavor and creamy texture
Jump to:
Health Benefits of Potatoes
- They are naturally fat-free and cholesterol-free
- Good source of fiber, especially with the skin left on
- High in potassium, which supports muscle and heart health
- Contains vitamin C to help with our immune system
- Provides some vitamin B6 for energy metabolism
Ingredients
Ingredients you'll need for Air Fryer red potatoes
- Red Potatoes - Small red potatoes cook evenly and crisp beautifully
- Olive Oil - Helps achieve that classic crispy air fryer finish.
- Paprika - Adds warmth and color
- Onion Powder - Boost savory flavor
- Garlic Powder - A must in my opinion for bold potato flavor
- Salt and Pepper - simple seasoning that brings it all together
Pro Tip: If the size of your potatoes varies, cut them into similarly smaller pieces so the cooking time stays consistent. This is especially important in a smaller air fryer.
See recipe card for quantities.
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to cook red potatoes in an air fryer
Before you start, here is everything you need to know to make these easy air fryer red potatoes perfectly every time.
Prep Red Potatoes
- Wash and cut potatoes in half. In a small bowl, mix the seasonings: Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder, and Onion Powder.
- In a large bowl, toss potatoes in olive oil. Then, season with the seasoning mixture.
Pro Tip: By mixing the seasonings together first, you guarantee a good distribution on the potatoes.
Roast the Red Potatoes
- Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes at 400°F. Place potatoes in a single layer in the basket. Don't let them overlap each other. You may have to cook a second batch.
- Cook the red potatoes for 18 minutes, shaking/tossing the basket halfway through the cooking. Remove from the air fryer, top with fresh parsley flakes (optional), and serve.
Pro Tip: For extra crispy edges, shake the air fryer basket well halfway through cooking so all sides of the potatoes are exposed to the hot air.
Made this recipe? Let me know!
Equipment and Supplies
This recipe is easy to make with just the right tools!
- Air Fryer - Does all the heavy lifting and makes things extra crispy
- Flint and Flame Knives - for slicing those red potatoes in perfect halves!
- Glass Mixing Bowl - gives everything space to get evenly coated.
- Cutting board - your prep station for clean and easy chopping!
Serving Ideas
Different Ways to Serve Roasted Red Potatoes
- Classic Serving
- These air fyer red potatoes are a classic side dish and pair well with:
- Grilled Chicken, steak, or Fish
- Eggs for breakfast or brunch
- Holiday meals like Thanksgiving dinner
- These air fyer red potatoes are a classic side dish and pair well with:
- Fun and Creative Serving Ideas
- Make a potato bar with toppings like bacon bits, fresh garlic, parmesan cheese, or fresh herbs.
- Dipping board - serve with buttermilk ranch, Easy southwest Dip, or Dill dip
- Breakfast Hash - add to scrambled eggs or omelets for an easy breakfast or brunch.
Substitutions
Possible Pantry Swaps
- You can use sweet potatoes for a sweeter twist
- Add Italian seasoning or your favorite different seasonings
- Toss with parmesan cheese next time for extra crispiness
- Spice it up by tossing in some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
- Use Fresh Rosemary - Like in our Rosemary Roasted Potatoes
diet-specific Tips
- Naturally Gluten-Free - Made with simple ingredients and flour or fillers. They are safe for gluten-free diets.
- Vegan Friendly - No dairy or animal products required, and still full of flavor
- Whole 30/ Paleo - Use a compliant oil and clean seasonings to keep it fully approved.
- Lightened-up Side Dish - Air frying uses less oil and less time, making this a lighter alternative to traditional oven-roasted or slow cooker potato recipes.
More Healthy Recipes
Here are some more low-calorie and low-carb recipes that we love!
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerator:
- You can store leftover potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
- Freezing is not recommended, as cooked red potatoes tend to become grainy and lose their texture when thawed.
ProTip: You can freeze leftover potatoes in an airtight container and use them later in potato soup or slow cooker recipes instead of reheating them as a side dish.
Reheating:
- Reheat using air frying at 375°F for 3-5 minutes to bring back the crispy potatoes texture.
Recipe
Air Fryer Red Potatoes
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
- 1 lb Small Red Potatoes cut in half
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika or smoked paprika
- Fresh Parsley garnish
Instructions
- Wash and cut potatoes in half. In a small bowl, mix together the seasonings: Salt, Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder and Onion Powder.
- In a large bowl, toss potatoes in olive oil. Then, season with seasoning mixture.
- Preheat the air fryer for 5 minutes on 400°F. Place the potatoes in a single layer in the basket. Don't let them overlap each other. You may have to cook a second batch.
- Cook them for 18 minutes, shaking/tossing the basket half way through the cooking. Remove from the air fryer, top roasted red potatoes with fresh parsley and serve.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Most air fryer potatoes cook in 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of your potatoes and your air fryer model.
Chef Tim Clowers says
These potatoes are so easy I believe it can be done with your eyes closed except for the cutting part.