The air fryer has quickly become an indispensable tool in modern kitchens, especially for those of us seeking quick and easy side dish solutions. And when it comes to roasting potatoes, its efficiency and ability to create unparalleled crispiness are truly unmatched. This roasted red potatoes recipe is a prime example of the air fryer’s magic, turning simple ingredients into a dish that’s so flavorful and satisfying, it might just steal the show.

Whether you opt for petite baby red potatoes or perfectly chopped larger ones, these air-fried delights offer a fluffy interior and a gorgeously browned, seasoned exterior. Honestly, these crispy potatoes are almost good enough to be a main course! Imagine them topped with a sprinkle of cheese, some crumbled bacon, or a dollop of sour cream – they easily transform into a hearty meal on their own.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Air Fryer Red Potatoes Recipe

There are countless reasons why these air-fried red potatoes are destined to become a beloved staple in your home. Here are just a few:

1. The Perfect Versatile Side Dish: Just like a trusty neutral in your wardrobe, potatoes pair effortlessly with virtually any meal. From grilled chicken and pan-seared fish to juicy steaks or even a simple vegetarian spread, these air fryer red potatoes are the ideal accompaniment, elevating every plate.
2. Significantly Faster Cooking Time: Thanks to the concentrated heat and powerful circulation of the air fryer, you can achieve deliciously crispy and perfectly cooked red skin potatoes in under 25 minutes. This is a considerable time-saver compared to traditional oven roasting, which often takes 35 minutes or more, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
3. Unbeatably Crispy Edges, Fluffy Interior: This is the hallmark of perfectly roasted potatoes, and the air fryer excels at it. Each piece develops a desirable golden-brown exterior that crackles with flavor, encasing a wonderfully tender and fluffy potato interior. It’s a textural dream!
4. Incredibly Easy to Prepare: You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to master these air fryer red potatoes. The process is straightforward: simply wash and cut your potatoes, toss them with a few basic seasonings and a little oil, then let your air fryer do all the hard work until they’re beautifully browned and fork-tender.
5. Customizable for Any Taste: The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. While our recommended seasoning blend is fantastic, you can easily switch it up to suit your preferences or match your main course. Explore different herbs, spices, and flavor profiles!
6. Great for Meal Prep: Cook a larger batch at the beginning of the week, and you’ll have a delicious, ready-to-reheat side for several meals. They hold up well and can be quickly crisped back to perfection.

Looking for more easy potato recipes? Don’t miss my recipes for Air Fryer Baby Potatoes and Instant Pot Baby Potatoes for even more inspiration!

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Red Potatoes

You’ll be delighted by how few ingredients are needed to create such a flavorful and satisfying dish. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving those irresistible crispy air fryer red potatoes:

• Red Potatoes: For this recipe, fresh red baby potatoes are truly ideal due to their thin skin and waxy texture, which helps them hold their shape beautifully and get incredibly crispy. However, don’t fret if you can’t find them! Regular red potatoes work just as well – simply cut them into consistent 1-inch pieces. You can also use other waxy potato varieties like Yukon Golds (yellow potatoes) for similar results, or even russet potatoes for a fluffier interior (though they might need a quick rinse to remove excess starch for maximum crispness).
• Oil: A good quality oil is essential for achieving that desirable crispiness and helping the seasonings adhere. Extra virgin olive oil is my top recommendation as it imparts a wonderful flavor that complements the potatoes beautifully. If you prefer a more neutral taste or need an oil with a higher smoke point for very high heat, avocado oil or canola oil are excellent alternatives. Feel free to use your preferred cooking oil.
• Seasonings: This blend is the secret to the savory, mouth-watering flavor of these air fryer red potatoes. My go-to combination includes:
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a foundational aromatic and savory note.
  • Onion Powder: Provides a subtle depth of flavor that enhances the overall taste.
  • Smoked Paprika: Delivers a beautiful reddish hue and a fantastic smoky warmth, adding complexity.
  • Salt: Crucial for seasoning the potatoes from within and enhancing all other flavors.
  • Black Pepper: Offers a gentle kick and aromatic freshness.

  This combination creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Remember, you can always adjust these to your liking or substitute them with your favorite seasoning blends like Italian seasoning, Cajun spice, or a dash of chili powder for heat!

Required Equipment

• Air Fryer: The star of the show! This recipe is adaptable to any style of air fryer, whether you have a basket-style model or an oven-style unit. Keep in mind that cooking times can vary slightly between different brands and models. Oven-style air fryers, for example, might require a couple of extra minutes of cooking time. Always refer to your appliance’s manual for specific recommendations and preheating instructions.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for tossing the potatoes evenly with oil and seasonings.
• Sharp Knife & Cutting Board: For safely and efficiently cutting the potatoes.

How to Make Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Red Potatoes

Making these air fryer red potatoes is incredibly simple, with just a few easy steps. Follow these instructions for a perfectly cooked and flavorful side dish:

Storage and Reheating Air Fryer Red Potatoes

Planning ahead or have leftovers? Here’s how to properly store and reheat your delicious air fryer red potatoes to enjoy them later:

Storage: Any leftover roasted red potatoes should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. While they won’t be as crispy as freshly made, they still offer great flavor.

Can I freeze cooked red potatoes? Generally, potatoes don’t fare well when frozen after being cooked, especially if you’re looking to retain that fluffy-crispy texture. The freezing and thawing process can make them mushy and alter their texture. Therefore, refrigerator storage is highly recommended over freezing. It’s best to only prepare the amount you anticipate eating within a 3-4 day window.

Reheating for Best Results

To bring your leftover air fryer red potatoes back to their former glory, especially to revive some of that crispiness, follow these methods:

• Air Fryer (Recommended): This is by far the best method for reheating. Preheat your air fryer to 400ºF (204ºC). Place the leftover potatoes in a single layer in the basket and cook for 5-8 minutes, or until they are heated through and the edges have crisped up again. Shake the basket halfway through.
• Microwave: While quick and convenient, the microwave won’t restore the crispiness. To reheat, place the potatoes on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 30-second intervals until they are completely warmed through. This method is best if you don’t mind a softer texture.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Spread the potatoes on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and lightly re-crisped.

Expert Tips for the Crispiest Air Fryer Red Potatoes

Achieving perfectly crispy, tender, and flavorful air fryer red potatoes is simple when you know a few tricks. These expert tips will ensure your results are consistently outstanding:

• Do Not Peel the Potatoes: Red potato skins are thin, delicious, and contribute significantly to the overall texture and flavor. They hold the seasonings beautifully and become wonderfully crispy, adding a desirable crunch. Plus, keeping the skins on saves you time and effort!
• Ensure Uniform Pieces: This is a critical step for even cooking. Whether you’re halving baby potatoes or dicing larger ones, strive for pieces that are roughly the same size (about 1-inch). Potatoes that are too large will cook slower, while smaller ones might burn. Consistent sizing ensures every bite is perfectly cooked.
• Avoid Overcrowding the Basket: The air fryer works by circulating hot air around the food. If you cram too many potatoes into the basket, the air can’t circulate effectively, leading to steamed (rather than crispy) potatoes. Always arrange them in a single layer with a little space between each piece. If you’re cooking a larger batch, work in multiple small batches. Patience here pays off in crispiness!
• Pat Them Dry: After washing, thoroughly pat your potatoes dry with a paper towel. Excess moisture can steam the potatoes instead of allowing them to crisp up. The drier they are, the crispier they’ll get.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just like a conventional oven, preheating your air fryer is important. A hot air fryer will start crisping the potatoes immediately upon entry, leading to a better texture. Preheat to 400ºF (204ºC) for at least 3-5 minutes before adding the potatoes.
• Shake the Basket Regularly: For truly even browning and crispiness on all sides, remember to shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time. This redistributes the potatoes and exposes different surfaces to the hot air.
• Don’t Be Shy with Oil: While the air fryer uses less oil than deep frying, a sufficient amount is still needed for flavor and crisping. Two tablespoons for 1.5 pounds of potatoes is a good starting point. The oil helps conduct heat and creates that coveted golden crust.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: While the recipe provides a great base, always taste a cooked potato and adjust seasoning if needed before serving. Sometimes a little extra salt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can make a big difference.

Creative Variations to Elevate Your Air Fryer Red Potatoes

This air fryer red potato recipe is incredibly versatile and serves as a fantastic base for culinary creativity. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different additions to suit your taste or complement your meal:

• Spicy Red Potato Wedges: If you love a little heat, transform regular red potatoes into robust wedges. Slice them into generous wedges, coat with oil and seasonings (add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder!), and air fry at 400ºF (204ºC) for 14-18 minutes, or until beautifully tender and crispy.
• Roasted Red Potatoes with Onions: For an extra layer of savory flavor, slice 1 medium onion (red or yellow works well) into thin wedges or rings and toss it with the potatoes and seasonings. You might need to increase the oil by 1 teaspoon to ensure the onions also get coated and caramelized.
• Cheesy Air Fryer Potatoes: Who can resist cheesy potatoes? Once your air fryer red potatoes are cooked, top them with your favorite shredded cheese – Parmesan, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend – and return them to the air fryer for just 1-3 minutes. Cook until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly.
• Fresh Herb Infusion: Add a burst of fresh flavor by incorporating fresh herbs. After the potatoes are cooked and removed from the air fryer, sprinkle generously with finely chopped fresh rosemary, chives, thyme, dill, sage, or fresh parsley. The residual heat will release their aromatic oils.
• Parmesan Garlic Red Potatoes: Enhance the savory profile by adding a tablespoon or two of grated Parmesan cheese to the seasoning mix before cooking. Alternatively, for a stronger flavor, toss with Parmesan and a little extra garlic powder right after cooking.
• Lemon Herb Potatoes: For a bright and zesty twist, add the zest of one lemon along with your fresh herbs (like dill or parsley) after cooking. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can also awaken the flavors.
• Smoky Bacon & Ranch: Crumble some cooked bacon bits over the finished potatoes and drizzle with a little ranch dressing for a loaded potato experience.

Smart Substitutions for Your Air Fryer Red Potatoes

Life happens, and sometimes you don’t have every ingredient on hand. No worries! This recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing for simple substitutions without compromising on taste or quality:

• Oil Alternatives: If olive oil isn’t available, you can substitute any cooking oil with a moderate to high smoke point. Excellent options include avocado oil (very high smoke point, neutral flavor), vegetable oil, or canola oil. For a richer, more indulgent flavor, consider using melted duck fat or goose fat, which impart an incredible savory depth and crispiness.
• Potato Varieties: While red potatoes are recommended, many other potato types can be used. If you don’t have baby red potatoes, regular red potatoes (cut into 1-inch chunks), Yukon Gold potatoes (also known as yellow potatoes, they are waxy and flavorful), or even russet potatoes will work. For russet potatoes, if you’re aiming for extra crispness, a quick 15-minute soak in cold water (then thoroughly pat dry) can help remove excess starch, though it’s not strictly necessary for this recipe’s style.
• Seasoning Blends: The provided seasoning mix is delicious, but feel free to get creative! Substitute it with your favorite pre-made blends such as Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick, Italian seasoning for an herbal touch, seasoned salt for simplicity, or even a ranch seasoning packet or everything bagel seasoning for a unique flavor.
• Reduced Oil Option: If you’re looking to cut down on oil, you can certainly use less. Lightly coat the potatoes with cooking spray (e.g., olive oil spray or avocado oil spray) before tossing them with the seasonings. While this might result in slightly less intense crispiness, it’s a great healthier alternative that still yields delicious results.

Oven Method: How to Roast Red Potatoes Without an Air Fryer

No air fryer? No problem! You can still enjoy delicious roasted red potatoes using a conventional oven. While it takes a little longer, the results are still fantastic:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to a higher temperature of 425ºF (218ºC) to ensure good crisping.
2. Prepare & Season: Follow the same preparation steps as for the air fryer: wash, dry, and cut the potatoes into uniform 1-inch pieces. Toss them in a large bowl with the olive oil and all the recommended seasonings until well coated.
3. Spread on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Ensure there’s enough space between each piece to prevent steaming.
4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Make sure to turn the potatoes halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning and crispiness on all sides. Cook until golden brown and fork-tender.

Absolutely not! Baby potatoes, especially red ones, have very thin, delicate skins that are not only perfectly edible but also incredibly delicious when roasted. The skin contributes to the desirable crispy texture and holds the seasonings wonderfully. Plus, peeling baby potatoes can be quite a tedious task due to their small size, so you’ll save yourself a lot of effort by leaving them on. Embrace the skin for both flavor and convenience!

For this particular recipe for air fryer red potatoes, soaking is not necessary. The goal here is a perfectly roasted and seasoned potato with a crispy skin, not the deep-fried crispness of French fries, which often benefit from soaking to remove excess starch. For these roasted red potatoes, simply washing, scrubbing, and thoroughly drying them is sufficient preparation before tossing with oil and seasonings. You can usually add the potatoes directly to the air fryer basket after seasoning.

To achieve maximum crispiness, follow these key tips: 1) Always thoroughly pat the potatoes dry after washing to remove surface moisture. 2) Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to allow hot air to circulate freely. 3) Preheat your air fryer before adding the potatoes. 4) Ensure they are evenly coated with oil and seasonings. 5) Shake the basket multiple times during cooking to expose all sides to the heat.

Yes, you can air fry frozen red potatoes, but they will require adjustments. You typically don’t need to thaw them first. Increase the cooking time by 5-10 minutes, and make sure to shake the basket frequently. They might not achieve the exact same texture as fresh potatoes, but they can still be delicious and convenient.

A temperature of 400ºF (204ºC) is ideal for air frying red potatoes. This high heat ensures the potatoes cook through quickly while developing a beautiful golden-brown and crispy exterior. Don’t forget to preheat your air fryer to this temperature for optimal results.

When cut into 1-inch pieces and cooked at 400ºF (204ºC), air fryer red potatoes typically take 16-20 minutes to cook. The exact time can vary depending on your air fryer model and the size of your potato pieces. Always check for fork-tenderness and desired crispiness to confirm they are done.