Crispy air fryer fingerling potatoes make a delightful and simple dish that can elevate any meal. Their crispy exterior and tender interior create a comforting side that pairs well with various main courses. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or just want a tasty snack for movie night, these fingerling potatoes are the perfect choice. Plus, using an air fryer makes the cooking process quick and easy without compromising flavor.
Why We Love This Crispy Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes
There are many reasons to love crispy air fryer fingerling potatoes. First and foremost, they cook quickly, making them ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. The air fryer achieves a crunchy texture while using significantly less oil than traditional frying methods, making this dish a healthier choice without sacrificing taste. Fingerling potatoes’ natural sweetness pairs beautifully with seasonings, allowing you to experiment and customize the flavors to suit your preferences. Plus, their unique shape adds a fun twist, ensuring they stand out at any meal. This simple yet delicious dish can easily win over even the pickiest of eaters, making it a staple for any table.
Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes
- 1 pound fingerling potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme), optional for garnish
Directions
- Begin by washing the fingerling potatoes thoroughly under cold water. Scrub them gently to remove any dirt, then dry them with a kitchen towel.
- Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise. This step ensures they cook evenly and develop a crispy edge.
- In a large bowl, combine the halved potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss well until all the potatoes are evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to guarantee they crispy well.
- Cook the potatoes for about 15 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to promote even crisping.
- Once golden and crispy, remove the potatoes from the air fryer. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes
Crispy air fryer fingerling potatoes make an ideal side dish for various meals. Serve them alongside grilled chicken, fish, or a hearty salad for a balanced plate. You can also enjoy these potatoes as a standalone snack. Pair them with a tasty dip, like homemade garlic aioli or a fresh herb yogurt sauce, for an extra flavor boost. For more casual gatherings, serve them on a platter, allowing guests to enjoy them as finger food. You can sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top once they are out of the air fryer for a cheesy twist. The flexibility of serving options makes these potatoes a favorite among both adults and kids alike.
Expert Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes
Achieving perfectly crispy fingerling potatoes in the air fryer is easy with a few helpful tips. First, make sure to cut the potatoes into even pieces so they cook uniformly. Mixing and matching seasonings can lead to exciting flavor combinations, so feel free to experiment with herbs and spices that you love. For an extra crunch, consider soaking the halved potatoes in water for about 30 minutes before cooking. This step removes excess starch and promotes crispiness. Always air fry in a single layer to allow maximum air circulation, which is essential for that perfect crunch. If you’re making a large batch, consider cooking them in multiple batches instead of piling them into one. Finally, serve them immediately after cooking to enjoy their crispy texture at its best.
How to Store Crispy Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes
If you have any leftover fingerling potatoes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Allow the potatoes to cool completely before sealing them to prevent moisture buildup. They can typically last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat the potatoes in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid using a microwave, as this will make them soft and chewy instead of crispy. If you want to preserve them for a longer time, you can also freeze the cooked potatoes. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, ensuring you remove as much air as possible before sealing. To enjoy, simply reheat directly from the freezer in your air fryer.
Variations of Crispy Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes
Getting creative with crispy air fryer fingerling potatoes is easy, and you can customize them based on your taste preferences. Consider trying different seasoning blends, such as Italian herbs, Cajun spices, or a zesty lemon and herb mix. For a spicy kick, add some chili powder or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. You can also experiment with flavor by tossing the potatoes with grated parmesan cheese or crumbled feta before air frying. Another tasty variation is to add diced bell peppers or onions to the air fryer basket alongside the potatoes, expanding the flavors and textures on your plate. For a sweeter twist, toss in a bit of brown sugar or maple syrup with your seasonings, creating a caramelized effect as they cook. The versatility of fingerling potatoes allows you to craft your perfect version every time.
FAQ about Crispy Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes
You might have some questions about crispy air fryer fingerling potatoes, so here are a few common ones.
What type of potatoes are best for this recipe? Fingerling potatoes are excellent because of their naturally creamy texture and ability to crisp well. However, you can also use baby Yukon gold or red potatoes as alternatives.
Do I have to peel the potatoes before cooking? No, you don’t need to peel fingerling potatoes. The skins add a nice texture and help keep the potato moist during cooking. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt.
Can I make these potatoes ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the potatoes in advance by washing, cutting, and seasoning them. Store them covered in the refrigerator and air fry them when you’re ready to serve.
Will these potatoes stay crispy after cooking? They are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer when they’re still hot and crispy. If you need to store them, follow the proper storage instructions to retain their texture, and reheat them in the air fryer to regain crispiness.
How do I know when the potatoes are done? Look for a golden brown color and a crispy texture. The fork should easily pierce the potatoes, showing they are cooked through. The cooking time may vary slightly based on the size of the potatoes and your specific air fryer model.
Crispy Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound fingerling potatoes Scrubbed and washed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For coating
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper Adjust to taste
- to taste Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) Optional for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash the fingerling potatoes thoroughly under cold water, scrubbing gently to remove dirt, then dry with a kitchen towel.
- Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise for even cooking.
- In a large bowl, combine the halved potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Cooking
- Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.
- Cook the potatoes for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Remove the potatoes once they are golden and crispy. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot.
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