Name: Air Fryer Red Potatoes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds red potatoes (halved); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried Rosemary; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon pepper

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These air fryer red potatoes are absolutely perfect – crispy and crackly on the outside, yet melt-in-your-mouth tender inside. Ready in just 15 minutes, they’re my go-to side dish when I want something quick yet incredibly delicious. If you love these, you’ll also adore my smothered potatoes recipe for those cozy comfort food nights.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Red Potatoes

Perfectly crispy exteriors with buttery-soft centers
Quick 15-minute cooking time
Minimal oil needed for maximum crispiness
Simple ingredients you already have
No advance prep or potato soaking required
Versatile – works with any potato variety
Clean-up is a breeze

Let me tell you why red potatoes are my absolute favorite – they’re like the perfect middle ground between starchy russets and waxy golds. When air fried, they develop this incredible crispy skin while staying perfectly tender inside. Not too starchy, not too waxy – just right! I’ve tested this recipe countless times (my family certainly hasn’t complained!), and the texture is consistently amazing.

The best part? You only need a handful of basic ingredients to make these potatoes shine. A little olive oil helps create that gorgeous golden exterior, while dried rosemary and smoked paprika add wonderful depth of flavor. And trust me on the smoked paprika – it adds this subtle smokiness that makes these potatoes absolutely irresistible!

The secret to getting that perfect crispy exterior is working in batches. I know it’s tempting to pile all the potatoes in at once, but giving them space to breathe in the air fryer makes such a difference. Your patience will be rewarded with perfectly crispy, evenly cooked potatoes every single time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these ingredients! Each one plays such an important role in creating those perfectly crispy-yet-tender red potatoes.

Red Potatoes: These beauties are the star! I love them because they’re less starchy than russets but starchier than Yukons, creating that perfect texture we’re after. Look for firm, evenly-sized potatoes – they’ll cook more uniformly. Just like in my slow cooker comfort meals, consistency in size is key!
Olive Oil: Just 2 tablespoons does magic here! It helps create that gorgeous golden crust and carries our seasonings. You could use avocado oil too, but I find olive oil adds a subtle flavor that’s just perfect.
Dried Rosemary: My absolute favorite herb with potatoes! It adds this wonderful aromatic pine-like flavor that blooms in the heat. If you’re not a rosemary fan, dried thyme or oregano work beautifully too.
Smoked Paprika: This is my secret weapon! It adds a subtle smokiness that makes these potatoes absolutely irresistible. Perfect for dipping in homemade sauces.
Salt and Black Pepper: Don’t skimp here! Potatoes love salt, and freshly ground black pepper makes such a difference.

Success Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Potatoes

Want to know how to get that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside creamy? Here are my tested-and-true tips:

Single Layer is Sacred: Never overcrowd your air fryer basket! I know it’s tempting to pile them in, but trust me – working in batches gives you that amazing crispy exterior we’re after.
The Shake Technique: Every 5 minutes, give your basket a good shake. This ensures even cooking and helps develop that gorgeous crust all around.
Temperature Matters: Start with a preheated air fryer at 400°F. This high heat creates that initial crispy exterior while sealing in moisture.
Size Consistency: Cut your potatoes into similar-sized pieces. I aim for about 1-inch chunks – they cook evenly and get perfectly crispy without drying out.
The Fork Test: Check doneness by piercing with a fork – it should slide in easily but still meet a tiny bit of resistance. That’s your sweet spot!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let me walk you through making these incredibly crispy red potatoes – they’re just as easy as my favorite cottage cheese egg bites!

1. Prepare the Potatoes (5 minutes)

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C)
Clean and halve your red potatoes (keeping sizes consistent)
In a large bowl, combine:
- 2 pounds halved red potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon each salt and pepper
Toss everything until potatoes are evenly coated

2. Air Frying Method (15 minutes)

Place potatoes cut-side down in a single layer
Air fry for 15-17 minutes, shaking basket every 5 minutes
Test doneness with a fork at 15 minutes

Creative Variations & Serving Ideas

Just like my street tacos need the perfect seasoning, these potatoes are incredibly versatile! Here are my favorite ways to switch things up:

Seasoning Combinations:

Greek-Style: Oregano, lemon zest, and crumbled feta
Steakhouse: Garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh parsley
Southwest: Cumin, chili powder, and lime zest
Holiday Special: Similar to my holiday cookies, these can be dressed up with fresh rosemary and sage

Serving Suggestions:

Dipping Sauces: Serve with homemade ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo
Toppings: Fresh herbs, grated Parmesan, or crispy bacon bits
Make it a Meal: Perfect alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables

Remember, these potatoes are best served hot and fresh from the air fryer. If you have leftovers, reheat them in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 375°F to restore their crispiness!

FAQs & Final Thoughts

Can I prep these potatoes ahead of time?

You can cut and season the potatoes up to 4 hours in advance, but for the crispiest results, air fry them just before serving. Store prepped potatoes in cold water to prevent browning, but be sure to dry them thoroughly before cooking.

My potatoes aren’t getting crispy enough – what am I doing wrong?

The secret to super crispy potatoes is avoiding overcrowding! Work in batches if needed, and make sure your potatoes are completely dry before adding oil and seasonings. Also, don’t skip the occasional basket shake during cooking.

What’s the best way to reheat leftover air fryer potatoes?

Pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes! They’ll crisp right back up, perfect for serving alongside grilled chicken wraps or enjoying on their own.

Final Thoughts

Oh my goodness, friends – these air fryer red potatoes are absolutely going to become your new favorite side dish! They’re the perfect blend of crispy and creamy, and I just love how versatile they are. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner or serving them up at your next family gathering, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

I’ve made these countless times, and they never disappoint. The best part? They’re practically foolproof! Just remember to give them space in the air fryer basket (no crowding!), shake them occasionally, and season generously. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever made potatoes any other way.

Don’t forget to snap a picture if you make these – I absolutely love seeing your kitchen successes! And if you come up with a creative seasoning combination, please share it in the comments. Happy air frying, everyone! 💕