Are you looking for a delicious and healthy side dish that’s ready in minutes? Look no further! These crispy air fryer fingerling potatoes are the perfect accompaniment to any meal. Forget greasy, oven-baked potatoes; this recipe delivers perfectly golden-brown, crispy potatoes with a fluffy interior, all without the fuss. It's one of those easy recipes that even beginner cooks will master, making it a great addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas. Get ready to elevate your weeknight meals with this simple yet impressive side dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound fingerling potatoes, halved or quartered if large
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Wash and thoroughly dry the fingerling potatoes. This is crucial for achieving extra crispy results in the air fryer. Halve or quarter them, depending on their size, aiming for roughly uniform pieces for even cooking.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure all the potatoes are evenly coated with the seasoning. If using fresh herbs, add them now.
Step 3: Air Fry the Potatoes
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Overcrowding will lead to steaming instead of crisping. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy. Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of the potatoes.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Once cooked, remove the potatoes from the air fryer and serve immediately. These crispy air fryer fingerling potatoes are a delightful addition to any meal – from grilled chicken and fish to roasted vegetables.
Tips for Extra Crispy Potatoes:
- Dry is Key: Make sure your potatoes are completely dry before seasoning. Excess moisture will prevent crisping.
- Don't Overcrowd: Ensure the potatoes are in a single layer to allow for even air circulation and crispiness.
- Shake it Up: Shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process helps ensure even browning and crisping on all sides.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of your potatoes. Start checking for doneness at the 15-minute mark.
Variations:
- Spicy Potatoes: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Herby Potatoes: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, or parsley.
- Garlic Lovers: Add minced fresh garlic along with the other seasonings.
- Cheese Potatoes: Sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese over the potatoes during the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of the potatoes and the amount of oil used. However, a serving of these air fryer fingerling potatoes is generally a healthy and lower-calorie option compared to traditionally fried potatoes. For a precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients and quantities.
This delicious and easy fingerling potato recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. The air fryer method ensures crispy, flavorful results every time, making it a quick dinner idea that's sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and the simple pleasure of homemade cooking!