Ranch Potatoes in the Air Fryer
Air fryer ranch potatoes are crisp, herby and tangy, with a dry ranch seasoning that clings to every cube. Cut the potatoes into 1-inch pieces, toss with oil and the seasoning, cook at 400 °F for 20 minutes and finish with Parmesan. You can use a packet of store-bought mix or the quick homemade blend below, and serve the potatoes with ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
- Temperature
- 400°F200 °C
- Total time
- 30min
- Prep time
- 10min
- Servings
- 4
- Per serving
- 200kcal
Why the air fryer works for ranch potatoes
Ranch seasoning is a blend of dried herbs and powders, which means it needs a little oil to stick and a quick, hot cook to toast without burning. The air fryer does exactly that. The oil coats the cubes in a thin film, the herbs cling to it, and the circulating air browns the surface in 20 minutes without the need for a baking sheet or a lot of fat.
The result is a potato with a crisp crust that tastes of dill, garlic and onion. Because the seasoning is dry, nothing makes the surface wet, and the Parmesan added at the end melts into a salty, golden coating.
How to make ranch potatoes in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Mix the seasoning Stir the parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, chives, salt and pepper together in a small bowl. This makes about 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning, roughly half of a store-bought 1 oz packet.
- Prepare the potatoes Scrub the potatoes and cut them into 1-inch pieces. Dry them very well with a towel. Dry potatoes hold the seasoning and brown.
- Coat Toss the potatoes with the olive oil first, then add the ranch seasoning and toss again until evenly coated.
- Cook Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F for . Add the potatoes in a single layer and cook for , shaking the basket every .
- Add the Parmesan Sprinkle the Parmesan over the potatoes for the last . They are done when golden and a fork goes in with no resistance.
- Serve Serve right away, with ranch dressing for dipping if you like.
Times and temperatures
| Ranch Potatoes | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1-inch cubesShake every 5 min | 400 °F (200 °C) | 20 min |
| WedgesFlip halfway | 400 °F (200 °C) | 22–25 min |
| Halved baby or red potatoes | 400 °F (200 °C) | 18–20 min |
| Cheesy bacon ranchAdd cheese and bacon last 2 min | 400 °F (200 °C) | 20 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Oil, then seasoning. Coating with oil first gives the herbs something to grip. Adding the seasoning to dry potatoes leaves it at the bottom of the bowl.
- Cut evenly. One-inch pieces cook in 20 minutes. Smaller bits will brown faster, so keep the sizes close.
- Make extra mix. The homemade blend keeps in a jar for 3 months, and it is also good on popcorn, chicken or roasted vegetables.
Ranch potatoes or plain roasted potatoes?
Ranch potatoes use a dill and garlic herb blend and finish with Parmesan, so the flavor is different from a plain salt-and-pepper roast. They use small cubes or wedges, and for even thicker pieces see potato wedges in the air fryer. Whole small potatoes also take this seasoning; the method is described in mini potatoes.
What to serve with ranch potatoes
Ranch potatoes go with chicken breast, chicken tenders, pork chops or hamburgers. A side of broccoli or green beans rounds out a weeknight dinner. As a game day snack, serve them with extra ranch and hot sauce.
Storing and reheating
Keep cooled potatoes in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375 °F for 4 to 5 minutes, shaking once, until hot and crisp. The seasoning mix itself keeps in a closed jar for about 3 months.
Variations
- Bacon ranch: Add 3 slices of crumbled cooked bacon and ½ cup shredded cheddar for the last 2 minutes.
- Spicy: Add ½ tsp cayenne or smoked paprika to the seasoning.
- Ranch wedges: Cut large russets into wedges, coat the same way, and cook for 22 to 25 minutes.
If it does not turn out right
- The seasoning burns
- It was added with too little oil or at too high a heat. Coat the potatoes in oil first and keep the temperature at 400 °F. If your air fryer runs hot, lower it to 375 °F.
- The ranch flavor is weak
- The seasoning fell off wet potatoes. Dry them well, then toss with oil before the seasoning. Another pinch of salt and herbs at the end brings the flavor back.
- The potatoes are soft instead of crisp
- The basket was crowded. Cook 1½ lb in a 5-qt basket in one loose layer, or cook in two batches.
Questions and answers
Can I use ranch dressing instead of seasoning?
It is better to use the dry seasoning for cooking. Liquid dressing makes the potatoes wet and the creamy base can burn at 400 °F. Serve the dressing on the side as a dip.
How long do ranch potatoes take in the air fryer?
20 minutes at 400 °F for 1-inch pieces. Baby potatoes halved take 18 to 20 minutes, and wedges take 22 to 25 minutes.
How much store-bought ranch seasoning should I use?
Use about 2 tablespoons, or half of a 1 oz packet, for 1½ lb of potatoes. Mixes vary in saltiness, so skip any extra salt.
Can I make ranch potatoes with red or baby potatoes?
Yes. Halve small red or baby potatoes and cook them at 400 °F for 18 to 20 minutes, cut side down, shaking once.
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