Red Potatoes in the Air Fryer
Red potatoes are waxy and thin-skinned, so they stay creamy inside while the skin turns tight and golden. Air fryer red potatoes need no peeling and no parboiling, and they are ready in about 18 minutes at 400 °F. Cut them in halves or 1-inch cubes, toss with olive oil, garlic and rosemary, and you have a side dish that works for any weeknight dinner.
- Temperature
- 400°F200 °C
- Total time
- 28min
- Prep time
- 10min
- Servings
- 4
- Per serving
- 170kcal
Why the air fryer works for red potatoes
Red potatoes are low in starch and high in moisture, which is why they hold their shape in potato salad and soups. That same quality makes them more forgiving in the air fryer. They do not fall apart or turn dry, and the thin red skin tightens and browns while the flesh stays creamy and smooth. You get a satisfying contrast without a long roast.
The air fryer also makes the cooking simple. There is no need to parboil, and a single tablespoon or two of oil is enough. Because red potatoes are naturally small and uniform, you can often skip the cutting entirely for small ones and just halve the bigger ones.
How to make red potatoes in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Cut Scrub the potatoes and dry them. Cut small ones in half and larger ones into quarters or 1-inch cubes, so all pieces are about the same size. Leave the skin on.
- Season Toss the potatoes in a bowl with the olive oil, salt, pepper and rosemary until every piece is coated. Keep the garlic aside for later, since it burns if it goes in at the start.
- Preheat and load Preheat the air fryer to 400 °F for . Place the potatoes in the basket cut side down, in one layer. A 5–6 qt basket holds 1½ lb of halves; in a 4 qt basket cook in two batches. For cubes, a loose layer is enough.
- Cook Cook for total, shaking the basket after . Add the minced garlic for the last . The potatoes are done when the skins are wrinkled and golden and a fork slides in easily.
- Finish Transfer to a bowl, toss with the parsley and taste for salt. Serve hot.
Times and temperatures
| Red Potatoes | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Halved or 1-inch cubesShake after 8 min | 400 °F (200 °C) | 18 min |
| Quartered, large | 400 °F (200 °C) | 20–22 min |
| Whole, 1½ inchesPrick with a fork | 400 °F (200 °C) | 25–30 min |
| Sliced, ¼ inch | 380 °F (190 °C) | 14–16 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
- Cut side down. Placing halves cut side down gives a flat, golden surface that looks and tastes better than the rounded skin side.
- Keep sizes similar. Mixing 1-inch cubes with large chunks gives you burned bits and raw centers. Sort them into similar sizes before you start.
- Season twice. A pinch of flaky salt after cooking brings out flavor that gets lost during roasting.
Red potatoes or baby potatoes?
Red potatoes are a variety of potato, and baby potatoes are simply any potato harvested young. Small reds are often sold as baby red potatoes, and they can be cooked whole or halved. If you prefer a cut-up potato with a crisp-edged finish, this recipe is the one. For small whole potatoes in a mixed bag, see mini potatoes in the air fryer. Large russets are better for baked potatoes.
What to serve with red potatoes
Garlic and rosemary red potatoes fit with roast meats such as pork tenderloin, salmon or chicken breast. For a vegetable side, add asparagus or green beans. They are also good with a fried egg for breakfast.
Storing and reheating
Keep leftover 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, until hot all the way through and crisp at the edges. They also make a good base for a quick lunch skillet with eggs or leftover sausage.
Variations
- Red potatoes with onions and peppers: Add 1 sliced onion and 1 sliced bell pepper for the last 8 minutes, and season with a little extra paprika.
- Lemon and dill: Skip the rosemary and finish with 1 tsp lemon zest and 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill.
- Parmesan: Toss the cooked potatoes with 2 tbsp grated Parmesan while they are hot (not vegan or dairy-free).
If it does not turn out right
- The skins are tough instead of crisp
- The potatoes were too dry on the surface or too big. Use enough oil to coat them, cut pieces to about 1 inch and cook cut side down for the first half.
- The garlic tastes bitter
- It went in too early. Minced garlic burns in 3 to 4 minutes at 400 °F, so add it for the last 3 minutes only.
- The potatoes are browned but not tender
- The pieces were too large. Cut them smaller or lower the temperature to 375 °F and add 4 to 5 minutes.
Questions and answers
How long do red potatoes take in the air fryer?
Halved small red potatoes and 1-inch cubes take 18 minutes at 400 °F. Whole potatoes about 1½ inches wide need 25 to 30 minutes, and ¼-inch slices take 14 to 16 minutes.
Do red potatoes need to be peeled?
No. The skin is thin, tender and crisps nicely. Scrub the potatoes well and leave the skins on.
Can I cook whole red potatoes in the air fryer?
Yes. Prick small whole potatoes with a fork, rub them with oil and salt and cook at 400 °F for 25 to 30 minutes, shaking twice. Pieces cut in half cook faster and get crispier.
Can I cook red potatoes from frozen?
Raw potatoes do not freeze well. For cooked, frozen red potato pieces, cook at 400 °F for about 15 to 18 minutes and shake often.
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