Crispy Baby Potatoes

Picture those golden-brown baby potatoes coming out of your air fryer, with crunchy seasoned shells and fluffy, velvety centers. Every tiny potato gives you that perfect mix of textures, boosted by the pine-like smell of fresh rosemary and a tasty blend of spices. Your air fryer turns these basic veggies into mouthwatering treats that can make any meal special, and they're ready in under 20 minutes.

I tried making these lots of different ways and found out that getting the potatoes completely dry before adding seasoning is the secret to those addictive crispy edges.

Key Potato Ingredients

• Baby Potatoes (1.5 pounds): Pick ones smaller than golf balls with clean, unmarked skin. Try mixing varieties - reds are slightly sweet and creamy; golds taste buttery and rich; purples add beautiful color and nutty flavor. They should feel solid when squeezed lightly, without soft areas or green spots
• Fresh Rosemary (3-4 large sprigs): Go for bright green, fragrant springs with bendy needles that stick firmly to the stem. Skip any with brown or dried parts. Good rosemary releases a pine scent when you rub it gently. Pull leaves off stems and chop finely just before using
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (2-3 tablespoons): Use cold pressed, early harvest oil with a bright, peppery finish. Good oil smells fresh and grassy with a slight bitterness showing it's packed with antioxidants. Look for dark glass bottles that keep the quality better
• Garlic Powder (1 tablespoon): Buy pure garlic powder without added salt or clumping agents. Fresh powder should smell strong and have a smooth, even texture without lumps. Keep it sealed tight away from warmth and light
• Sweet Paprika (1 teaspoon): Real Hungarian paprika gives the best color and sweet pepper taste. It should be bright red and smell fresh and sweet, not musty. Good paprika has slight moisture and will clump a bit when pressed
• Kosher Salt (1.5 teaspoons): Diamond Crystal works best with its big, flat crystals that stick well to potatoes. The larger surface helps spread flavor better and pulls moisture from the potato surface so they crisp up nicely
• Fresh Ground Black Pepper (1 teaspoon): Grind Tellicherry peppercorns fresh for the most interesting, aromatic pepper flavor. Good pepper has visible color differences and gives off a sharp, spicy smell when ground
• Extra Flavor Boosters: Try adding 2-3 whole fresh garlic cloves (pick firm, heavy heads with tight skin), fresh thyme sprigs (look for bright green, soft stems), or 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano (aged 24-36 months for best flavor)

Making Spud Magic

Starting Right:

Wash potatoes thoroughly and dry them completely so seasonings stick properly.

Coating Trick:

Mix potatoes with oil first, then sprinkle seasonings bit by bit while mixing for even coverage.

Air Fryer Success:

Place potatoes cut side down in one layer, leaving space for air to move around them.

Heat Know-how

Heat Know-how:

Keep it at 400°F the whole time, checking they're done when a fork slides in easily.

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Through lots of kitchen testing, I've found that letting the seasoned potatoes sit for 5 minutes before cooking helps the flavors soak in better.

Tasty Food Companions

Make amazing meal combos, eat them with herb-covered salmon, stuff them in breakfast wraps, or serve them as fancy starters with garlic mayo.

Fun Twists to Try

Play with different herb mixes, add a crunchy Parmesan layer, or throw in some roasted garlic for extra flavor.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh

Store any extra potatoes in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Warm them at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to make them crispy again.

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After trying this recipe many times to get it just right, I've learned that great roasted potatoes come down to three main things: good prep work, the right temperature, and watching the clock. What you get is a flexible side dish that brings both homey comfort and fancy flair to any meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Should I boil the potatoes first?

Nope! Just wash, cut, and season—the air fryer cooks them perfectly raw.

→ Can I try other seasonings?

Sure! Go for thyme, oregano, or other spices to suit your meal.

→ Why is cutting them in half recommended?

It increases crispiness and helps them cook evenly and faster.

→ Can I use bigger potatoes?

Yes! Slice them into 1-inch chunks so they cook at the same pace.

→ What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Pop them in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to get that crunch back.