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Roast potatoes in air fryer – the crispy, quick, and healthy way

Air Fryer Roast Potatoes Recipe:

A crispy roast potato is a thing of beauty. But who has the time to make them the traditional way?

Now you can enjoy this classic dish even on busy nights because these air fryer roast potatoes are crispy, delicious, and done in just 20 minutes! They’re perfect for a weeknight side dish, but taste like they took hours to make.

Roast potatoes in air fryer – the crispy, quick, and healthy way

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Roast Potatoes

These air fryer roast potatoes are bound to become a household favourite for several reasons:

  • Quick and Easy: The best part is no parboiling is required. That means you can have crispy potatoes on your table in less than 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy nights.
  • Crispy on the Outside, Fluffy on the Inside: The air fryer delivers the ideal roast potato texture. You’ll get a crunchy exterior and a light, fluffy inside without using much oil.
  • Healthier than Deep-Fried Potatoes: Since air frying uses significantly less oil, these roast potatoes are a healthier alternative to deep frying, with fewer calories and less fat.
  • Perfect for Any Meal: Whether you’re serving roast chicken, grilled fish, or a hearty vegetarian dish, these potatoes make an excellent side.

Benefits of Air Frying Potatoes

Air frying roast potatoes brings together the best of both worlds: taste and health. Here’s why:

  1. Healthier Option: Air frying requires minimal oil compared to deep frying, which can reduce the calorie content and saturated fats while still providing a crispy texture.
  2. Speed and Convenience: Air fryers cook faster than traditional ovens, allowing you to get those crispy potatoes on the table in record time.
  3. Even Cooking: The consistent circulation of hot air ensures that every piece of potato is cooked evenly, giving you reliable results every time.

The Secret to Crispy Air Fryer Roast Potatoes

If you want the ultimate crispy roast potatoes, the secret lies in using a shallow tray insert in your air fryer. Here’s how it works:

  • Maximizes Oil Contact: In traditional oven roasting, potatoes sit in hot fat, which gives them a crispy shell. The tray insert in the air fryer replicates this effect by allowing the potatoes to sit in a small pool of oil.
  • Thicker, Crunchier Skin: When the potatoes sit directly in the oil, the skin absorbs more fat, resulting in a thicker and crunchier exterior compared to the basket method.

If you don’t have a tray insert, no worries! You can still use the standard air fryer basket and get great results. They may be slightly less crunchy, but they’ll still be delicious and healthier since they absorb less oil.

Ingredients

  • Floury potatoes (such as Maris Piper or Rooster potatoes): 700 g (1 1/2 lbs)
  • Neutral oil (e.g., rapeseed, sunflower, or avocado): 2 tbsp
  • Salt (preferably Maldon salt for a touch of crunch): 1 tsp
  • Fresh thyme leaves (or your favourite herb): 1 tbsp
  • Optional: Additional oil for extra crunchiness: 1 tbsp

Equipment

  • Air Fryer: Preferably drawer-style, as grill-style air fryers may not provide the same results.
  • Shallow Tray Insert: Optional but highly recommended for extra crispiness.

Method

  1. Prepare the Potatoes:
    • Peel and chop your potatoes into 2.5 cm (1-inch) chunks. Rinse under cold water to remove excess starch and pat dry.
  2. Set Up the Air Fryer:
    • Place a shallow tray insert into the air fryer basket if you’re using one.
  3. Coat the Potatoes:
    • Toss the potatoes in 2 tablespoons of oil, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
  4. Air Fry in Stages:
    • Cook the potatoes at 200°C/400°F for 5 minutes.
    • Turn the potatoes and cook for another 5 minutes.
    • After 10 minutes, turn them again, lightly bash them with a spoon for rougher edges, and add an optional drizzle of oil.
    • Cook for an additional 10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Season and Serve:
    • Sprinkle with salt and fresh thyme, then serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Roast Potatoes

  • Use Floury Potatoes: Varieties like Maris Piper or Rooster have a high starch content, which leads to a fluffier interior after roasting.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: To ensure even cooking and crispy edges, place the potatoes in a single layer.
  • Get Creative with Seasonings: While thyme is classic, you can experiment with garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary for extra flavour.

For Extra Crispy Potatoes: The Parboiling Method

If you have a bit more time and want maximum crispiness, try parboiling the potatoes before air frying:

  1. Parboil the Potatoes: Boil the peeled and chopped potatoes for about 8-9 minutes until softened at the edges.
  2. Roughen the Edges: Drain and shake the potatoes in a colander to roughen up their edges, which helps them crisp up in the air fryer.
  3. Air Fry as Usual: Follow the air frying instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 5 minutes since the potatoes are partially cooked.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer roast potatoes are incredibly versatile. Serve them alongside:

  • Roast chicken, pork, or beef.
  • Grilled fish like salmon or cod.
  • Vegetarian dishes like stuffed peppers or a hearty lentil stew.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 252 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 37g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 11g
  • Fibre: 6g

Nutri-Score Classification

Based on a score of 26, the Nutri-Score would likely fall into the category of D, indicating that it is less healthy and should be consumed in moderation. (more about Nutri-score)

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Uneven Cooking: Make sure to shake the air fryer basket halfway through or turn the potatoes to ensure even cooking.
  • Potatoes Not Crispy Enough: Extend the cooking time by a few minutes or give them a light spray of cooking oil to enhance crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Can I use different types of potatoes?
    • Yes, but floury varieties like Maris Piper or Rooster are best for achieving a fluffy interior.
  2. How can I make them even crispier?
    • You can parboil the potatoes or add extra oil during cooking for a crunchier finish.
  3. Can I make these without oil?
    • Yes, but the potatoes won’t be as crispy. Using at least a small amount of oil helps to create the desired crunchy exterior. However, you can still achieve a nice, browned texture by air frying without oil if you prefer a lower-fat option.
  1. Can I freeze air fryer roast potatoes?
    • Yes! You can freeze cooked roast potatoes. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, simply air fry them straight from the freezer for about 10 minutes at 180°C/350°F until heated through and crispy.
  2. How long can I store leftovers?
    • Leftover roast potatoes can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 180°C/350°F for 5-8 minutes to restore their crispiness.
  3. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
    • If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make delicious roast potatoes in the oven. Simply follow the same steps, but bake them in a preheated oven at 220°C/425°F for about 40-45 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Conclusion

There you have it—crispy, delicious air fryer roast potatoes in a fraction of the time it takes to make them in the oven! Whether you opt for the simple method or choose to parboil them for extra crunch, this recipe is sure to become a go-to side dish for your meals. Serve them with your favorite mains, experiment with seasonings, and enjoy a healthier, easier way to make everyone’s favourite crispy potatoes.

(This article was based on the Nicky Corbishley recipe)

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