If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and mess-free way to get perfect potatoes, learning how to cook new potatoes in air fryer uk style is a game-changer. This method delivers a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior with minimal oil, making it a healthier alternative to roasting or frying.
New potatoes, with their thin skins and waxy texture, are ideal for air frying. They become incredibly crispy on the outside while staying tender and creamy inside. It’s a simple side dish that works with almost any meal, from a Sunday roast to a quick weeknight dinner. Let’s get started on making yours perfect.
How To Cook New Potatoes In Air Fryer Uk
This is the core method for achieving those crispy, golden results every single time. The process is straightforward, but a few key steps make all the difference. You’ll need your air fryer, some new potatoes, a little oil, and your choice of seasonings.
First, you need to choose the right potatoes. In the UK, classic varieties like Jersey Royals, Charlotte, or any other small, salad potato work beautifully. Their natural sweetness and firm flesh hold up well to the high heat of the air fryer.
What You’ll Need
- 500g of new potatoes
- 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil, rapeseed oil, or avocado oil
- Salt and black pepper
- Optional seasonings: garlic powder, smoked paprika, rosemary, thyme
- A large mixing bowl
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preparing Your Potatoes
Start by giving your potatoes a good wash under cold water. Scrub them gently to remove any dirt, as you’ll be leaving the skins on for extra texture and flavour. Pat them completely dry with a clean tea towel. Any excess moisture will steam the potatoes instead of letting them crisp up.
If your potatoes are on the larger side, you can cut them in half so they’re all roughly the same size. This ensures even cooking. For very small potatoes, you can leave them whole. Some people like to parboil them first for a fluffier inside, but it’s not strictly nessesary for a good result.
2. Seasoning is Key
Place your dried potatoes in the mixing bowl. Drizzle over the oil. You don’t need a lot—just enough to lightly coat each potato. Toss them thoroughly so every surface is covered. This thin layer of oil is crucial for that golden, crispy finish.
Now, add your salt, pepper, and any other dried herbs or spices. Toss again until evenly distributed. For a classic British taste, try adding a pinch of dried rosemary or thyme. Don’t add fresh herbs yet, as they can burn in the high heat.
3. Air Frying to Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F) for about 3 minutes. This gives the potatoes a strong start. Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if you have to. Overcrowding leads to steamed, soggy potatoes.
Cook for 15 minutes. Then, shake the basket or turn the potatoes with tongs. This exposes all sides to the hot air. Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes, until they are deeply golden and crispy on the outside. The total time is usually around 25-30 minutes, but can vary by air fryer model and potato size.
4. Serving Your Potatoes
Once cooked, tip the potatoes into a clean bowl. This is the time to add any final touches, like a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, chopped fresh parsley, or a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve them immediately while they’re hot and at their crispiest.
Why This Method Works So Well
The air fryer circulates super-hot air around the food, creating a convection effect. This mimics deep frying by quickly removing moisture from the surface of the potato, allowing it to become crisp. Using just a tablespoon of oil makes them much lighter than traditional roasties, but just as satisfying.
It’s also incredibly consistent. Once you find the perfect time for your specific air fryer, you can rely on it for perfect results everytime. No more guessing with the oven.
Advanced Tips for the Best Air Fryer Potatoes
To take your potatoes to the next level, consider these pro tips. A little extra effort can yield amazing results that will impress anyone.
- Parboil First: For an extra fluffy interior, parboil your potatoes for 8-10 minutes until just tender. Drain well, roughen them up slightly in the colander (this creates more surface area for crispiness), then let them steam dry for a minute before oiling and air frying. This is the secret to a texture similar to perfect roast potatoes.
- Add Aromatics: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, you can add whole garlic cloves (in their skins) or sprigs of fresh rosemary to the basket. They will infuse the potatoes with a wonderful fragrance without burning.
- Check for Doneness: The best way to check is to pierce the largest potato with a fork. It should slide in easily. If the outside is browning to fast, you can reduce the temperature slightly for the final few minutes.
- Experiment with Flavours: Toss your cooked potatoes in a flavoured butter, a dusting of Parmesan cheese, or a dash of vinegar for different taste profiles. The possibilities are nearly endless.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a simple recipe, it’s easy to make a few small errors that affect the outcome. Here’s what to watch out for.
- Using Wet Potatoes: Not drying them properly is probably the biggest mistake. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- Overcrowding the Basket: This is essential. The hot air needs space to circulate. If the potatoes are piled on top of each other, they’ll steam.
- Skipping the Preheat: While not always mandatory, preheating helps get the crispiness started immediately, leading to a better texture.
- Not Shaking the Basket: Turning or shaking the potatoes halfway through is non-negotiable for even colour and crispness on all sides.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Your Air Fryer Potatoes
These crispy potatoes are incredibly versatile. They can complement a wide range of main dishes, fitting seamlessly into both everyday meals and special occasions.
- Classic Roast Dinner: Serve alongside air fryer chicken, roast beef, or a nut roast with all the trimmings like Yorkshire puddings and gravy.
- Weeknight Protein: They’re perfect with grilled salmon, pan-fried sausages, a beef burger, or a simple omelette.
- Vegetarian and Vegan Feasts: Pair with a hearty lentil loaf, a giant portobello mushroom, or as part of a mezze platter with hummus and salads.
- With Dips: Serve them as a snack or party food with sour cream and chive dip, garlic aioli, or a spicy tomato salsa.
FAQ Section
Do I need to peel new potatoes for the air fryer?
No, you don’t. The skins on new potatoes are thin, tender, and full of flavour and nutrients. Leaving them on helps the potatoes hold their shape and adds to the wonderful crispy texture. Just make sure to wash them well.
What’s the best temperature for air fryer potatoes?
A high temperature of 200°C (390°F) is ideal for achieving a crispy exterior. If you find they are browning to quickly on the outside before the inside is cooked, you can try starting at 180°C for 15 minutes, then increasing to 200°C for the final 10-15 minutes.
Can I cook frozen new potatoes in the air fryer?
Yes, you can! You can cook frozen parboiled new potatoes directly from frozen. Add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time, and toss them halfway through. There’s no need to defrost them first, which makes for a very convenient side dish.
How do I stop my air fryer potatoes from sticking?
Make sure you use enough oil to coat the potatoes lightly. Most modern air fryer baskets have non-stick coatings, but a light coating of oil on the potatoes themselves is the best prevention. Avoid using aerosol spray oils directly on some basket coatings, as this can damage them over time.
Can I prepare these potatoes ahead of time?
You can parboil and season the potatoes ahead of time. Keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, let them come to room temperature for 20 minutes before air frying. This may add a few minutes to the cooking time. Leftover cooked potatoes can be reheated in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes to regain their crispness.
Why aren’t my air fryer potatoes crispy?
The most common reasons are: not drying the potatoes properly before adding oil, overcrowding the air fryer basket, or not using any oil at all. Ensure you check these steps. Also, all air fryers are slightly different, so you might need to experiment with time and temperature for your specific model.
Cleaning and Maintenance Tips
After cooking potatoes, especially if you’ve used oil, it’s important to clean your air fryer basket promptly. Let it cool completely, then wash it with warm, soapy water. Most baskets are dishwasher safe, but check your manual.
If any potato or oil residue has stuck, you can soak the basket in warm, soapy water for 10-15 minutes to loosen it. This will keep your air fryer in good working order and prevent any smoke or odd smells during future uses. A well-maintained appliance performs better and lasts longer.
Final Thoughts
Mastering how to cook new potatoes in your air fryer is a simple skill that pays off again and again. It’s a reliable, efficient, and healthier cooking method that delivers fantastic results. The combination of a crispy shell and a soft, flavourful inside is hard to beat.
Once you’ve got the basic method down, feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and dipping sauces. It’s a versatile recipe that you can adapt to suit any meal. So, grab a bag of new potatoes and give it a try—you might just find it becomes your default way to cook them.