Flavorful Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes for Busy Mornings!

There’s nothing quite like the comforting taste of crispy, golden breakfast potatoes to start your morning off right.

These Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes are seasoned to perfection, boasting a crunchy exterior and a soft, fluffy center.

With just a handful of ingredients and minimal oil, this air fryer method delivers restaurant-quality potatoes in a fraction of the time.

Whether you’re serving them with eggs, bacon, or in a hearty breakfast bowl, these potatoes are a must-try for busy mornings or weekend brunches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these air fryer breakfast potatoes come together quickly and effortlessly.

Here’s why you’ll love making them:

• Crispy & Flavorful – A perfect balance of crunch and softness in every bite.
• Healthier Alternative – Uses less oil than traditional frying but still delivers that crispy texture.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal prep.
• Customizable – Adjust the seasonings, add bell peppers or onions, or spice it up with cayenne pepper.
• Great for Meal Prep – Make a batch ahead of time and reheat for a quick breakfast.

Ingredients Needed

Potatoes & Oil

• 2 large russet or Yukon gold potatoes (cut into ½-inch cubes)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil

Seasonings

• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Optional Add-ins

• ½ cup diced bell peppers (for color and sweetness)
• ½ cup chopped onions (for extra flavor)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

Start by washing and scrubbing the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt.

If you prefer a smoother texture, peel the potatoes, but leaving the skin on adds extra crispiness and nutrients.

Cut the potatoes into ½-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. For extra crispiness, soak the cubed potatoes in a bowl of cold water for 10-15 minutes.

This step helps remove excess starch, which prevents them from becoming soggy.

Drain and pat dry with a clean towel before seasoning.

Step 2: Season the Potatoes

In a large mixing bowl, add the potatoes and drizzle with olive oil.

Sprinkle the seasonings (salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper, if using).

Toss well until each potato cube is evenly coated with the seasoning blend.

Step 3: Preheat and Load the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.

This helps the potatoes start crisping up immediately.

Arrange the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Avoid overcrowding, as this can cause uneven cooking. If necessary, cook in batches for best results.

Step 4: Air Fry Until Crispy

Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 15-20 minutes. Shake the basket or toss the potatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness.

Check for doneness—potatoes should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while tender inside.

If needed, air fry for an additional 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Transfer the hot, crispy breakfast potatoes to a serving dish.

Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy them immediately alongside eggs, bacon, or avocado toast!

Tips for the Best Crispy Breakfast Potatoes

1. Soak the Potatoes for Extra Crispiness

Soaking the diced potatoes in cold water for at least 10 minutes removes excess starch, resulting in a crispier texture when air-fried.

Just be sure to pat them completely dry before seasoning.

2. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket

For the best crisp, arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer.

Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of crisping, making the potatoes soft instead of crunchy. If making a large batch, cook in multiple rounds.

3. Shake the Basket Midway Through Cooking

Shaking the air fryer basket at least once halfway through cooking helps the potatoes crisp evenly on all sides.

If your air fryer has a stirring function, use it!

4. Use the Right Potatoes

Russet potatoes get the crispiest texture, while Yukon gold potatoes offer a creamier bite with a slightly crisp exterior.

5. Adjust Seasonings to Your Taste

Feel free to experiment with seasonings!

Try Cajun seasoning, Italian herbs, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

How to Serve and Store Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes

How to Serve

These crispy breakfast potatoes are incredibly versatile and pair well with various breakfast dishes.

Here are some delicious serving ideas:

• Classic Breakfast Plate – Serve alongside scrambled or fried eggs, crispy bacon, and toast for a hearty morning meal.
• Breakfast Bowls – Add them to a bowl with avocado, sautéed veggies, and a fried egg for a nutritious start to the day.
• Taco or Burrito Fillings – Use them in breakfast tacos or burritos with eggs, cheese, and salsa.
• Dipping Delight – Enjoy with ketchup, sriracha mayo, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor.
• Brunch Side Dish – Pair with pancakes, waffles, or French toast to balance out a sweet breakfast spread.

How to Store

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them properly:

Refrigerating:

• Let the potatoes cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Spread the cooled potatoes on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat

To restore the crispiness, avoid microwaving. Instead, try these methods:

• Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes, shaking halfway through.
• Oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes on a baking sheet.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil until crispy.

Conclusion

Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes are the perfect addition to any breakfast or brunch menu.

With minimal effort and maximum crunch, they are a fantastic alternative to deep-fried potatoes—offering all the crisp without the excess oil.

Whether you enjoy them as a side dish, in a breakfast bowl, or as a snack, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.

Try it out and enjoy a delicious, crispy, and healthier take on breakfast potatoes!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes?

Yes! Sweet potatoes work great in this recipe.

Keep in mind they cook slightly faster, so check for doneness around the 12-15 minute mark to prevent burning.

2. Do I need to soak the potatoes before air frying?

Soaking isn’t required, but it helps remove excess starch, making the potatoes crispier.

If you’re short on time, simply pat them dry thoroughly before seasoning.

3. Can I cook frozen diced potatoes in the air fryer?

Absolutely! You can air fry frozen diced potatoes without thawing.

Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

4. Why aren’t my potatoes crispy?

If your potatoes are coming out soft instead of crispy, it could be due to overcrowding the air fryer basket or not drying the potatoes properly before seasoning.

Also, make sure to shake the basket halfway through cooking.

5. Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! You can par-cook the potatoes (air fry them for 10 minutes), then let them cool and store them in the fridge.

When ready to serve, reheat them in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes until crispy.