Start your mornings with these crispy air fryer breakfast potatoes that are golden on the outside and tender inside.
Naturally fiber-rich and made with heart-healthy olive oil, they deliver satisfying flavor without heavy frying.
Seasoned with simple pantry spices, they’re low in saturated fat yet full of taste, making them a wholesome choice for everyday cooking.
Quick, easy, and meal-prep friendly, they’re the perfect side for any breakfast table.
Air‑Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Chef’s Knife
- 1 Measuring Spoons Set
- 1 wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs Yukon Gold potatoes washed and diced into ½-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Before preparing the potatoes, set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for about 5 minutes. This step is important because starting with a hot basket ensures the potatoes begin crisping right away rather than steaming. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat function, simply run it empty for a few minutes.
- Wash and Dry Potatoes Thoroughly: Rinse the Yukon Gold potatoes under cold running water to remove any dirt. Scrub gently if needed, since the skins are thin and edible. Once washed, pat the potatoes completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Removing moisture is crucial—any leftover water will cause the potatoes to steam instead of crisp.
- Dice Potatoes into Even Cubes: Using a sharp chef’s knife, cut the potatoes into ½-inch cubes. Try to keep the pieces uniform in size, as this ensures they cook evenly. Smaller cubes may crisp up faster, while larger ones may remain soft in the center, so aim for consistency.
- Prepare the Seasoning Mix: In a large mixing bowl, drizzle the potatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss the potatoes gently but thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated. Using your hands or a wooden spoon works best—make sure no potato cube is left unseasoned.
- Arrange Potatoes in the Basket: Transfer the seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket, spreading them out in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as stacking the potatoes will cause uneven cooking and less crispiness. If necessary, cook in two smaller batches rather than one overloaded batch for the best texture.
- Air Fry Until Crispy and Tender: Cook the potatoes at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes. Pause the air fryer 2–3 times during cooking to shake the basket or stir the potatoes with a spatula. This movement helps them cook on all sides, giving you evenly browned, crispy edges. At the 20-minute mark, check with a fork—the potatoes should be tender inside and golden brown outside.
- Optional: Extra Crisp Finish: If you prefer an even crispier texture, use your air fryer’s air broil function for an additional 2–3 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to prevent burning and promote even browning. If your air fryer doesn’t have a broil setting, increase the temperature to 450°F (230°C) and cook for a couple of extra minutes until the edges are extra crunchy.
- Add Final Garnish and Serve: Once perfectly cooked, transfer the potatoes to a serving dish. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a fresh flavor boost. Serve hot alongside eggs, toast, avocado, or your favorite breakfast dishes. These potatoes are best enjoyed right away while they’re still crispy.
Notes
- Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal for a creamy interior and naturally golden edges.
- Drying potatoes thoroughly after washing prevents steaming and ensures maximum crispiness.
- Cutting the potatoes into uniform ½-inch cubes promotes even cooking and texture.
- Tossing potatoes in olive oil and spices ensures every piece is evenly seasoned.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed for the crispiest results.
- Shaking or stirring the basket during cooking helps create golden, crunchy edges.
- Optional broil or high-heat finish enhances browning and adds extra crispiness.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds color and a hint of freshness to the finished dish.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Potatoes
The secret to truly crispy air fryer potatoes lies in preparation and technique.
First, drying the potatoes thoroughly after washing prevents them from steaming during cooking, which is the most common reason for soggy results.
Second, cutting the cubes evenly helps them cook at the same pace—no underdone or overdone bites.
Lastly, shaking the basket several times during cooking exposes more surface area to heat, creating those irresistible crunchy edges.
If you want a golden finish, take advantage of your air fryer’s broil setting or bump up the temperature briefly at the end.
Serving Suggestions for Every Meal
These crispy breakfast potatoes aren’t limited to just morning meals—they work beautifully throughout the day.
For a classic breakfast plate, serve them alongside scrambled eggs, fried eggs, or a vegetable-packed omelet.
They also pair well with avocado toast, breakfast burritos, or smoked salmon.
Beyond breakfast, use them as a quick side dish for grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even as a base for a hearty grain bowl.
A sprinkle of shredded cheese, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of hot sauce can instantly elevate them for variety.
Smart Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, let the potatoes cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.
They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, avoid the microwave, which softens their texture. Instead, return them to the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes until hot and crisp again.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked potatoes in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag.
Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer until warm and golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of potato?
Yes! While Yukon Gold potatoes are creamy and hold their shape well, russet potatoes also work and produce an even crispier texture.
Red potatoes are another good option for a slightly firmer bite.
2. Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is optional. The thin skins of Yukon Gold potatoes are tender and add extra fiber and flavor, so leaving them on saves time and boosts nutrition.
3. How can I make the potatoes extra crispy?
For maximum crispiness, make sure the potatoes are completely dry, don’t overcrowd the basket, and shake them a few times while cooking.
Finishing with the broil setting or high heat for a couple of minutes also helps.
4. Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, you can season the potatoes and store them in the refrigerator up to a day in advance.
Cooked potatoes can also be reheated in the air fryer, making them meal-prep friendly for busy mornings.
5. What seasonings can I use besides paprika?
Feel free to experiment! Cajun seasoning, Italian herbs, chili powder, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can completely change the flavor profile while keeping the method the same.
