Air‑Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
Crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned, these air fryer breakfast potatoes are a healthier twist on a classic morning side. Made with simple spices and minimal oil, they cook up in just 25 minutes—tender inside, crunchy outside, and ready to pair with any breakfast favorite.
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.
