Who can resist the temptation of perfectly crisp roast potatoes? The crunch, the golden exterior, and the fluffy inside it’s a crowd-pleaser for any meal. While traditional oven methods take time and often require parboiling, this air fryer method skips that step entirely, delivering deliciously crispy potatoes in just 20 minutes. Plus, there’s no need to sacrifice flavor for speed. This recipe is the perfect side dish for any meal, from a Sunday roast to a midweek quick fix.
The Magic of Air Frying Potatoes: No Parboiling Needed
You might be used to parboiling your potatoes to achieve that perfect roast texture. However, with this air fryer recipe, you can skip that step entirely! Using the right technique, your potatoes will still have that ideal combination of a crispy outside and a fluffy center, all without the need for boiling.
Whether you’re short on time or looking to lighten up the preparation process, the air fryer becomes your go-to tool. But it’s not just the speed that makes this recipe a winner—it’s the texture and taste, too. You’ll be impressed with how simple it is to get crispy roast potatoes using your air fryer.
Key Technique: Air Fryer Basket vs. Tray Insert
Through experimentation, we’ve found that using a shallow tray insert in your air fryer basket is the key to achieving maximum crispiness. When the potatoes are cooked directly in the basket, much of the oil drains away, leading to a less crispy texture. The tray insert allows the potatoes to maintain full contact with the oil, which results in crunchier, tastier results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these delightful crispy air fryer roast potatoes, here’s what you’ll need:
- 700 g (1 ½ lbs) floury potatoes: Go for varieties like Maris Piper or red-skinned Rooster potatoes, known for their fluffy texture when roasted.
- 2 tbsp neutral oil: Choose oils with a high smoke point like rapeseed, avocado, or sunflower oil to ensure the potatoes cook evenly and get crispy without burning.
- 1 tsp Maldon salt: Adds a burst of flavor to elevate the natural taste of the potatoes.
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves: Adds a hint of earthiness and freshness to the crispy potatoes.
Optional for extra crunch: An additional 1 tbsp neutral oil to further enhance the crispiness during cooking