Crispy, garlicky, and easy to make—these Air Fryer Garlic Potatoes are the perfect savory side dish for any meal!
Golden, crisp, and packed with flavor, Air Fryer Garlic Potatoes are a quick and tasty side that comes together with minimal prep. Red potatoes are cubed, seasoned with savory spices, and air-fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Whether you’re pairing them with grilled meats, like my Greek Chicken, tossing them into a breakfast bowl, or enjoying them on their own with a dipping sauce, these potatoes are always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy Perfection – The air fryer delivers a deliciously golden crunch without deep frying or turning on the oven.
- Garlic Flavor Boost – The simple spice blend highlights the warm, savory bite of garlic in every potato piece.
- Quick and Easy Prep – Minimal ingredients and fast cooking time make this a go-to side for busy weeknights.
- Customizable Heat – Add a dash of cayenne or chili flakes to give these potatoes a little kick!
How To Make Air Fryer Garlic Potatoes
Follow these simple steps to get the best crispy garlic potatoes from your air fryer every time.
Ingredients Needed
- Red potatoes, scrubbed and cubed
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Oil – olive oil or avocado oil are preferred due to their flavor and high smoke point.
- (Optional for serving) Fresh herbs like parsley or chives, sour cream, dipping sauces
Tip: These potatoes go perfectly with my air fryer garlic butter steak bites. For the best results, use cuts like sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip—these cook well at high temperatures and stay juicy.
Step-By-Step Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes: Wash and scrub red potatoes thoroughly. Cube into ½-inch pieces. Soak in cold water for 10–30 minutes to reduce surface starch and promote crispiness.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F.
- Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Drain and Dry: Remove potatoes from water and pat them very dry with a towel.
- Season the Potatoes: Place the potato cubes in a large Ziploc bag. Add oil and seasoning blend. Seal the bag and shake until everything is evenly coated.
- Air Fry: Pour the seasoned potatoes into the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook at 400°F for 20–22 minutes, shaking the basket 2–3 times during cooking.
- Serve: Once potatoes are fork-tender and golden crisp, remove from the air fryer and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to soak the potatoes before air frying?
Soaking is optional but recommended. A 10–30 minute soak helps remove excess starch, which gives the potatoes a crispier finish. If short on time, a good rinse and dry will still yield tasty results.
Can I use another type of potato?
Yes! Yukon Golds or russets work well, though russets may need a touch more oil and cook time due to their starchier texture. If using russets I would highly recommend peeling them before cooking.
How can I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness or in the microwave for 45-60 seconds – these will loss their crispiness.
Bonus Tip: How to Make Them a Meal
Turn these Air Fryer Garlic Potatoes into a full meal by pairing them with protein and a veggie. They’re excellent with scrambled eggs and a side of fresh fruit for breakfast, or with grilled chicken or air fryer steak for dinner. You can even toss them into a salad bowl with bacon and cheese for a fun twist on loaded potato skins.
Air Fryer Garlic Potatoes Recipe Card:
Air Fryer Garlic Potatoes
Ingredients
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder divided
- ½ teaspoon salt divided
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- 1 lb red potatoes scrubbed and cut into ½–1 inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons oil
Method
- After thoroughly scrubbing potatoes, cube into ½–1 inch cubes and soak in cold water for 10–30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch on the outside of the potatoes which allows the exterior to crisp more easily.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- In a small bowl, blend all the spices together.
- Drain and dry potatoes.
- Place the red potato cubes into a gallon-size Ziploc bag. Pour oil and sprinkle spice blend over potatoes. Zip bag closed. While holding the zipper part of the bag, shake to coat.
- Carefully pour the seasoned potato chunks into the preheated air fryer basket. Make sure they are placed in an even layer to ensure even cooking.
- Cook at 400°F for 20–22 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times throughout the cooking process. When potatoes are crisp and fork tender, they are done.
- Salt to taste and serve immediately when done.
Nutrition
Notes
- In a hurry? You can skip the soaking if needed. Just rinse potatoes well then dry.
- Feel free to add additional garlic or other spices.
- Looking to make these spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a ¼ teaspoon of red chili flakes to kick up the heat.