Name: Air Fryer Roasted Baby Potatoes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 lb baby potatoes; 1½ tbsp olive oil; ¾ tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp garlic powder

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I still remember the first time I tried roasting baby potatoes in my air fryer. I expected “okay-ish” results—edible, maybe a little dry, definitely not exciting. What came out instead shocked me in the best way possible: golden, crackly skins, soft buttery centers, and that roasted flavor I usually only get after heating up my whole oven for 45 minutes. Yeah… I haven’t looked back since.

If you’ve ever wondered whether an air fryer can really replace oven-roasted potatoes, let me save you some time (and electricity): it absolutely can. IMO, it does an even better job—especially for small batches like this.

Let me walk you through my go-to air fryer roasted baby potatoes recipe, plus all the tiny details I’ve learned the hard way so you don’t end up with sad, soggy spuds.

Why I Keep Making Baby Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Let’s get this out of the way: baby potatoes already have a lot going for them. Thin skins. Naturally creamy insides. Mild flavor that loves seasoning. When I toss them into the air fryer, they turn into something dangerously snackable.

Here’s why this recipe lives on repeat in my kitchen:

I finish it in under 20 minutes
I use way less oil than oven roasting
I don’t heat up my entire house (huge win)
I get consistent crispiness without babysitting

Ever stood by the oven flipping potatoes every 10 minutes? Yeah… hard pass.

Ingredients You’ll Need (Nothing Fancy)

I keep this recipe intentionally simple. Baby potatoes don’t need much—just a little help to shine.

You’ll need:

1 pound baby potatoes (gold, red, or mixed)
1 to 1½ tablespoons olive oil
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder

Optional (but highly recommended if you’re feeling it):

Smoked paprika
Dried rosemary or thyme
Grated parmesan (added at the end)

FYI: I always pat my potatoes dry before seasoning. Moisture = steam, and steam is the enemy of crispiness 🙂

The Air Fryer I Actually Use (and Love)

Quick personal note here—I’ve tested this recipe in a few air fryers, but I keep coming back to the COSORI Pro LE 5-Qt Air Fryer. It heats evenly, doesn’t overcrowd easily, and gives me reliable browning.

👉 https://amzn.to/4puAIZs

If you’re using a smaller basket-style air fryer, just cook in batches. Crowding kills the crunch—trust me.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Roasted Baby Potatoes

Step 1: Prep the Potatoes

I rinse the baby potatoes thoroughly and dry them well with a clean towel. If they’re bigger than a golf ball, I cut them in half. Smaller ones stay whole.

Why does size matter? Even cooking. Nobody wants one raw potato ruining the vibe.

Step 2: Season Like You Mean It

I toss the potatoes in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. I mix until every potato shines. No dry patches allowed.

Ever wondered why some potatoes taste bland even with seasoning? Uneven oil coverage. Oil carries flavor.

Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

I preheat my air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Then I add the potatoes in a single layer.

Cook time: 15–18 minutes
Shake the basket: once, halfway through

By minute 12, my kitchen already smells amazing. By minute 18, I usually “taste-test” one (for quality control, obviously).

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Once they’re golden and crispy, I pull them out and sprinkle extra salt or parmesan if I’m feeling indulgent. I serve them hot—because let’s be honest, they rarely survive long enough to cool.

Tips I Learned After Many Batches (So You Don’t Have To)

Don’t Skip Preheating

Yes, I know some people skip this. I don’t. Preheating helps the potatoes start crisping immediately instead of slowly warming up.

Oil Matters

I’ve tested avocado oil, olive oil, and even butter. Olive oil wins for flavor, avocado oil wins for high heat. Butter burns—don’t do it.

Shake, Don’t Stir

Shaking the basket halfway through keeps the potatoes intact and evenly browned. Stirring can break them apart.

Flavor Variations I Make All the Time

Once you master the base recipe, things get fun.

Garlic Parmesan Baby Potatoes

Add grated parmesan in the last 2 minutes
Finish with fresh garlic and parsley

Spicy Roasted Potatoes

Add cayenne or chili powder
Serve with ranch or aioli

Herb & Lemon Potatoes

Toss with dried thyme before cooking
Finish with lemon zest

Ever notice how potatoes magically adapt to whatever mood you’re in? That’s their superpower.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Roasted Baby Potatoes

I’ve paired these with just about everything:

Grilled or air fryer chicken
Salmon or white fish
Burgers (way better than fries, IMO)
Eggs for breakfast (don’t knock it)

Sometimes I eat them straight from the bowl while standing at the counter. No regrets.

Common Mistakes (Please Avoid These)

Overcrowding the basket → soggy potatoes
Too much oil → greasy exterior
Skipping seasoning → bland sadness
Using wet potatoes → zero crisp

If something goes wrong, it’s usually one of these. Easy fix.

Helpful Accessories I Actually Use

A good air fryer helps, but accessories make life easier.

Silicone Air Fryer Basket Liners

They make cleanup painless and still allow airflow.

👉 https://amzn.to/3Ysfbps

Oil Sprayer

I switched from pouring oil to spraying, and I never looked back.

👉 https://amzn.to/4aLnvId

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