I remember the first time I tried making air fryer red potatoes. It was a hectic weekday evening, and I was looking for a quick and easy side dish to complement my main course.
I’ve been trying to get in the habit of using my air fryer more, because I’ve read about and even experienced how amazing they are! They are quick to cook delicious, healthy food without much effort.
To my delight, the air fryer red potatoes exceeded my expectations. The red potatoes came out perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a flavor that was simply irresistible. Plus, my garlic aioli added a combination of creamy, citrusy, and herby goodness.
Since then, air fryer red potatoes with my garlic herb aioli have become a staple in my kitchen, loved by both family and friends. There's something incredibly satisfying about biting into a perfectly cooked potato that's been made with minimal effort and maximum taste.
Now, let's dive into the details of how you can make this delicious air fryer red potatoes recipe at home, along with some tips, variations, and answers to frequently asked questions to ensure your potatoes turn out perfectly every time. Let’s start with how healthy they are.
Jump to:
- Are Air Fryer Red Potatoes Healthy?
- Ingredients
- How to Make Red Potatoes in Air Fryer
- Substitutions for Red Potatoes in the Air Fryer
- Variations
- Air Fryer Red Potatoes with Rosemary
- Expert Tips to Make the Crispiest & Tastiest Potatoes
- Equipment You Need
- Storage Ideas & Tips
- Frequently-Asked Questions
- What to Serve with Air Fryer Red Potatoes
- Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Red Potatoes with Garlic Herb Aioli
- 💬 Comments
Are Air Fryer Red Potatoes Healthy?
Yes, air fryer red potatoes are very healthy! What makes red potatoes healthier than other potato varieties, is their low starch content. Red potatoes have a lower glycemic index, which means they digest more slowly in your body.
Plus, the red potatoes contain a lot of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, Potassium, vitamin B6, iron, and Magnesium. These all contribute to improved energy and immunity.
By using the air fryer, you can enjoy extra crispy potatoes without the health risks of deep-fried food. By using an air fryer, you can use a fraction of the oil or no oil at all!
Ingredients
- Red Potatoes: Red potatoes are a super healthy and delicious variety you can use. You’ll need 2-3 unpeeled red potatoes cut into wedges or cubes. Since red potatoes can vary in size, I would also recommend you weigh your potatoes so they equal 0.75-1 lbs. You can even use baby red potatoes and cut them into quarters for a different shape.
- Spices: You’ll need ½ teaspoon onion powder, one teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground pepper.
- Olive Oil: I recommend using the olive oil spray if you want to be healthy and reduce the amount of oil you consume.
- Fresh Herbs: In this recipe, you’ll need fresh parsley, fresh chives, and oregano. You can also use other herbs like rosemary, cilantro, or dill!
- Mayonnaise: I recommend the Best Foods mayo brand for the best taste and texture. You’ll need ½ cup of mayo.
- Garlic: I use a lot of garlic in this recipe because it makes everything taste so good! I recommend using 5 cloves. However, you can use more or less depending on your love of garlic.
- Lemon Juice: You’ll need 1 tbs. of lemon juice, fresh or from the bottle. However, I recommend fresh lemon juice. This will be used for your garlic aioli to add some freshness to the creamy dip.
- Sweetener: I use honey, but you can use any sweetener you want, including regular cane sugar or agave nectar. I wouldn’t recommend using maple syrup, as that could give the garlic aioli a weird taste.
How to Make Red Potatoes in Air Fryer
- Prepare the Spice Blend: Mix all the spices in a small bowl.
- Coat the Potatoes: In a large bowl, combine the cut red potato wedges, olive oil, and spice blend. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated.
- Air Fry the Potatoes: Put the red skin potatoes in the air fryer basket, evenly spread out. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 10-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even crispiness. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer.
- Make the Garlic Aioli: While the potatoes are cooking, combine the garlic, mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix well. Stir in the freshly chopped herbs. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Serve: Once crispy and golden, place the roasted potatoes on a plate and serve with the garlic herb aioli.
Substitutions for Red Potatoes in the Air Fryer
- Red Potatoes: If you don’t have red potatoes on hand, any potato will be a good substitute for air fryer roasted potatoes, including Yukon gold potatoes, russet potatoes, and sweet potatoes.
- Oil: You can use avocado oil or sunflower oil instead of olive oil.
- Spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices like paprika, thyme, cumin, or rosemary.
- Herbs: Substitute parsley and chives with cilantro or dill for a different flavor profile. If you can only find parsley, you can omit the chives and fresh oregano and still achieve a delicious flavor.
- Lemon Juice: Substitute lemon juice with 1 teaspoon of white vinegar.
- Honey: Trying to make this vegan? No problem! You can substitute honey for a variety of sweeteners, including regular cane sugar and agave nectar. However, I would shy away from maple syrup, as it could add a strong maple flavor to the aioli, which won’t taste good.
- Fresh Garlic: You can substitute fresh garlic for garlic powder or garlic flakes. You can also substitute diced shallots to achieve that extra zingy flavor.
- Mayonnaise: You can substitute mayo for non-fat Greek yogurt if you want a high-protein snack or you want to make this dish healthier. If you want a vegan version of this recipe, you can buy vegan mayo at the store, or make it yourself!
I personally use the avocado oil mayo you can get from Costco to make it healthier. Just be careful with this substitute. If you refrigerate the avocado oil mayo, it may give the aioli a different and unpleasant texture.
Variations
- Parmesan Garlic: Toss the potatoes with ¼ cup of Parmesan and 3 cloves of minced garlic before air frying. Sprinkle extra Parmesan over the potatoes right after they come out of the air fryer.
- Spicy Cajun: Mix the potatoes with 1 tsp. of Cajun seasoning, ½ tsp. smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper before air frying for a spicy kick. I would recommend omitting the oregano. Pair with the garlic aioli or another Cajun-style dip.
- Lemon Pepper: Toss the potatoes with 1 tsp. of lemon zest and 1 tsp. lemon pepper seasoning. Serve with an extra squeeze of lemon juice for a zesty flavor.
- Balsamic Vinegar and Thyme: Drizzle the potatoes with 1 tbs. of balsamic vinegar and sprinkle 1 tsp. of fresh thyme before air frying. This adds a tangy and aromatic flavor. You can even dip them in my best balsamic vinaigrette!
- Italian Herb: Mix the potatoes with 1 tsp. dried basil, 1 tsp. dried thyme, and 1 tsp. dried rosemary before air frying for a classic Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle the potatoes with 1 tbs. of everything bagel seasoning before air frying for a unique and savory flavor.
- Herb Butter: Drizzle the air-fried potatoes with melted herb butter right after cooking for a rich and flavorful twist. Mix 2 tbsp. of melted butter and 1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, dill, chives).
- Buffalo Style: Toss the air-fried potatoes with 2 tbs. of buffalo sauce and 1 tbs. of melted butter immediately after cooking for a tangy and spicy variation.
- Truffle Oil and Sea Salt: Drizzle the air-fried potatoes with 1-2 tsp. of truffle oil and sprinkle with sea salt just before serving for a gourmet touch.
Air Fryer Red Potatoes with Rosemary
A popular way to make air fryer red potatoes is to add rosemary. I recommend adding freshly chopped rosemary to your spice blend and evenly coat your potatoes before air frying.
By air frying the rosemary with the potatoes, the rosemary will become more fragrant and tender when you serve it up. This will intensify the rosemary flavor.
If you don’t have fresh rosemary on hand, you can use dried rosemary too.
Expert Tips to Make the Crispiest & Tastiest Potatoes
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook the potatoes in batches if needed to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.
- Stir Regularly: Shake the air fryer basket every 5 minutes to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Soak the Potatoes: Soak the potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes, and then dry them with a towel. Soaked potatoes that are air-fried tend to have a crispier texture.
- Dry Potatoes: Pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel before tossing them with oil and spices. This helps achieve a crispier texture.
- Use Lots of Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs add wonders to any dish you make, and these air fryer potatoes are no different. Add oregano or freshly chopped rosemary to the potatoes before air frying and add fresh chives and parsley to the garlic aioli to add a refreshing flavor to this dish.
- Grate the Garlic: If you want the garlic flavors to really infuse into in the aioli, then grate at least half of the recommended amount using a micro-pane grater. This will extract more of the garlic juices than minced garlic, and add more flavor to the cream dip.
Equipment You Need
Below is a list of the following you will need to make these air fryer red potatoes with garlic herb aioli.
- Air fryer
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mixing bowls
- Small bowl for spice blend and aioli
- Measuring spoons
Storage Ideas & Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftover fried red potatoes and the garlic herb aioli (separately) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
Frequently-Asked Questions
Typically, 15-20 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. However, these times may vary depending on the size and brand of your air fryer.
15-20 minutes at 400°F.
Soaking is not necessary for this recipe. However, soaking can remove excess starch and may help in achieving extra crispiness.
Yes, you can put raw, seasoned potatoes directly into the air fryer.
No, pre-boiling is not required for this recipe.
Yes! Bake at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
This depends on the specific ingredients used, but generally, air fryer potatoes are lower in calories compared to traditional fried potatoes. Scroll down below the recipe to reference the nutrition label.
Air frying is generally faster and more energy-efficient compared to baking in the oven.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Red Potatoes
Air fryer red potatoes make a versatile side dish that pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as part of a hearty salad.
- Strawberry Salad with Basil and Lemon
- Garden Garbanzo Bean Salad
- Garlic Grilled Flank Steak
- Italian Oven Roasted Vegetables
- Greek Sheet Pan Chicken
Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Red Potatoes with Garlic Herb Aioli
Equipment
- air fryer
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 2-3 unpeeled red potatoes about ¾ lb. and cut into wedges
- 1 tbsp. olive oil extra virgin
Spice Blend
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. onion powder
- ½ tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp. salt
Garlic Herb Aioli
- 5 cloves garlic minced or grated
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
- ½ tbsp. honey
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp. parsley chopped fine
- 2 tbsp. fresh chives chopped fine + extra for garnishing (optional)
- 1 tbsp. fresh oregano chopped fine (optional)
Instructions
- Make the spice blend by mixing all of the spices in a small bowl.
- Mix the cut red potatoes, olive oil, and spice blend into a bowl until the potatoes are evenly coated.
- Evenly spread out the potatoes into an air fryer basket.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 10-20 minutes. Cooking times will vary depending on your air fryer. Mine took 15 minutes to cook. Stir the potatoes every 5 minutes, to ensure crispiness.
- While the potatoes are cooking, start making the aioli.
- Mix the garlic, mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Next, stir in the freshly chopped herbs.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings to your preferences, by adding more salt, pepper, garlic, or lemon juice.
- Place the potatoes onto a plate and serve with garlic aioli.
Notes
- Add smashed roasted garlic cloves, and mix them into the aioli sauce for extra flavor.
- Add chopped fresh rosemary to the potatoes before cooking them in the air fryer. This will add additional flavor.
- If you have a small air fryer, I recommend cooking the potatoes in 2 batches for extra crispiness.
- When making the garlic aioli, mince half the garlic and grate the other half. This way, you can extract more of the garlic juices and add more garlic flavor to your aioli.
Nutrition Facts
These values were taken from a nutrition calculator.
Oscar
I love making air fryer red potatoes with garlic herb aioli. They’re crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and the flavors are incredible.
Audrey Sommer
Thank you Oscar! I'm glad you enjoyed them!
Leslie
Classic recipe and I love the crispy texture!
Audrey Sommer
Thank you Leslie!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome
I loved these potatoes!! I wish I would have made a bigger batch!! These are great with any meal!
Audrey Sommer
Thank you, I'm glad you liked them, and hope you make them again!
Swathi
Airfyer red potatoes with garlic herb aioli is delicious I have tried yesterday. Great meal.
Audrey Sommer
Oh I'm so glad to hear that Swathi!
Liz
SO yummy!! Making the ailoi to served with these pushes this recipe over the top!!!
Audrey Sommer
Thank you Liz!
Nicole
These potatoes were so delicious! The air fryer makes for easy prep and clean up. Loved the garlic herb aioli!
Audrey Sommer
I'm so glad you liked them Nicole!
Erin
I made these potatoes for dinner last night, and everyone loved them and wanted more! I'll be making them again soon. 🙂 Thanks!
Audrey Sommer
I'm glad these air fryer red potatoes were a hit in your home, Erin!
Claudia
These look amazing! The garlic herb aioli sounds like the perfect complement to the crispy potatoes. Definitely adding this to my recipe list!
Audrey Sommer
Thank you Claudia, I hope you like them!
Juyali
I made this last night for my potato-loving husband. He made these his whole meal!
And asked me to make them again and again. Very delicious and easy. Thank you!
Audrey Sommer
Thank you for the feedback, Juyali! I'm glad your husband liked them!
Hannah
Love this air fried potato recipe! Perfect as an app or a quick snack. My kids really liked it, too.
Audrey Sommer
Thank you, Hannah! I'm glad your family liked it.
Jacqueline.
I have become addicted to these air fryer potatoes with garlic aioli. I've been watching a lot of tennis (Wimbledon) and snacking on these for quite a few days now!
Audrey Sommer
I'm so glad you like them, Jacqueline! I'm addicted to them as well. 😀
Sonja
The perfect evening in front of Netflix snack! No hassle with frying in oil due to air fryer, yet super crispy and delicious. And that Aioli! I loved the addition of lemon juice and honey. Made it so utterly moreish!
Audrey Sommer
Thank you, Sonja! I'm glad you like them! The air fryer makes these extra tasty and healthy.