If you’re after a simple, tasty side dish the whole family will enjoy, these air fryer baby potatoes are a perfect choice.
Using minimal ingredients and little prep time, baby potatoes cook quickly in the air fryer and come out crisp on the outside and tender inside — a quick roasted potato alternative with less effort.
We adapted our oven-roasted baby potatoes for the air fryer and found they crisped faster while keeping a fluffy centre. Below you’ll find the recipe card, seasoning ideas, equipment notes, and serving suggestions.
📖 Step by Step Recipe
Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
Luke and Kay – Flawless Food
They need very little oil and cook evenly in the air fryer.
Season them however you like — herbs, spices or grated cheese all work well.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 500 grams Baby potatoes
- 4 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Piri piri seasoning (or preferred spice blend)
- 2 teaspoons Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
More seasoning ideas
- Salt & black pepper
- Garlic powder or fresh garlic (use sparingly with powder)
- Chilli flakes
- Cajun seasoning
- Grated Parmesan (added after cooking)
- Dried herbs during cooking; fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
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Wash and dry the baby potatoes. Cut any larger ones in half so pieces are roughly the same size.
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In a large bowl, combine olive oil with your chosen seasonings (piri piri shown here).
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Add the potatoes to the bowl and toss until all pieces are evenly coated.
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Place potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket for even cooking.Set the air fryer to 190°C and cook for 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
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After 20 minutes, check the potatoes are golden and tender by piercing with a fork. If needed, cook a few minutes longer.
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Serve immediately, sprinkled with fresh parsley or your preferred garnish.
Video
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Protein: 2 g
Fat: 10 g
This post was updated on 08/03/2025 with the recipe card placed further up the page for a better experience.
Keep reading for details on ingredients, seasoning options, equipment and storage.
Ingredients
You only need a few everyday ingredients to make air fryer baby potatoes.
Below are the essentials used in this recipe and a few alternatives for variety.
Baby Potatoes
Also called mini, new, or baby potatoes, they are ideal for air frying. I usually halve them so they cook faster and crisp more evenly, but you can cook small ones whole if preferred.
Oil
Olive oil adds flavour and promotes golden browning. Avocado or vegetable oil also work. To reduce oil, use a spray to coat the potatoes lightly.
Seasoning ideas
Experiment with these seasonings to suit your taste.
Salt and Pepper
Simple and classic — freshly ground black pepper and salt season the potatoes perfectly.
Herbs
Dried herbs such as Italian seasoning, thyme or rosemary work well when added during cooking. Add fresh herbs after cooking to keep their flavour bright.
Piri Piri
Piri piri is a spicy blend of chilli, cumin, garlic and oregano. Mix with oil and toss the potatoes for a bold flavour. Finish with fresh parsley.
Parmesan
Sprinkle grated Parmesan after cooking so it melts lightly without burning.
Garlic
Use garlic puree, fresh pressed garlic, or garlic powder. If using powder, add sparingly to avoid overpowering the potatoes.
Cajun Seasoning
Toss potatoes with olive oil and Cajun seasoning, then garnish with fresh rosemary after cooking.
Equipment
Use an air fryer with a basket large enough to hold the potatoes in a single layer. If your fryer is small, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even crisping.
Instructions
Quick overview: wash and halve the potatoes, toss with oil and seasoning, air fry at 190°C for about 20 minutes, shaking once.
Full instructions and measurements are in the recipe card above.
Alternate less oil option
Use an olive oil spray in a large bowl to coat the potatoes lightly, then add seasonings and air fry.
Cooking Time
Air fry at 190°C for 20 minutes, shaking halfway. Larger or whole potatoes may need extra time — test with a fork for tenderness.
Serve immediately with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Serving Suggestions
These potatoes pair well with roast beef, leg of lamb, salmon en croute, or as part of a roast dinner. They’re also excellent topped with sour cream and chives, or with melted cheese and bacon.
Storage Advice
Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat thoroughly in the air fryer or microwave before serving.
More Potato Recipes
Try other air fryer spud recipes such as jacket potatoes, chips, curried potato wedges or air fryer roast potatoes for different textures and flavours.
More Side Dish Recipes
Explore additional sides like cauliflower cheese and honey roast parsnips to round out your meals.
FAQs
Yes — small potatoes can be cooked whole but will take longer. Pierce the skin and check tenderness with a fork.
Baby potatoes, mini or new potatoes and fingerlings all work well for air frying.
A light coating of oil or an oil spray helps achieve a crisp texture. Spray oil is an easy, lower-oil option.