• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Nicky's Kitchen Sanctuary logo

  • > Start Here
  • The Recipes
    • Browse all categories
    • Asian
    • Dinner
    • Pasta
    • Roast Dinner
    • Curries
    • Sides
    • Soups
    • Big Batch
    • Quick Dinner Recipes
    • Skinny Recipes
    • Street Food
    • Lunch
    • Gluten Free
    • Vegetarian
    • Cakes & Treats
    • BBQ
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Drinks
    • Appetizers
    • Sauces and Dips
  • My New Book
  • Blogger Resources
    • Living The Blog
    • How to start a food blog
    • Income Reports
  • About
    • About
    • Contact
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
  • Sign-Up
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • > Available to Pre-Order NOW!
  • > Start Here
  • All Recipes
  • Never miss a recipe!
  • 20 Minute Meals
  • Appetizers & Party Food
  • Asian
  • Curries
  • Dinner
  • One Pot
  • Pasta
  • Roast Dinner
  • Sides
  • Slow Cooked
  • Soups
  • Street Food
  • Terms and Conditions
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Ɨ

    Home > Air Fryer

    Air Fryer Roast Potatoes

    Published: Sep 27, 2023 Ā· Modified: Oct 16, 2023 by Nicky Corbishley

    Go to Recipe Print Recipe

    Who doesn't love a roast potato? but have you tried making them in an air fryer?
    No need to parboil these beauties and the result - crispy and delicious and done in 20 minutes, which means it makes a great side to a speedy meal.

    A tall shot of a bowl filled with Air Fryer Roast Potatoes, all crispy and golden and sprinkled with parsley and salt, on a dark blue background.
    Jump to:
    • FAQS
    • šŸ² More fantastic potato recipes
    • Air Fryer Roast Potatoes
    • šŸ’¬ Reviews

    I've been experimenting with my air fryer to find the best way to make air fryer roast potatoes without having to par boil them in water first.

    I'll jump to it with the three methods I tested and the results:

    1. Doing the parboiling/steaming stage in the airfryer in a foil parcel, then removing the foil and air frying with oil.
      • FAIL - the potatoes didn't steam in the foil, they just stayed hard (and went a bit dry) with a thick chewy skin.
    2. Air frying the potatoes directly in the air fryer basket, drizzled in oil (no parboiling/steaming stage).
      • These were OK. Not hugely crispy, but they had a nice browned skin, that was slightly chewy. The interior was nice and fluffy.
    3. Air frying the potatoes in a shallow tray insert in the air fryer basket, drizzled in oil (no parboiling/steaming stage).
      • WINNER! - Fluffy interior, crunchier skin. Not quite as crispy and crunchy as my oven roast potatoes, but a great swap when you're short on time.
    An overhead image of a bowl filled with Air Fryer Roast Potatoes, all crispy and golden and sprinkled with parsley and salt, on a dark blue background.

    šŸ‘©ā€šŸ³PRO TIP Use a shallow tray insert, so the potatoes are in contact with the oil (instead of the oil draining through the air fryer basket holes) - this will result in crispier potatoes.

    Type of Air Fryer

    I use the Ninja Max (<-- affiliate link) air fryer, but these instructions apply to any drawer-style air fryer (not grill style or air fryers with a paddle. I haven't tested with these. If you have, please let me know in the comments :-))

    Tray Insert

    I use the 8" pizza pan insert from this accessories set (<-- affiliate link) from Amazon. This is compatible with my Ninja Max.

    Close up shot of a bowl filled with Air Fryer Roast Potatoes, sprinkled with parsley and salt, on a dark blue background.

    FAQS

    Why use a tray insert for air fryer roast potatoes?

    Roasting potatoes in the oven requires you to roast the potatoes in a roasting tray with fat in. The potatoes are sitting in the hot fat. This is what helps to give the potatoes that 'crunchy shell'.If you try to roast potatoes in an air fryer in the regular basket (with holes in) any excess fat you add will drain through the holes, so the potatoes aren't in contact with the hot fat. They'll only have the small amount of fat you poured on coating the skin.This will result in roast potatoes that are browned, with only a very thin skin of crispness that's also a little chewy.If they're sitting in the hot fat, you'll get a thicker skin of crunch, as the hot oil absorbs deeper into the skin.

    Can I skip the tray insert and add directly to the air fryer basket?

    Yes, of course. The skin will be less crunchy, but the potatoes will be browned. They will also have absorbed less fat, so they'll be lower in calories and fat content.

    Shouldn't you par-boil the potatoes first?

    This recipe is about making quick roast potatoes. I've prioritised speed and simplicity over getting the ultimate crunch. If you have more time, then yes, you can parboil the potatoes. See the notes section of the recipe card below for information on this.


    šŸ² More fantastic potato recipes

    • Square image of fondant potatoes in a frying pan, topped with fresh thyme and salt
      Fondant Potatoes
    • Hasselback potatoes in a black cast iron pan on a wooden table next to a dark grey napkin.
      Hasselback Potatoes
    • A square photo of a tray of crispy smashed potatoes, with a fork with a smashed potato on the end
      Crispy Smashed Potatoes
    • Overhead close-up image of a seasoned baked potato, sliced down the middle. The inside of the potato has been fluffed and there's a knob of melting butter inside. The potato is on a black textured plate.
      Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
    • A wooden board with cheesy potato cakes piled up and one sliced in half sprinkled with chopped parsley
      Crispy Cheesy Potato Cakes
    • This Greek Potato Hash works as a great side dish for BBQs - or eat it on it's own - totally satisfying!
      Greek Potato Hash

    Stay updated with new recipes!
    Subscribe to the newsletter to hear when I post a new recipe. I’m also on YouTube (new videos every week) and Instagram (behind-the-scenes stories & beautiful food photos).

    Square image of a bowl filled with Air Fryer Roast Potatoes, sprinkled with salt and parsley, on a dark blue background.

    Air Fryer Roast Potatoes

    By: Nicky Corbishley
    No par-boiling required for these quick, crisp air fryer roast potatoes. Only 5 minutes prep and 20 minutes cooking time.
    5 from 1 vote
    Rate this Recipe Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 20 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course side dish
    Cuisine British
    Servings 4
    Calories 252 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • 700 g (1 ½ lbs) floury potatoes - such as Maris Piper or red-skinned Rooster potatoes
    • 2 tbsp neutral oil - such as rapeseed, avocado or sunflower
    • 1 tsp Maldon salt
    • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

    Optional for extra crunch:

    • 1 tbsp neutral oil - such as rapeseed, avocado or sunflower

    INSTRUCTIONS
     

    • Peel and chop potatoes into 2.5cm (1 inch) chunks. Rinse under cold water and pat dry.
      700 g (1 ½ lbs) floury potatoes
    • Place a shallow tray insert into your air fryer basket. *see note 1
    • Add the potatoes to the tray. Drizzle on the oil and give a good shake or stir - so the potatoes are fully covered in oil.
      2 tbsp neutral oil
    • Cook for 5 minutes in the air fryer at 200C/400F, then turn the potatoes and cook for a further 5 minutes.
    • Turn the potatoes again and give them a bit of a bash with the back of a spoon - to ruffle the edges slightly.
    • Drizzle on a further tbsp of oil. Cook for another 10 minutes (so it will be 20 minutes cooking time altogether), until the potatoes are crisp and golden.
      1 tbsp neutral oil
    • Sprinkle with salt and thyme before serving.
      1 tsp Maldon salt, 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves

    āœŽ Notes

    Note 1: Why use a tray insert for air fryer roast potatoes?
    Roasting potatoes in the oven requires you to roast the potatoes in a roasting tray with fat in. The potatoes are sitting in the hot fat. This is what helps to give the potatoes that 'crunchy shell'.
    If you try to roast potatoes in an air fryer in the regular basket (with holes in) any excess fat you add will drain through the holes, so the potatoes aren't in contact with the hot fat. They'll only have the small amount of fat you poured on coating the skin.
    This will result in roast potatoes that are browned, with only a very thin skin of crispness that's also a little chewy.
    If they're sitting in the hot fat, you'll get a thicker skin of crunch, as the hot oil absorbs deeper into the skin.
    Can I skip the tray insert and add directly to the air fryer basket?
    Yes, of course. The skin will be less crunchy, but the potatoes will be browned. They will also have absorbed less fat, so they'll be lower in calories and fat content.
    Shouldn't you par-boil the potatoes first?
    This recipe is about making quick roast potatoes. I've prioritised speed and simplicity over getting the ultimate crunch. If you have more time, then yes, you can parboil the potatoes.
    • Par-boil the peeled and choppedĀ  potatoes for 8-9 minutes - until softened at the edges.
    • Drain and give good shake to fluff up the edges further.
    • Add to the air fryer tray insert and place in the airfryer with the oil. Cook as per the recipe above, but reduce the cooking time by 5 minutes.
    Nutritional information is per serving - this recipe serve 4.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 252kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 4gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.04gSodium: 645mgPotassium: 842mgFiber: 6gSugar: 11gVitamin A: 33715IUVitamin C: 37mgCalcium: 74mgIron: 2mg
    Keywords air fryer cooking, crispy potatoes, potatoes
    Tried this recipe?Mention @KitchenSanctuary or tag #KitchenSanctuary on Instagram!

    Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links – which means if you buy the product I get a small commission (at no extra cost to you). If you do buy, then thank you! That’s what helps us to keep Kitchen Sanctuary running. The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors. For more information please see our Terms & Conditions.

    Hi I’m Nicky

    I love to cook and I want to share with you my favourite, delicious family friendly recipes. I want to inspire you to create fantastic food for your family every day.

    Read More

    More Air Fryer

    • Square overhead shot of air fryer Greek chicken pieces in a flatbread with salad and feta dressing. The wrap is being held by a hand over the top of a tray that has all of the cooked ingredient on it.
      Air Fryer Greek Chicken
    • A square overhead shot of a white roasting dish filled with Air Fryer Roast Chicken Dinner, a roast chicken in the middle with potatoes, carrots and beans surrounding it. a small dark bowl filled with rock salt and a mottled blue jug filled with gravy is also next to the dish, a dark blue napkin is on the other side, set on a dark grey background.
      Air Fryer Roast Chicken Dinner
    • Square image of four air fried crispy chicken legs on a piece of baking parchment.
      Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Legs
    • A square overhead shot of Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Wings piled up on a black speckled plate, their is also a large black bowl filled with buffalo sauce, sprinkled with seasoning on the plate, the plate is on a mottled dark grey background and there is some dark blue napkins to the side of the plate.
      Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Wings

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Rate the recipe




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Eleanor says

      November 14, 2023 at 8:53 am

      5 stars
      I tried this method for roasties at the weekend and we were not disappointed for an alternative to oven roast potatoes.
      Will definitely make them again in the air fryer, but if the oven is in use will stick to the oven method.

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi I’m Nicky

    I love to cook and I want to share with you my favourite, delicious family friendly recipes. I want to inspire you to create fantastic food for your family every day.

    Read More

    Recipes by category:

    • Popular Recipes
    • Asian
    • Curries
    • Quick Dinner Recipes
    • British Classic Recipes
    • BBQ
    • Roast Dinner
    • Street Food
    • Pasta
    Search For a Recipe

    Our Top Trending Recipes:

    • Crispy Sesame Chicken on a bed of rice in a stone bowl
      Crispy Sesame Chicken with a Sticky Asian Sauce
    • honey garlic chicken in a bowl on top of boiled rice
      Honey Garlic Chicken
    • Roast potatoes with salt and fresh thyme leaves
      The Best Crispy Roast Potatoes
    • Cheesy Pasta Bake With Chicken And Bacon - a family favourite (and it makes great leftovers too!).
      Cheesy Pasta Bake With Chicken And Bacon
    • Chicken curry in a white bowl with rice.
      Easy Chicken Curry
    • Satay sauce in a small copper pan topped with peanuts and coriander
      Easy Satay Sauce Recipe
    • Bowl of Korean fried chicken topped with sesame seeds and strips of spring onion.
      Korean Fried Chicken
    • Overhead image of tuna pasta bake in a white dish topped with finely chopped parsley.
      Creamy Tuna Pasta Bake

    FREE recipes direct to your inbox!

    Never miss a recipe and sign up for our completely FREE emails.

      Featured Recipes:

      • Hands holding bowl of Bowl of chilli con carne with rice
        Chilli Con Carne
      • Lancashire hotpot on wooden background
        Traditional Lancashire Hotpot
      • A dish of creamy chicken pie with puff pastry sat on a blue and white striped cloth.
        Creamy Chicken Pot Pie
      • Egg fried rice on a dark bowl on a white background.
        Egg Fried Rice
      • Bowl of Korean fried chicken topped with sesame seeds and strips of spring onion.
        Korean Fried Chicken
      • Firecracker Chicken on a blue plate against a dark background
        Copycat Firecracker Chicken
      • Square image of buffalo chicken pasta in a silver pan on a light grey background.
        Buffalo Chicken Pasta
      • A simple made-from-scratch curry, slow cooked to intensify the heat and flavour.
        Slow Cooker Spicy Chicken Curry
      As Featured On
      brit and co logo
      buzzfeed logo
      cheshire life logo
      country living logo
      beautiful home and life logo
      my fitness pal logo
      Neff logo
      The telegraph logo
      The Kitchn logo
      Vegetarian society logo

      Footer

      Nicky Corbishley is the recipe creator and photographer for Kitchen Sanctuary. Wife to Chris (chief techie and videographer) and mum to Lewis and Gracey. Read More…

      DMCA.com Protection Status

      Most Recent Recipes

      • 26 Potato Side Dishes for EVERY occasion!
      • Salmon en Papillote
      • Slow cooker gammon
      • Homemade Vegetable Samosa Recipe
      • Amazing Leftover Turkey Recipes

      Copyright © 2023 LoveFoodCreative Ltd - Privacy Policy - Cookie Policy - Terms & Conditions