These Air Fryer Baby Potatoes with Crispy Garlic Edges are perfectly crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and coated in buttery garlic goodness. They make an easy side dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18–22 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds (700 g) baby potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon melted butter (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash and scrub the baby potatoes.
- Cut any larger potatoes in half so they’re all about the same size.
- Pat them completely dry with paper towels.
2. Season
In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with the olive oil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Tip: Save the fresh minced garlic until the last few minutes of cooking so it doesn’t burn.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3–5 minutes.
4. Air Fry
- Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 18–22 minutes, shaking the basket every 5–6 minutes.
- During the last 3–4 minutes, toss the potatoes with the minced garlic and, if using, the melted butter. Return them to the air fryer to finish cooking until the garlic is lightly crisp and fragrant.
5. Finish & Serve
Transfer the potatoes to a serving bowl and toss with the Parmesan cheese (if using) and fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Flavor Variations
- 🧀 Garlic Parmesan: Add extra Parmesan and a pinch of cracked black pepper.
- 🌶️ Spicy: Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning or red pepper flakes.
- 🌿 Herb Butter: Toss with melted butter, rosemary, and thyme after cooking.
- 🍋 Lemon Garlic: Finish with fresh lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Tips for Perfect Baby Potatoes
- ✔️ Dry the potatoes thoroughly before seasoning.
- ✔️ Don’t overcrowd the basket—cook in batches if needed.
- ✔️ Shake the basket several times for even browning.
- ✔️ Add fresh garlic near the end of cooking to prevent burning.
- ✔️ For even crispier potatoes, microwave or parboil them for 5 minutes before air frying.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy baby potatoes pair wonderfully with:
- Grilled steak
- Roast chicken
- Pork chops
- Salmon
- Burgers
- Fried or poached eggs
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 3–5 minutes until hot and crispy again.
Pro Tip: Sprinkle the potatoes with a little flaky sea salt immediately after cooking. It enhances the crispy texture and brings out the rich garlic flavor for an irresistible finishing touch! 🥔🧄✨
