These air fryer diced potatoes are crispy with soft edges, well-seasoned, and easy enough for a quick weeknight dish.
I like them because they work with breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and you only need a few basic spices. Pair them with some air fryer chicken breast or your favorite protein, some veggies, and you have a balanced dinner!
I made these for my daughters yesterday, along with some sunny side up eggs and tomato salad. The plates were cleaned in no time, which is always a good sign!
So if you're anything like me and sometimes run out of dinner ideas, especially with young kids to feed, give these diced potatoes a try.
ingredients you will need
You will need 500 g potatoes, which is about 1.1 lb or 3 large potatoes.
You will also need oil, butter (optional), paprika, thyme, rosemary, salt and black pepper.
I used a combination of oil and butter, but you can use oil only. The oil helps the spices stick and give the potatoes those crispy edges.
The best potatoes to use
If you're in the US, Russets are your best bet. In the UK or Germany, look for Maris Piper or Gala.
Starchy potatoes have a fluffier inside once cooked, which gives you that lovely contrast between the crispy outside and the soft, almost creamy inside.
You can also use waxy potatoes, like Yukon Gold, if that's what you have on hand. They'll hold their shape a bit more and won't get quite as fluffy inside, but they'll still crisp up nicely.
Either way, you want potatoes that are firm, with no soft spots or sprouting.
To soak or not to soak
This is one of those debates that comes up a lot with potatoes, and I get asked about it often.
You do not have to soak the potatoes for this recipe. Since the potatoes are diced small, they cook quickly and still get nice crispy edges in the air fryer.
If you have extra time and want them a little crispier, you can soak the diced potatoes in cold water for 20-30 minutes. This removes some of the surface starch, which can help them crisp up even more in the air fryer.
Drain them well, then pat them very dry before adding the oil and spices. Wet potatoes will steam instead of crispening up.
Dicing the potatoes
Cut the potatoes into small, even cubes, about 1.5-2 cm wide. This helps them cook evenly, so you do not end up with some pieces burning while others are still firm in the middle.
Try not to cut them too large. Bigger pieces will take longer to cook and may not get as crispy on the outside before the inside is done.
how long to air fry diced potatoes
Air fry the diced potatoes at 200°C/400°F for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
The exact time will depend on your air fryer and the size of your potato cubes.
They are ready when the edges are golden and crisp, and the centers are soft when pierced with a fork.
my tips for crispy diced potatoes
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. The potatoes need space for the hot air to move around them. If the basket is too full, they will steam and soften instead of crisping.
Pat the potatoes dry if you rinse or soak them. This makes a big difference.
Shake the basket halfway through cooking so the potatoes brown more evenly.
If your potatoes look dry before cooking, you can add a tiny bit more oil. You do not need much, but a light coating helps with texture and flavor.
storing the cooked potatoes
Store leftover air fryer diced potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 180°C/350°F for 4-6 minutes, or until hot and crisp again. You can also reheat them in a pan, but the air fryer gives the best texture.
serve them with
We like these diced potatoes with eggs for breakfast, roast chicken, salmon, or simple air fryer vegetables.
They are also good in bowls with some yogurt and tahini sauce, garlic sauce, or a fresh salad on the side.
You can serve them as a quick potato side dish whenever you would normally make fries, roasted potatoes, or breakfast potatoes.
change things up
You can change the seasoning depending on what you are serving them with.
- Add a little cayenne or chili powder for heat.
- Use other herbs - sage, and basil, and oregano all work great.
- Add your favorite spices.
For a fresh finish, sprinkle the cooked potatoes with parsley, chives, or a little grated Parmesan before serving.
more air fryer recipes
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📖 Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Diced Potatoes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 500 g 1.1 lb potatoes (about 3 medium to large), diced into 1.5-2 cm (½-¾ inch) cubes
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon melted butter optional
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and dice the potatoes into evenly sized 1.5-2 cm (½-¾ inch) cubes. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Add the potatoes to a large bowl. Drizzle with the olive oil and melted butter if using, then add the rosemary, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3-5 minutes.
- Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between them. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until the potatoes are golden brown, crispy with soft edges, and tender in the center.
- Taste and season with a little more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Cut the potatoes into evenly sized cubes so they cook at the same rate.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this prevents the potatoes from crisping properly.
- If you soak the potatoes beforehand, dry them thoroughly before seasoning.
- Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the size of the potato cubes.
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