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Russet potatoes cooked in the air fryer with crispy golden brown skins, fluffy tender interiors, and roasted edges, served on a plate as a simple and satisfying side dish.
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Russet Potato Air Fryer Recipe - Crispy, Fluffy, and Easy

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 large russet potatoes (about 1.5–2 pounds total)
  • 1.5–2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (more to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
  • Optional add-ins: 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary, pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional finishers: chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, lemon zest, or a squeeze of lemon

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. A hot basket helps crisp the potatoes right away.
  • Prep the potatoes: Scrub the russets well. You can keep the skins on for extra texture and nutrients. Cut into 3/4-inch cubes or wedges of similar size so they cook evenly.
  • Rinse and dry: Place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water and swish for 30–60 seconds to remove excess starch. Drain well and pat them very dry with a clean towel. Dry potatoes = crisp potatoes.
  • Season: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add any extras you like. Make sure every piece is lightly coated but not drenched.
  • Load the basket: Add the potatoes in a single layer with a little breathing room. If needed, cook in batches. Overcrowding leads to steaming, not crisping.
  • Air fry and shake: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Shake the basket or use tongs to flip the pieces. Cook another 8–12 minutes, checking for golden, crispy edges.
  • Test for doneness: A fork should slide in easily, and the outsides should be browned and crunchy. If needed, add 2–4 more minutes.
  • Finish and serve: Toss with a pinch of salt while hot. Add parsley, Parmesan, or lemon zest if you like. Serve right away.