Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes

Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes are the perfect blend of tender and crispy and so full of flavor. Red potatoes are tossed in a lemon-garlic sauce then topped with Parmesan cheese before roasting them in the air fryer. This easy side dish is the best way to get dinner on the table quicky.

Crispy Roasted Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Recently I’ve been making these air fryer roasted potatoes almost weekly.

The savory garlic, zesty lemon, and fresh herb flavors pair perfectly with the salty bite of the Parmesan cheese.

Thanks to the air fryer, the potatoes also come out with super crispy edges and the most soft and tender insides. A match of flavors and textures made in heaven!

Just like all of the other potato recipes on the site (you’ve got to check out these Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Melting Potatoes if you haven’t already!), these quick and easy roasted potatoes pair wonderfully with so many main dishes!

Next time you’re craving French fries, try this crispy version instead. You only need a fraction of the oil of traditional fried potatoes, but this recipe is just as satisfying. 

They have all the flavor of oven-roasted potatoes but are ready in half the time.

These are perfect alongside Filet Mignon or Panko Crusted Salmon.

Ingredients

Here are the simple ingredients you need to make this air fryer roasted potato recipe:

• Potatoes. Red potatoes work best, but you can use another variety if you prefer. Yukon golds, Russet potatoes, or small baby potatoes will work. Larger potatoes will be more work to cut up, however. Starchier potatoes, like Idaho or russet, won’t crispy up as well either.
• Oil. Either avocado oil, vegetable, or canola oil can be used. Stick with an oil with a high smoke point, though.
• Lemon. Fresh lemon juice absolutely makes this recipe. You can opt for bottled if necessary, though, but you’ll still need the zest of a whole lemon.
• Garlic. Fresh, minced garlic is vital for the flavor. You can sub in garlic powder for fresh cloves, but the results won’t be quite as good.
• Parmesan cheese. This salty cheese creates that crispy texture and savory flavor that make these potatoes irresistible. Make sure you use grated, and not shredded, for the best results.

How to Make Roasted Potatoes in the Air Fryer?

Below, you’ll find the basic steps for making crispy air fryer roasted potatoes:

Cut the Potatoes

Preheat the air fryer to 400℉. To get the best results when air frying, always let the air fryer get fully heated first.

Use a sharp knife and cutting board to quarter the red potatoes. You want smaller pieces so they cook quickly, but not too small or they’ll burn.

Do your best to keep all of the chunks as evenly sized as possible. Aim for 1-inch pieces.

Make the Sauce

Add the oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and black pepper to a large mixing bowl. Use a whisk to mix the sauce well.

Add the Potatoes

Pour the chopped potato pieces into the bowl with the oil mixture.

With a spatula, toss until all of the pieces are completely coated. 

Sprinkle with Cheese

Carefully add ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese to the seasoned potatoes. Toss until the cheese is evenly distributed.

Air Fry the Potatoes

Spread the potatoes in a single layer in the air-fryer basket. It’s okay if a few overlap, but give them as much space as possible, which helps them crisp up.

Cook in the air fryer for 14 to 15 minutes. Flip the potatoes halfway through so all of the sides get crispy and golden brown.

Sprinkle the top of the potatoes with the remaining Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley just before serving.

Meal Prep and Storage

• How to prep ahead of time: You can chop the potatoes and toss them with the oil mixture a day early, but be sure to keep them in the fridge.
• How to store: Place leftover potatoes in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 4 to 5 days.
• How to freeze: Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag for up to 6 months.
• How to reheat: Place potatoes back in the air fryer at 300℉ for 3 to 5 minutes. You can use the microwave, but they won’t be as crispy.

How long to roast potatoes in air fryer?

Potatoes roast super fast in the air fryer; they only need 15 minutes at 400 degrees. This makes them a quick and easy side dish.

Can you freeze roasted potatoes?

Yes, you can definitely freeze roasted potatoes. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to 6 months.

Are roasted potatoes healthy?

Roasted potatoes are a healthy way to enjoy this starch. Potatoes, while not considered the healthiest side option, do contain plenty of nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. Roasting them in the oven or the air fryer crisps them up without the excess fat of frying.

Dietary Modifications

The recipe you’ll find below is already vegetarian and gluten-free as written.  Here are some adjustments and substitutions you can make to help it fit your other dietary requirements:

• Dairy-free: Leave out the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
• Vegan: Skip the cheese or use a vegan option.

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Keep it even. Be sure to cut the potatoes into similarly sized pieces.
• Fresh is best. Skip the bottled juice and opt for fresh lemon juice and zest for the most flavor.
• Get it hot. Preheat the air fryer to ensure crispy potatoes.
• Save a little. Hold a couple of tablespoons of Parmesan cheese for topping the cooked potatoes just before serving.
• Go high. Be sure to use an oil with a high smoke point, like avocado, to avoid a smoky kitchen.
• Change it up. Add in other flavors, like fresh rosemary, Italian seasoning, or blackened seasoning to this delicious side dish.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes?

These air fryer potatoes are a quick and easy side to all your favorite main dish recipes.

Try them with an Air Fryer Hamburger or Salmon Burger.

They’re delicious with seafood like Blackened Mahi Mahi or Teriyaki Salmon.

Or, go with Cilantro Lime Chicken, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Air Fryer Chicken Wings, Chicken Bryan, or Honey Balsamic Glazed Chicken.

More Air Fryer Side Dish Recipes

The air fryer is your secret weapon to getting a healthy side dish ready super fast. These are some of my favorite recipes.

Air Fryer Carrots, Air Fryer Zucchini, and Air Fryer Green Beans are healthy veggies that are good for the whole family.

Or, opt for Air Fryer Zucchini Fries, Air Fryer Fried Pickles, and Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries.

Did you know you can make Air Fryer Baked Potatoes?