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:
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
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. 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).
Fondant Potatoes
Hasselback Potatoes
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Air Fryer Baked Potatoes
Crispy Cheesy Potato Cakes
Greek Potato Hash
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