These Air Fryer Baby Potatoes are an easy, crispy side dish you can throw together any night of the week. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of cook time, they come out golden on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and downright addictive, just like these crispy smashed potatoes!
Recipe Essentials
- 🧂 Flavor Profile: Savory, lightly seasoned, crispy outside and fluffy inside
- 🧊 Make Ahead?: Yes - stores well and reheats beautifully
- 🔪 Tools Needed: Air fryer, mixing bowl, knife
- 🌱 Dietary Info: Naturally gluten-free; easy to make dairy-free or vegan
- ⚡ Why It Works: Ready in about 20 minutes • Uses simple pantry ingredients • Works with any air fryer model • Easy to season and customize
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⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review
These are awesome! I make them all the time! Even my picky grandkids love them!!😀
-Diane
Whether you call them mini potatoes, baby potatoes, or those "cute little potatoes from the bag," this recipe gives you perfectly roasted results with almost zero effort! They're ideal for breakfast plates, quick dinners, or anytime you need a no-fuss crowd-pleasing side.
And if you're already a fan of simple potato dishes, don't miss our crispy smashed potatoes or these ridiculously good bacon ranch potatoes.
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From Our Kitchen to Yours
There's something magical about tossing a handful of baby potatoes into the air fryer and watching them transform into unbelievably crispy bites with barely any effort. I make them more often than I probably should admit. They're one of those sides that disappear the moment they hit the table - everyone grabs "just one more."
And when I'm really in a potato mood, I love turning a batch into my deviled potatoes for a fun twist. If you haven't tried those yet, you're in for a treat!
Ingredients
- Baby potatoes: Baby yellow or gold potatoes work best thanks to their creamy centers and naturally crisp skins. Red or mixed baby potatoes also work - just keep the sizes similar so they cook evenly. You may also love these air-fried Parmesan potatoes.
- Oil: A light coating of oil helps the potatoes crisp and hold their seasoning. Olive or avocado oil are great, but any neutral oil works in a pinch.
- Seasoning: This blend uses Italian seasoning, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper for a savory, slightly spicy finish. Swap in your favorites - smoked paprika, ranch seasoning, Cajun spice, rosemary, or parmesan all taste great here.
See the recipe card below for the exact quantities of each ingredient.
Variations
- Garlic-Parmesan: Toss the hot little potatoes with grated parmesan, garlic powder, and parsley for a melty, savory finish.
- Ranch: Add ranch seasoning for an herby, tangy shortcut with big flavor.
- Cajun: Use your favorite Cajun blend to bring smoky heat and bold seasoning.
- Smoky Paprika: Mix in smoked paprika and onion powder for warm, earthy depth.
- Rosemary & Sea Salt: Season with rosemary and flaky salt for a classic roasted potato flavor.
- Lemon Pepper: Brighten things up with lemon pepper and a squeeze of fresh lemon after cooking.
For extra flavor, toss your cooked potatoes with a bit of melted herb steak butter while they're still hot. For another tasty potato recipe, try our mashed potato fries next!
How to Make Baby Potatoes in the Air Fryer
To get started, wash your potatoes in cold water and then dry them with paper towels. It's important they are completely dry or they won't cook properly in the air fryer.
💡 Tip: Basket-style air fryers crisp the potatoes fastest, while oven-style models may need 1-2 extra minutes.
Step 1: Slice and season. Slice the potatoes in half and place them in a large mixing bowl. Add the oil and spices to the bowl and toss the potatoes to coat them evenly.
Step 2: Air fry baby potatoes. Transfer them to the air fryer basket and cook them at 400° F for about 10 minutes. Shake the basket to toss the potatoes so they brown and crisp up evenly. Cook them for an additional 8-10 minutes.
You'll know the potatoes are done when the skins look lightly blistered, the edges turn golden and crisp, and a fork slides in easily with almost no resistance.
Step 3: Serve. Transfer them into your favorite serving dish and enjoy them with just about any protein! We love them with crockpot ribeye steaks or crockpot steak bites.
💡Troubleshoot Crispiness: If your potatoes aren't turning out the way you expect, a few quick adjustments usually fix it. When they come out soft, they were likely crowded or still a bit wet before cooking. If they don't brown, add a touch more oil to help the skins crisp. And if they're getting too dark too fast, double-check your air fryer's preheat setting or lower the temperature slightly.
Small Potatoes in Air Fryer Size & Timing Guide
Different potato sizes cook at slightly different speeds, and this quick chart makes it easy to get the exact texture you want every time.
| Potato Size | Air Fryer Temp | Time | Crispiness | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole baby potatoes | 400°F | 18-22 min | Crispy outside, soft inside | Shake the basket halfway |
| Halved mini potatoes | 400°F | 14-17 min | Crispier with more surface area | Best for consistent cooking |
| Quartered potatoes | 400°F | 10-13 min | Very crispy and golden | Perfect for a mix of crisp edges & soft centers. |
Recipe Tips
- Check Doneness with a Fork: Color is helpful, but texture tells the full story. Pierce a couple of potatoes with a fork; they should glide through easily with no resistance.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Starting with a hot basket helps the potatoes crisp faster and cook more evenly. If your model preheats automatically, keep an eye on your timing.
- Don't Crowd the Basket: Give the potatoes some breathing room so the air can circulate. A packed basket leads to steaming rather than crisping.
- Dry the Potatoes Well: If you rinse them first, pat them dry. Moisture on the surface prevents that golden, roasted exterior.
- Shake Midway Through Cooking: A quick shake or stir halfway ensures the potatoes brown on all sides and don't stick together.
- Season After Cooking: Some delicate spices, like parmesan, fresh herbs, or lemon zest, shine best when added at the end rather than cooked the whole time.
Serving Suggestions
- Add a sauce for dipping your crispy baby potatoes. We love ketchup, hot BBQ sauce, or buttermilk ranch dip.
- These potatoes go great with this slow-cooked 3-ingredient pork roast. I like to add the extra sauce from the pork on top of the baby potatoes.
- They also pair great with these crispy coconut shrimp and my hot honey chicken tenders.
Air Fryer Mini Potatoes Recipe FAQs
Both work! Whole baby potatoes stay soft and creamy inside, while halved or quartered potatoes get crispier because more surface area is exposed to the heat. If your potatoes are larger than one inch, cutting them helps them cook more evenly.
Let the potatoes cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Avoid sealing them while warm, as trapped steam softens the skins and kills the crispiness.
The two most common culprits are moisture and overcrowding. Pat the potatoes dry before seasoning, use enough oil to lightly coat them, and make sure they're in a single layer with space for air to circulate. A quick shake halfway through cooking also helps them brown evenly.
Yes, but they won't get as crispy. The potatoes will still cook through and develop some browning, but oil is what gives that signature roasted texture. If you're going oil-free, try adding spices after cooking so they stick better.
Reheat leftover potatoes in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. This brings back the crispiness without drying them out. Avoid the microwave unless necessary - it softens the skins and makes the potatoes rubbery.
Video
If you're ready for a quick, crispy potato side dish that works with any meal, this air fryer baby potatoes recipe is the one to save.
More Delicious Air Fryer Potato Recipes
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Air Fryer Baby Potatoes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 - 1 ½ pounds baby potatoes or any small or mini potatoes
- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (cajun seasoning works well too)
- ¼-½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Wash and dry baby potatoes with paper towel. If the potatoes are medium sized, cut into half. Get out and measure all of your ingredients.
- In a large bowl, mix potatoes with spices such as garlic powder, Italian seasoning, red chili flakes, salt, black pepper, and olive oil.
- Toss them to coat evenly.
- Transfer the potatoes to air fryer basket and fry at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, toss to adjust the potatoes. Place basket back inside your air fryer.
- Cook for another 8 or 10 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown and crispy. Check at 8 minutes just to see how the potatoes look. Cook an additional 2 to 4 more minutes. The exact cooking time will vary depending on the size of the baby potatoes.
- Remove the roasted baby potatoes from air fryer basket and serve hot.
- Serve with your favorite main course or with a dipping sauce. Enjoy every bite!
The Butter Option
- Toss the cooked potatoes with some melted butter or my steak butter. Finish with some additional salt or seasonings.
Video
Notes
- Check Doneness: A fork should slide into the potatoes easily; color alone doesn't tell the whole story.
- Preheat First: A hot air fryer helps the potatoes crisp quickly and cook evenly. Adjust timing if your model auto-preheats.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Keep the potatoes in a single layer so they roast instead of steam.
- Dry Well: Pat the potatoes dry before seasoning; excess moisture prevents browning.
- Shake Halfway: Give the basket a quick shake to help the potatoes brown evenly on all sides.
- Add Delicate Seasonings Last: Parmesan, fresh herbs, or lemon zest are best added after cooking so their flavors stay bright.
Joann Montgomery says
Very tasty. First time cooking potatoes in the air fryer. I will try this again!
Karin and Ken says
So happy you enjoyed them! All the best. Karin
Diane says
These are awesome! I make them all the time! Even my picky grandkids love them!!😀
Karin and Ken says
They are so addictive! This recipe is one of my favorites! Thank you for letting me know. All the best. Karin
Jeff says
Awesome recipe. These things are addicting. Thanks!
Karin and Ken says
Are they ever addicting! I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe. I try my best. This recipe is in our regular rotation and I eat too many too. All the best. Karin
Laura says
perfect! loved the recipe!
Karin and Ken says
Glad to hear it! Thank you for letting me know. All the best. Karin
John says
It’s a keeper Recipe is easy and tastes exceptional Thx for sharing Keep up the great work We’re loving your food ❤️
Karin and Ken says
So happy you like this recipe! You made my day. All the best. Karin
rock motor parts says
Amazing easy recipe Thanks for sharing We make it regularly These potatoes are delicious
Karin and Ken says
We make this recipe all the time too! We love these potatoes! Thanks for letting me know. All the best. Karin
Maia says
Love this recipe. So easy and tasty! I used my air fryer and also have made them in the oven for about 40 minutes at 350 degrees. Try this for sure!
Karin and Ken says
Thank you for your kind words! I’m so glad to hear you’re enjoying this easy recipe. Hopefully you find some other recipes on this site that you enjoy just as much. All the best. Karin
Donna says
No , I’m new to using a air fryer and just thought the picture looked like that there was tinfoil under the potatoes
Karin and Ken says
First you’re going to enjoy your air fryer! I haven’t met anyone that didn’t so far! Also it appears you are correct. It looks like foil under the potatoes inside the air fryer basket pictures. I never noticed. You have an exceptional eye! Reality is you don’t need foil. I never use it myself and we make these potatoes weekly. They’re my husbands favorite. Hope you try this easy recipe. It’s delicious! All the best. Karin
FRANK says
Amazing recipe. We loved your potatoes. No leftovers. We ate two batches. Thank you for sharing this keeper. 💕
Karin and Ken says
So glad you enjoyed them. We make these all the time. Thank you for letting me know. All the best. Karin
Brandy says
Great potatoes. My husband loves this because it's super easy and he doesn't have to do much. He enjoys them on the weekends for breakfast with steak and eggs!
Karin and Ken says
I’m so glad you’re enjoying this easy recipe! Thank you for letting me know. You made my day. All the best. Karin
Deborah Earles says
Has anyone tried to add sliced onion to the recipe? We add onion and butter to our regular baked potatoes. Will it work with your recipe for them?
Karin and Ken says
We add sliced onions to our air fryer brats and they work out great. That recipe cooks the onions at 350ºF for the last 7 minutes of cooking. I would reduce potato cooking temperature from 400 to 375 and extend cook time by a few minutes adding onions for last 5 minutes of cook time. Make sense? I’d love to know what you think of the result if you don’t mind sharing. All the best. Karin
BRANDON says
Best potatoes I ever ate. We make these all the time and absolutely love the recipe. THANK YOU for sharing ❤️
Karin and Ken says
As always you’re most welcome. I agree. These potatoes are like candy almost. They’re hard to stop eating. That’s for sure. Glad you’re enjoying them too! All the best. Karin
Cindy Brown says
Has anyone tried this with a potatoes/carrots mix? I'm going to try it with both tonight.
Karin and Ken says
I’ve done it with carrot chunks about the same size as potatoes and it worked great. I hope you have the same results. I can’t wait to hear. All the best. Karin
Jim N says
Please post nutritional info on this recipe...
Karin and Ken says
It’s there at the bottom of the recipe card! Enjoy this easy recipe. It’s delicious! Enjoy your day. Karin
Aligar says
Made these for dinner tonight. So easy & absolutely delicious. My husband loved them. Will be making them again!
Karin and Ken says
Glad you enjoyed them and will be making them again. We love this recipe too. So easy! Thank you for taking the time to let me know. You made my day. I love it when someone loves one of these recipes! All the best. Karin
Karen says
Exceptional recipe. Easy and no complaints. They’re addictive and could almost be used as a snack. They go with any meal at any time of day. Thank you for sharing.
Karin and Ken says
As always you’re most welcome! We love this recipe too. Thank you for taking the time to let me know. All the best. Karin
Randy says
So I bought these at the grocery store and they didn't taste as good as this Roasted little Baby potatoes recipe that I made. Thank you for the recipe.
Karin and Ken says
As always you’re most welcome! I try my best. I’m so glad you enjoyed this easy recipe! Take care and all the best. Karin
Walter says
Love this recipe. These potatoes are perfect for a snack or dinner I’m loving my air fryer and this is my favorite recipe by far. A job well done KD thank w
Karin and Ken says
Thank you for taking the time to let me know how much you’re enjoying this easy recipe. We love it too. It’s true I eat these potatoes with breakfast and dinner. We can’t help it lol All the best. Karin
Donna says
Have you put tinfoil on the bottom of the potatoes?
Karin and Ken says
I don’t add foil. We found it wasn’t necessary. Have you had a good experience with it? I’d love to hear! All the best. Karin
Sarah says
Seriously though! These are the best dang potatoes I've ever made and had. I the the air fryer. Took my cooking game to a new level. I'm always putting anything I can think of in the airfryer, best invention ever! And such a great recipe for them. Thanks 😊
Karin and Ken says
You're most welcome! We love them too! Thank you for taking the time to let me know! Karin
Beth says
I see in the pictures, you line the air fryer basket with foil but you don't mention it in the article or recipe at all. Is that something needed to make them a little crispy or do you just do it for easier clean up?
Karin and Ken says
We used to use foil but don’t any longer. You could definitely use it for easier clean up if desired but honestly I prefer the results without foil. These potatoes are delicious and definitely worth a try! All the best. Karin
Corinne says
I use parchment paper from Amazon specifically for my basket size.
Karin and Ken says
Brilliant! Makes life so much easier! Enjoy these potatoes! They're delicious! All the best. Karin
Sharon says
This is the second time I’ve made this recipe. Absolutely delicious!
Karin and Ken says
I can't thank you enough for your kind words! Hopefully you find some other recipes on this site that you enjoy just as much! All the best. Karin
Lennon says
These potatoes are my favorite Thx for sharing
Karin and Ken says
As always you are most welcome! These potatoes are a favorite around here too! Take care and be well. Karin
Felicia says
This recipe is a keeper. I omitted the salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. I used Cajun seasoning and added Italian blend cheese. OMG!!! Absolutely divine.
Karin and Ken says
Thank you for taking the time to comment! I'm going to try that myself! Thank you! You absolutely made my day. Take care and be well. Karin
Amber says
Where did you get that little wooden salt and pepper tray in the photo?? It’s adorable
Karin and Ken says
I apologize because I have been in hospital and when that happens nothing gets done! We have done our best to discover the item you're referring to and believe it's one of these or even this one or this one. I hope this helps! Take care and all the best. Karin
Zelma says
These are delicious! I did add the butter before serving. My husband said this was a keeper! 5 stars
Karin and Ken says
I can’t thank you enough for taking the time to let me know! You made my day. We make these potatoes all the time and love them too! Take care and enjoy the rest of your day! Karin
Stella says
Absolute perfection. Next time I’m making a double batch My goodness they were so good. Thank you for sharing
Karin and Ken says
As always you are most welcome. Hopefully you find some other recipes on this site that you enjoy just as much. All the best. Karin
Lisa says
Amazing recipeThese potatoes are so good thank you KD for another great recipe
Karin and Ken says
As always you are most welcome! I’m glad you enjoy these potatoes as much as we do! All the best. Karin