Some nights the main dish is ready to go, and all you need is a side that won't take all evening. These air fryer roasted baby potatoes are my answer. They always come out pillowy soft inside with crisp, golden brown shells. They remind me of a cross between a baked potato and a French fry.
I have a lifelong love affair with potatoes, and I truly think I've never met a potato I didn't like. Baked, mashed, scalloped, or fried, I eat them all! But roasted baby potatoes have a special place in my heart, and I find them impossible to resist.
I used to make them in the oven, until I realized how much faster and easier the air fryer was. Plus, I get the same perfect results. The recipe is about as simple as it gets, and it cooks in 20 minutes.

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Ingredients needed for Air Fryer Roasted Baby Potatoes
- Baby red potatoes (petite size)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper

How to Make Air Fryer Roasted Baby Potatoes
Start by cutting the potatoes in half lengthwise and putting them in a bowl. Drizzle in the olive oil and toss to coat. Then add a little salt and pepper and toss again. If you'd like to add fresh herbs, now is the time (more on that below).

Next, place the potatoes in the air fryer basket. If you can, arrange them in a single layer, cut side down. The large basket in an oven-style air fryer will usually fit the whole batch. A basket-style air fryer may need multiple batches, or a longer cycle with a toss partway through.

Set the air fryer to 425°F for 20 minutes. In my oven-style air fryer, with the potatoes in a single layer, I don't stop the cycle to toss or flip. I just let them cook, undisturbed, for the full 20 minutes.
If you have a basket-style air fryer, I recommend tossing the potatoes at about the 13-minute mark. The full 20 minutes of cook time might be enough, so taste one when the cycle is done. If they seem like they need more time, air fry them another 5 minutes.
When the cycle finishes, the potatoes will be golden brown, with a crispy exterior and a pillowy soft interior.

Serving Suggestions and Variations
Think "meat and potatoes." These go beautifully with comfort food like meatloaf or cube steak.
Because they remind me of upscale French fries, I also like to serve them alongside sandwiches. They're great with a teriyaki chicken sandwich or chicken burgers.
And don't forget breakfast! These potatoes fit right in with quiche or scrambled eggs for a satisfying start to the day.
For more flavor, toss the cut potatoes with chopped fresh herbs along with the oil. Rosemary and parsley both work nicely, and Italian seasoning is another good option.
Storage
Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. To reheat, the air fryer will preserve the best texture. The microwave works too if you're short on time.
True confession: sometimes I eat them cold, straight from the fridge. Delicious.
📖 Recipe
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Air Fryer Roasted Baby Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds baby red potatoes petite size
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt + pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise and place in a bowl.1.5 pounds baby red potatoes
- Add the olive oil and toss, then add a little salt and pepper and toss again.1 tablespoon olive oil, Salt + pepper
- Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket. If possible, make a single layer of potatoes and arrange cut side down. Note: a large basket for an oven-style air fryer will usually fit the entire batch. Basket-style air fryers may require multiple batches or a longer cycle with a toss step mid-cycle.
- Set the cycle to air fry at 425°F for 20 minutes. In my (oven-style) air fryer, with the potatoes in a single layer, I do not need to stop the cycle to toss or flip. I simply let the potatoes cook, undisturbed, for the 20-minute cycle. See notes for basket-style air fryers.
- When the cooking cycle is done, the potatoes will be golden brown with a crispy exterior and a pillowy soft interior.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.



Dee
These turned out perfectly, they really ARE just like a baked potato + French Fry combination!
Sula
The best!