Air Fryer Baby Potatoes

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If you’re looking for easy and delicious side dishes, this air fryer baby potatoes recipe is for you! Ready in less than 20 minutes, and perfectly cooked every single time. This flavorful recipe is vegan, gluten-free, and perfect for meal prep.

Who doesn’t love a good air fryer recipe? In just a few short years, this popular countertop appliance has taken over the kitchen and has won millions of fans!

Is it any wonder when you have recipes like these easy air fryer baby potatoes? Made with just a few simple ingredients and ready in less than half the time of the oven-baked method, they are a delicious and healthy side dish that the whole family will love.

In fact, my picky eater loves them (sans parsley) with a big squeeze of ketchup for dipping. I enjoy mine served with salmon and rice, talk about yummy!

Reasons to Love This Recipe:

It’s an easy and versatile side dish that pairs with a variety of dishes.
Ready in just 20 minutes (including prep!) and uses just 5 simple ingredients.
Air-fried baby potatoes are tender on the inside, yet crispy on the outside – making them a favorite with the whole family.
It’s a healthy recipe that is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, AND whole30.

Ingredients

Baby potatoes: You will need about 1 1/2 pounds of the baby potatoes of your choosing. Red baby potatoes work well, but Yukon Gold have its own unique flavor and texture. Use whatever you like best!
Olive oil: I like to add olive oil because it compliments the garlic and parsley perfectly, but you can use avocado oil OR your favorite cooking oil instead.
Garlic powder (or fresh garlic): I’ve tested this with both garlic powder and fresh garlic, and garlic powder tends to work best. Minced garlic can burn easily in the air fryer, so I recommend playing it safe.
Parsley (optional): If you’re like me and you like a nice green garnish on your roasted baby potatoes, I highly recommend a few tablespoons of freshly minced parsley mixed in at the end.
Salt and pepper: Other than garlic powder, all you need for seasoning is some salt and pepper. We like to keep it simple sometimes.

Equipment

Air Fryer: You will need an air fryer to make this recipe. I recommend both the Ninja XL basket-style, as well as the Instant Pot Vortex model.

How to Make Baby Potatoes in an Air Fryer

Before you get started, it’s a good idea to preheat your air fryer to 400ºF. I like to do this for at least 3 minutes to ensure the food goes into a hot air fryer, but you can follow your manufactures instructions.

Add the olive oil to a large bowl, then add in the salt, pepper, and garlic powder (or minced garlic, if using). Stir everything together so it’s evenly combined.

Transfer the halved baby potatoes to the bowl of seasoned oil, and toss to combine with a pair of tongs. You want all of the potatoes to be lightly coated in oil.

Combining baby potatoes with olive oil and adding to an air fryer basket.

Transfer the seasoned baby potatoes to your preheated air fryer basket (or a parchment-lined tray if using an oven-style model). Spread them out in an even layer.

Cooking Time

Cook your baby potatoes in your air fryer for 13-16 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning.

Once the potatoes are easily pierced with a fork, they are done and can be removed from the air fryer.

Shaking an air fryer and adding parsley to baby potatoes.

Transfer the potatoes to a serving bowl (or you can leave them right in the air fryer if you prefer) and add in the fresh minced parsley. Toss to combine, and then serve immediately!

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover potatoes, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, cook in the air fryer at 350ºF for 5-8 minutes, or reheat in 30-second intervals in the microwave.

Variations and Substitutions

Olive oil: Feel free to substitute olive oil for your favorite cooking oil. Avocado oil is a great choice, as it has a high smoke point.

Yukon Gold baby potatoes: Baby potatoes come in several types, including red, white, and Yukon gold. You can easily substitute Yukon gold baby potatoes – you’ll love their buttery, soft texture.

Fingerling potatoes: If you have access to these gourmet potatoes, you can easily use this recipe to make them! Just wash, dry, and slice them in half lengthwise, toss in the oil mixture, and cook in the air fryer as directed.

With rosemary or other herbs: Add in your favorite herbs such as rosemary, sage, or oregano. I would recommend adding them halfway through or at the end to prevent burning.

An overhead view of baby potatoes in a bowl, cooked with parsley.

Recipe FAQ’s

Do you leave skin on baby potatoes?

As long as you thoroughly wash your baby potatoes and pat them dry, you won’t need to peel them. Since the skin is thin, it’s perfect for eating, yet difficult to peel. For this reason, it’s best to just wash them well and leave the skin on.

Do I need to poke holes in baby potatoes?

If you are cooking your baby potatoes whole you should poke each one with the tines of a fork, but if you cut them in half you do not need to pierce them with a fork. They cook more quickly and evenly when sliced in half, so that is the recommended method.

Do baby potatoes taste different?

Baby potatoes taste less starchy than their fully-grown counterparts, and tend to have softer interiors. Because of their small size, it is much easier to crisp the outside while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

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