Air Fryer Diced Potatoes (With Skin)
Air fryer diced Russet potatoes come out crispy and golden brown every time, but only if you set them up right. After testing this easy recipe many times, the two things I have found that make the biggest difference are cutting them into 1-inch cubes with the skin on so you get those crispy edges and a tender center, and drying them with a paper towel before they go in the basket. Skip that step, and they will steam rather than crisp.
One layer in the basket and no crowding. That’s it. The air fryer handles the rest for even browning with barely any oil, and they are done in about 20 minutes.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Servings | Prep Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 3-4 | Beginner + |
Julie’s Ingredient Notes
Russet potatoes are the best choice for this recipe. The skin will crisp up better than the waxy potatoes, and you get that yummy crunch when cut into cubes and cooked. Just don’t cut them too small or the inside will be crispy, too.
For the herbs, rosemary will give you that earthy, piney flavor. Thyme is a little milder and savory. If you’re using fresh herbs instead of dried, use about 1 tablespoon of fresh for every 1 teaspoon of dried.
Olive oil works great here and gives the potatoes a nice golden color. If you want a slightly higher smoke point, avocado oil is a good swap.
Tips For The Best Diced Potatoes
With just a few easy tips, you can have the crispiest and fluffiest potatoes every time.
- Wash the potatoes and pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help them get crispier when cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Be sure to give the potatoes room so the hot air circulates around each one to crisp them up.
- Preheat the air fryer. This gets the crisping process started quickly when the potatoes start out in a hot environment.
- Toss halfway through the cooking process. This will help ensure the potatoes cook on all sides.
- Try to cut the potatoes evenly. This will help prevent some potatoes from overcooking while others undercook.
Red potatoes are a good swap if that’s what you have on hand, but they cook a little differently since they’re waxier and hold more moisture. Check out this guide for small red potatoes in the air fryer for the right timing and temp.
If you love a more Southern-style dish and would rather cook in a skillet, you’ll love these Southern-fried potatoes and onions.
Watch How The Potatoes Are Made
Step-By-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Potatoes
Dice the potatoes and add them to a large bowl. Add the olive oil, parsley, rosemary, thyme, and salt, and toss until the potatoes are covered.
Then, add them to the preheated air fryer and cook for 20 minutes, flipping them at the 10-minute mark.
FAQs, Storage, And Reheating
If you have any leftover potatoes, you can store them in an airtight container and refrigerate them. To reheat, add them back to the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 5 minutes. You will not need to preheat the air fryer when reheating, unless you prefer a slightly crispier texture.
Fun fact: Most people eat air fryer potatoes as a side dish, but because they’re in cubes, you can easily toss them into egg scrambles, casseroles, tacos, or breakfast grain bowls without losing their texture. They add crunch and structure without falling apart.
Can I use any type of potato for this recipe? Yes, you can! You can simply follow the same directions and cook them.
Do I need to soak them in water before cooking? It is not required, but soaking them in water for about 15 minutes, after dicing, helps remove some of the starch, and they will cook up a little crisper.
What size should I dice the potatoes? I like to aim for about 1/2-inch cubes.
Can I make air fryer potatoes ahead of time? Yes. You can dice and soak the potatoes ahead of time, then pat them dry and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Make sure to store them in an airtight container and try to remove as much air as possible, or they may begin to turn brown. Then, pull them out and cook them when you are ready.
Can I cook frozen potatoes? Yes, you can cook frozen potatoes, just add two to three minutes to the cooking time. Be sure to shake the basket more often to prevent the potatoes from sticking.
Air Fryer Diced Potatoes (With Skin)
Ingredients
- 3 Russet potatoes diced in ½-inch cubes
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- Dice the potatoes and pat dry with a paper towel. Then, add them to a large mixing bowl.
- Next, add the olive oil and seasonings and toss until the potatoes are coated.
- Spread out evenly in the air fryer and cook for 20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
