Crispy Air Fryer Potato Chunks

These potatoes are boiled to create a fluffy, tender center, then air-fried until golden and incredibly crispy on the outside. The result is a deliciously crunchy texture that rivals deep-fried potatoes, but with significantly less oil. Pair these crispy air fryer potato chunks with your favorite protein, like salmon, steak, or chicken, for an easy and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Potato Chunks Recipe

Extra crispy on the outside: Boiling the potatoes with baking soda helps create those rough, starchy edges that turn incredibly crispy in the air fryer.

Fluffy on the inside: The quick boil gives the potatoes a soft, fluffy center while the air fryer creates that perfect crunchy exterior.

A healthier way to get crispy potatoes: Air frying gives you wonderfully crispy potatoes with much less oil than traditional deep frying.

The perfect side dish: Serve them alongside your protein for an easy and delicious addition to your meal.

Ingredients

• Potatoes
  • Main ingredient in this recipe
• 1 tsp salt
  • Enhance flavor
• 1 tsp paprika
  • Adds subtle smokiness
• 1 tsp onion powder
  • Enhance flavor
• 1 tsp all-purpose seasoning
  • Adds flavor
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Adds spicy kick
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning, optional
  • Adds herb flavor
• Olive oil
  • Helps crisp up

Click on the images for the direct link to the ingredients/tools I used:

Instructions

Peel the potatoes and cut them into chunky, bite-sized pieces.

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add a small amount of baking soda. Add the potatoes and boil for about 8 minutes, or until they are just fork-tender. Be careful not to overcook them.

Drain the potatoes and let them cool for a few minutes so some of the excess moisture can evaporate.

Transfer the potatoes to a large bowl. Gently shake or toss them until the edges become rough and slightly mashed. These rough edges are what help create that extra-crispy texture in the air fryer!

Drizzle the potatoes generously with olive oil, then add the salt, paprika, onion powder, all-purpose seasoning, cayenne pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Toss until the potatoes are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.

Air fry at 400°F for about 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Cook a few extra minutes if you want them even crispier.

Remove from the air fryer and enjoy while hot and crispy!

Storage Tips

Fridge: Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for about 5 minutes.

Freezer: Let the potatoes cool completely. Freeze in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat at 400F fror around 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you boil the potatoes before air frying?

Boiling helps soften the potatoes and creates a fluffy, tender center. It also makes it easier to rough up the edges, which helps them become extra crispy in the air fryer.

Why add baking soda to the boiling water?

Baking soda helps break down the surface of the potatoes, creating rough, starchy edges that crisp up.

Crispy Air Fryer Potato Chunks Cooking Tips

Don’t overboil the potatoes: Cook them just until fork-tender.

Rough up the edges: Gently shake the potatoes in the bowl until the outside looks slightly fluffy and mashed. Those rough edges become wonderfully crispy.

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Arrange the potatoes in a single layer with some space between them. Overcrowding traps steam and can make them softer.

Ingredient Substitutions

Olive oil → Avocado oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil

All-purpose seasoning → Cajun seasoning, seasoned salt, or your favorite seasoning blend

Baking soda → You can omit it, but the potatoes may not get quite as crispy

What to Serve With

• Steak: Serve with a juicy steak for a hearty dinner.
• Salmon: Pair with baked or air-fried salmon and asparagus for a simple, balanced meal.
• Chicken: Serve alongside grilled chicken, crispy chicken tenders, or roasted chicken.
• Burgers: Enjoy them as a crispy alternative to traditional French fries.
• Eggs: Serve with scrambled or fried eggs for an easy breakfast or brunch.
• Dipping sauces: Serve with ranch, garlic aioli, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce.

If you enjoyed this crispy air fryer potato chunks recipe, you might also like my crispy smashed potato recipe or my healthy air fryer wedges.

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