If you’ve ever dreamed of having perfectly crispy, golden breakfast potatoes without the mess and hassle of frying in a pan, this Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes Recipe is your new kitchen hero. Imagine tender Yukon gold potatoes with a flaky outside dusted in savory spices, popping with smoky paprika and garlic, all done quickly in the air fryer. It’s the ideal balance of crunch and softness that elevates your morning meal without stealing your precious time. Whether you’re whipping up a weekend brunch or just craving a hearty side for your eggs, this recipe delivers unbeatable flavor and texture every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are all about simplicity and punchy flavor. Each one plays a vital role: the Yukon gold potatoes give you that creamy inside and crisp outside, while the spices layer on warmth and depth. Olive oil is your secret weapon for that irresistible golden crunch and helps the seasoning stick beautifully.
- Yukon gold potatoes: Their waxy texture ensures crisp edges while staying tender inside.
- Olive oil: Enhances crispiness and brings out the richness in the spices.
- Garlic powder: Adds a robust, savory note that wakes up the flavors.
- Onion powder: Brings a mellow sweetness that balances the garlic.
- Smoked paprika: Provides a smoky warmth that makes the potatoes truly special.
- Salt: Essential for highlighting the natural flavors of the potatoes and spices.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of bite.
- Fresh chopped parsley: For a bright, fresh finish that cheers up every bite.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by setting your air fryer to 375°F and let it warm up for about 5 minutes. Preheating is key to jump-starting that crispy magic right from the moment the potatoes hit the basket.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
While your air fryer is warming, give those Yukon gold potatoes a good wash to remove any dirt. Dry them thoroughly so the oil and spices cling perfectly. Chop them into even 1/2-inch cubes which helps them cook uniformly and ensures all pieces get that golden crust.
Step 3: Season the Potatoes
In a large bowl, toss the diced potatoes with olive oil to coat every piece lightly but thoroughly. Sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure to mix well so every cube is infused with those delicious, aromatic spices.
Step 4: Air Fry the Potatoes
Transfer your seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket. Spread them out in a single layer – this is crucial since overcrowding leads to soggy potatoes rather than crispy ones. If your basket looks too packed, it’s perfectly fine to cook the batch in two rounds.
Step 5: Cook and Toss
Cook the potatoes at 375°F for 20 minutes. Be sure to pause every 6 to 7 minutes to shake the basket or toss the potatoes gently. This shaking step lets the potatoes brown evenly on all sides and prevents sticking. When done, they should be fork-tender inside with a stunning golden crisp on the outside.
Step 6: Optional Extra Crisp Step
If you want to level up your crispy game, use the air fryer’s broil function or crank up the temperature to 450°F for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Keep tossing to avoid burning but get ready for some seriously crunchy edges and an irresistible aroma.
Step 7: Serve
Finally, transfer the potatoes to a serving dish and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. The parsley adds a vibrant pop of color and freshness that balances the smoky, garlicky notes perfectly. Serve immediately and get ready to savor every crispy bite.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes Recipe
Garnishes
While fresh chopped parsley is classic and lovely, you can also try garnishing with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a salty touch, or a few dashes of hot sauce if you like a little heat. A dollop of sour cream on the side can soften the spice and add creaminess, making each bite a pure joy.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes Recipe pairs beautifully with all sorts of morning favorites. Think fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, or even a savory breakfast sausage. It’s also fantastic alongside an avocado toast or alongside a green salad to mix fresh and crispy textures.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these potatoes as a base for a breakfast hash topped with sautéed veggies, poached eggs, and a drizzle of hollandaise sauce. You can also sprinkle some crispy cooked chorizo or diced ham to turn them into a hearty brunch centerpiece that’s sure to impress anyone at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra potatoes (though that’s rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed preserves their flavor and prevents them from drying out.
Freezing
These potatoes freeze well, making them a convenient make-ahead option. Just spread cooked potatoes on a baking sheet and freeze until solid before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 1 month. Reheat straight from frozen for best texture.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-air-fryer crispiness, reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want them crispy; that tends to make potatoes soggy and limp.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Yukon gold potatoes are ideal for their balance of waxy and starchy qualities, Russets or red potatoes also work well. Just keep in mind cook times may vary slightly depending on the potato variety and size of the cubes.
How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Give the basket a light spray of non-stick cooking spray or brush a little olive oil before adding the potatoes. Also, shaking or tossing the potatoes a few times during cooking helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning.
Can I add fresh herbs during cooking?
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme are lovely but best added during the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent burning. Alternatively, use dried herbs mixed in with your seasonings for a consistent flavor throughout cooking.
What if my air fryer is smaller and I can’t fit all the potatoes at once?
No worries! Cook the potatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding. Crowding traps steam and causes sogginess, so smaller batches deliver better crispy results.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely. The Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes Recipe reheats beautifully and can be packed for lunches or quick breakfasts. Just store properly and reheat in the air fryer to maintain that crispy texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like waking up to the irresistible aroma of perfectly crisped breakfast potatoes fresh from the air fryer. This Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes Recipe not only saves you time and cleanup but also guarantees a deliciously crunchy side to brighten any morning. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever started your day without it!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes recipe delivers perfectly golden, crunchy-on-the-outside and tender-on-the-inside potatoes seasoned with garlic, onion, and smoked paprika. Easy to prepare and ready in just 35 minutes, these potatoes make a delicious and healthier side for any breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 1/2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, washed and diced into 1/2 inch cubes
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- Fresh chopped parsley, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F and let it preheat for 5 minutes to ensure the potatoes crisp up immediately when cooking.
- Prepare the Potatoes: While the air fryer preheats, wash and dry the Yukon gold potatoes thoroughly, then dice them into 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking and a crispy texture.
- Season the Potatoes: Place the diced potatoes in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat the potatoes evenly with oil and spices.
- Air Fry the Potatoes: Transfer the seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket, spreading them in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to maintain crispiness; cook in batches if needed.
- Cook and Toss: Air fry for 20 minutes, shaking or tossing the basket 2-3 times during cooking to promote even browning. The potatoes should be tender inside with golden, crispy edges when done.
- Optional Extra Crisp: If your air fryer has an air broil function, broil the potatoes for an additional 2-3 minutes, shaking as needed. Alternatively, increase temperature to 450°F and broil similarly to get extra crispiness.
- Serve: Remove the potatoes from the air fryer, top with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy hot as a tasty breakfast side.
Notes
- Use Yukon gold potatoes for the best texture and flavor, but red potatoes can be a good substitute.
- Ensure the potatoes are dry before seasoning to help them crisp better.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches for crispier potatoes.
- Shaking the basket periodically during cooking ensures even crisping and prevents sticking.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste preference.
- Leftover potatoes can be reheated in the air fryer to regain crispiness.
