Air fryer roast potatoes can be hit-and-miss, often turning out dry instead of crisp. A food writer says adding one simple cupboard ingredient before cooking helps create a golden, crunchy shell—with roasties ready in about 25 minutes.
The secret ingredient for extra crunch
Food writer Lucy Parissi from Supergolden Bakes revealed: "There's no need to parboil them first or roast them for upwards of 45 minutes – these air-fried roasties are ready in about 25 minutes!"
Lucy continued: "But there are some secrets to getting that perfect crunch in record time, and I am prepared to share the results of testing the various methods with you. You need just a handful of ingredients to make roast potatoes – potatoes, salt, herbs and a type of cooking fat. The one ingredient that made the biggest difference overall is what you cook the potatoes in."
Which fat works best
She explained: "Olive oil is a good option, but for life-changing great air fryer potatoes, you need to use goose fat, beef dripping or ghee. All three of these have a high smoking point and create the crispiest roast potatoes."
Lucy generally favours simplicity, choosing olive or sunflower oil, and occasionally uses an oil spray for a lighter, healthier option. However, for festive meals or when seeking to wow guests, she selects richer fats.
How to make crispy air fryer potatoes
For four people, you will need eight medium potatoes, one and a half tablespoons of olive oil, one teaspoon of coarse sea salt flakes, and two teaspoons of Italian seasonings or other dried herbs.
Start by peeling the potatoes and slicing them into generously sized quarters. Transfer them to a bowl and coat with olive oil. Season with salt and Italian seasoning, ensuring they are completely covered before cooking.
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C, or lower the temperature by approximately 10°C for smaller potatoes, to prevent them browning too quickly. When the air fryer reaches temperature, place the potatoes in a single layer and cook for 10 minutes, then shake them to guarantee even cooking. They should then be cooked for a further 10 minutes. Larger pieces may need an extra five to 10 minutes to achieve crispiness. The roast potatoes are best served immediately alongside a main dish.
