Juicy Air Fryer Yukon Gold Potatoes

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Let me tell you about one of my go-to side dishes that’s become a regular at our dinner table. I used to spend ages trying to get potatoes just right in the oven, but ever since I started using my air fryer, it’s been such a game-changer. These Yukon gold potatoes come out perfectly every time – crispy on the outside and so fluffy inside.

I discovered this method one busy weeknight when I was short on time but still wanted something better than microwaved potatoes. Now, my kids actually get excited when they smell these cooking, and my husband always asks for seconds. The best part? They’re done in about half the time of oven-roasted potatoes, and cleanup is so much easier.

Whether you’re making these as a side for a weeknight dinner or serving them up for Sunday roast, they’re pretty much foolproof. And trust me, once you try making Yukon golds in the air fryer, you might never go back to the oven method.

What Kind of Potatoes Should I Use?

While this recipe calls for Yukon Gold potatoes, you could actually use other varieties like Red Bliss or even Russets in a pinch. Yukon Golds are ideal here because they have a naturally buttery flavor and maintain their shape well while getting crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside when air fried. For the best results, look for potatoes that are firm and free from any green spots or sprouts – these are signs of age or improper storage. When picking your Yukons, try to choose ones that are similar in size so they’ll cook evenly once you cut them into cubes.

Options for Substitutions

This air fryer potato recipe is pretty flexible – here are some easy swaps you can make:

• Yukon gold potatoes: While Yukon golds give you that naturally buttery taste, you can use red potatoes or russets instead. Just note that russets might need an extra minute or two of cooking time since they’re a bit drier.
• Olive oil: Any neutral cooking oil works here – try avocado oil, vegetable oil, or even melted coconut oil. Each will give you those nice crispy edges we’re looking for.
• Garlic powder: Out of garlic powder? Try onion powder, or even 2-3 cloves of fresh minced garlic. Ranch seasoning is another tasty option that adds a fun twist.
• Butter: If you’re keeping it dairy-free, just skip the butter and use the full 2 tablespoons of oil instead. You can also try ghee or your favorite plant-based butter.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Air Frying

The biggest mistake when air frying potatoes is overcrowding the basket, which prevents the hot air from circulating properly and leaves you with unevenly cooked spuds – arrange them in a single layer with some space between pieces for the crispiest results. Skipping the drying step after washing your potatoes can lead to steamy rather than crispy results, so take an extra minute to pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels before seasoning. Another common error is not shaking the basket every 5-7 minutes during cooking, which helps ensure all sides get equally golden brown and prevents sticking. For extra-crispy exteriors, try preheating your air fryer for 3-4 minutes before adding the potatoes, and remember that different air fryer models may require slight adjustments to cooking time and temperature.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Potatoes?

These golden, crispy potatoes make an excellent side dish that goes well with pretty much any protein you can think of! They’re perfect alongside a juicy steak, grilled chicken breast, or pan-seared fish – basically any main dish that needs a hearty companion. I love serving these potatoes with a dollop of sour cream and some chopped chives on top, which adds a cool, creamy contrast to their crispy exterior. For a complete meal, add some steamed broccoli or roasted green beans on the side, and you’ve got yourself a satisfying dinner that everyone will love.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These tasty air fryer potatoes will stay good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I like to line the container with a paper towel to absorb any extra moisture, which helps keep them from getting too soft.

Make Ahead: You can prep the potatoes ahead by cutting them into cubes and storing them in cold water in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just remember to drain and pat them completely dry before cooking – this is key for getting that perfect crispy exterior!

Crisp Up: To get your leftover potatoes crispy again, pop them back in the air fryer at 380°F for 3-4 minutes. They’ll taste almost as good as fresh! You can also warm them in the microwave, but they won’t be as crispy.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	10-14 minutes
Total Time	20-30 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 300-350
• Protein: 5-7 g
• Fat: 15-20 g
• Carbohydrates: 40-45 g

Ingredients

• 1 pound yukon gold potatoes (clean, dry, and cut into 1-inch cubes; peeling optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (use 2 tablespoons if omitting the optional butter)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, but suggested)

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).

This will ensure that the fryer is at the right temperature for cooking the potatoes evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes

Place the diced potatoes in a large bowl.

Drizzle them with olive oil and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Toss the potatoes thoroughly to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasonings and oil.

Step 3: Air Fry the Potatoes

Arrange the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer to allow for even cooking.

Air fry the potatoes at 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) for 10-14 minutes.

Shake the basket halfway through to encourage even browning.

The potatoes should be golden brown and soft on the inside.

To check if they are done, poke them with a fork; they should offer very little resistance.

If they are nicely browned but not soft, reduce the air fryer temperature to 320 degrees F (160 degrees C) and continue cooking until they reach the desired softness.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Once the potatoes are perfectly cooked, transfer them to a large bowl.

Add butter while the potatoes are still hot, stirring to coat the potatoes and melt the butter evenly.

Serve immediately and enjoy your crispy, buttery air-fried potatoes!