If you’re looking for delicious charred, smoky Air Fryer Red Potatoes, you’ve come to the right place! These golden, perfectly seasoned potatoes cook quickly in about 20 minutes.
I love potatoes because they’re a blank slate for flavor, incredibly filling, and endlessly versatile - whether used for Vegan Scalloped Potatoes, German Potato Salad, or throwing them in a soup like in Classic Vegan Irish Stew Recipe, they always deliver comfort in the best way.
So, if you love potatoes, you should be air-frying them, too. You can make a batch for one, two, or three fast and don't need to heat up the kitchen with an oven.
The chili lime seasoning blend that I use from Trader Joe's in this recipe contains natural sugars, which caramelize and create a charred, smoky taste (kind of like how roasted peppers get a bit blackened or fire roasted pizza has a charred crust but still taste good).
But you're not limited to the spices I use in the recipe. These instructions work for air frying with any seasonings, giving you a foolproof guide for crispy, golden perfection every time.
While this is my go-to quick seasoning blend for a charred flavor, I customize it according to what I will pair it with.
Think of this recipe as your roadmap - it’s really about getting the timing right and a few tips to get them soft on the inside and crisp on the outside.
I also provide a quick dip for dunking these potatoes, which is ready in one minute flat.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- There is no deep frying or an oven that turns your kitchen into a sauna.
- Chop, toss, air fry, done. No complicated steps, no hovering over a pan. The air fryer does the hard work, and you take the credit.
- They are customizable with whatever spices you want.
- They are faster and healthier than your favorite takeout fries.
Ingredients
Potatoes: I use the small red potatoes from Trader Joe's for this recipe and slice them in half.
See the recipe card for quantities and a full list of ingredients.
Variations
While this is my go-to seasoning, swap in your favorite spices. It’s all about the timing and that irresistible texture. Here are some other seasoning ideas I've used:
- Toss with garlic powder, rosemary, and thyme, or use my Italian Seasoning.
- Substitute the store-bought chili lime blend with Cajun Seasoning or Creole Seasoning.
- Air fry, then toss in Buffalo sauce and drizzle with vegan ranch.
How To Make Air Fryer Red Potatoes
Step 1: In a large bowl, toss potatoes with olive oil, chili lime seasoning, and garlic powder.
Step 2: Spread the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket (no overcrowding). Cook for 16-20 minutes (depending on air fryer).
Step 3: Garnish with lime zest and fresh cracked pepper. Make the optional dipping sriracha dipping sauce.
Top Tips for Maximum Crispiness
- Make sure they are dry if you wash them - moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- Leave the skin on. That's where the delicious texture comes from in these potatoes.
- Give them space! If they’re too crowded, they’ll steam instead of crisp.
- Preheat the air fryer. It makes a difference.
- Air fryers vary! Your air fryer may take longer or less time. The difference between my air-fryer and my mom's was about 6 minutes!
- Slice the potatoes in half. If your pieces are smaller than the ones shown, adjust the air fryer time accordingly - smaller pieces will cook faster.
Serving Suggestions
- These crispy little gems were made for dipping. I've included a super easy sriracha mayo we enjoy, but use other vegan dips like Easy Vegan Chipotle Aioli Sauce, Vegan Ranch, or Vegan Honey Mustard Dressing.
- Throw them next to a tofu scramble, avocado toast, or a stack of Simple Vegan Pancakes.
- Toss them into a Buddha bowl with greens, roasted veggies, chickpeas, and a drizzle of Lemon Herb Tahini Sauce.
- Load up a warm tortilla with these spuds, some black beans, guac, and a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Pair them with Chipotle Black Bean Burger or Grilled Chimichurri Tofu.
- Top them with vegan sour cream, chives, and Vegan Bacon Bits for mini-loaded potatoes.
Equipment
I use the Instant Pot Vortex 6QT XL Air Fryer, but air fryer models vary, so you may need to adjust the time or temperature for the best results!
Recipe FAQS
Yes. Red potatoes are great because they stay fluffy inside and get a nice texture on the outside, but Yukon Golds and even baby potatoes work, too. Just avoid extra starchy ones like Russets.
Technically, no. But if you want maximum crispiness from the start, then yes, preheat for a few minutes. It’s like letting a pan get hot before adding food - the crispy magic happens faster.
There are a few possible crimes here: too much oil, overcrowding the air fryer, or not drying them properly. Make sure they have space, go easy on the oil, and pat them dry before seasoning.
Yes. Just toss them with a little veggie broth or aquafaba (the water from a can of chickpeas) to help the seasonings stick. They won’t get quite as crispy, but they’ll still be golden and delicious.
Got a minute? I'd love for you to comment and rate Air Fryer Red Potatoes. Your feedback is invaluable. Did you love it? Did you make any fun twists? Let me know how my directions worked so I can keep improving my recipes. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.
Air Fryer Red Potatoes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound red potatoes halved; washed and dry well
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 tablespoon chili lime seasoning blend Trader Joe's has a good one
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- parsley chopped for garnish
- freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- lime zest from half a lime
- coarse or flaky salt optional; to taste
One Minute Sriracha Sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegan mayo
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). If your air fryer doesn’t preheat, just let it run for a few minutes while you prep the potatoes.
- Season: In a large bowl, toss potatoes with olive oil, chili lime seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Air fry: Spread the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket (no overcrowding). Cook for 16-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Check for crispiness. If they’re not crispy enough, add 2-3 more minutes.
- Make Dipping Sauce: Make the dipping sauce by combining the mayo, sriracha, and the optional Old Bay Seasoning in a small bowl. Taste and adjust to taste.
- Finish: Add lemon zest, chopped parsley, and cracked black pepper. Hit them with extra flaky or coarse salt if desired.
Regi Pearce says
These air fryer potatoes are a go-to crispy side, and honestly, they never disappoint! Perfectly golden char on the outside, soft inside, and packed with bold flavor - especially when the seasoning caramelizes just right. I love how quick and easy they are to make, and the charred edges from the chili lime blend - I love.