Crispy Air Fryer Garlic & Parsley Baby Potatoes: Easy Vegan Side Dish

Air fryer garlic and parsley baby potatoes are a tasty and easy side dish that combines the convenience of air frying with the flavors of garlic and fresh herbs.

This recipe is great for anyone looking for a quick and healthier alternative to regular roasted potatoes. The air fryer makes the outside crispy while keeping the inside soft and fluffy, using much less oil than deep-frying.

Crispy Texture

Air frying creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and fluffy

Quick Cooking

Ready in just 15-20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute side dishes

Less Oil

Uses minimal oil compared to traditional frying methods, making it a healthier option

Easy Cleanup

Simple to clean with dishwasher-safe air fryer baskets, saving you time and effort

"Air frying is a game-changer for potato lovers. It gives you that crispy exterior and fluffy interior without the need for excessive oil. Plus, it's so much faster than oven roasting! The ability to achieve that perfect texture in a fraction of the time makes air fryer potatoes an ideal choice for busy home cooks who don't want to compromise on flavor or texture."

Let's look at how to make these yummy air fryer garlic and parsley baby potatoes:

Key Steps

• Wash and dry baby potatoes thoroughly to ensure optimal crispiness
• Cut larger potatoes in half for even cooking and increased surface area for crispiness
• Toss potatoes with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to evenly distribute flavors
• Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, adjusting time based on potato size and desired crispiness
• Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides
• Toss cooked potatoes with fresh parsley and optional grated Parmesan for added flavor and aroma

Now, here are some tips to make sure your air fryer garlic and parsley baby potatoes turn out great every time:

1. Pick the right potatoes: Small, waxy potatoes like baby red or yellow potatoes work best. They have high moisture and thin skins, perfect for getting crispy on the outside.

2. Don't overcrowd the basket: Put the potatoes in a single layer with some space between each one. This lets hot air move around freely, cooking them evenly and making them crispy all over. If needed, cook in batches for best results.

3. Shake it up: Shaking the basket or turning the trays halfway through cooking helps the potatoes cook evenly on all sides. This step is important for getting that golden-brown outside all around.

4. Adjust cooking time: Depending on how big your potatoes are and what kind of air fryer you have, you might need to change the cooking time a bit. Start checking if they're done around 12 minutes and keep cooking until they're as crispy as you like.

5. Add fresh herbs at the end: Mix the potatoes with fresh parsley after cooking to keep its bright flavor and color. The heat from the potatoes will slightly wilt the herbs, releasing their smell without overcooking them.

As you can see from the chart, air frying has a lot fewer calories than deep frying, but still makes the potatoes crispy.

This makes air fryer potatoes a good choice for people who want to enjoy their favorite side dish with fewer calories and less added fat. Now, let's answer some common questions about air fryer garlic and parsley baby potatoes:

Question	Answer	Importance
Can I use frozen baby potatoes?	Yes, but cook them for 5-7 minutes longer and shake the basket more often to make sure they cook evenly. It's best to thaw them and pat them dry first.	Important
Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?	Preheating can help make the outside crispier, but it's not always needed. Check your air fryer's instructions for specific advice.	Optional
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?	Yes, but use 1/3 the amount of dried herbs as they are stronger. Fresh herbs taste better and smell nicer in this recipe.	Not Ideal

To sum up, air fryer garlic and parsley baby potatoes are a tasty, quick, and healthier option compared to regular roasted potatoes.

By following the simple steps and tips we've shared, you can make a crispy, flavorful side dish that goes well with any meal. The mix of garlic and fresh parsley adds lots of flavor that goes great with the crispy outside and soft inside of the potatoes.

Try different herbs and spices to make your own special version of this recipe. The air fryer lets you try lots of different things, so have fun cooking! Whether you're making them for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these air fryer potatoes are sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

The Magic of Air Fryer Cooking

Air fryers have changed the way we cook, offering a healthier way to make crispy food without deep-frying. They work by blowing hot air around the food really fast, which makes the outside crispy while keeping the inside soft and juicy.

This new way of cooking uses much less oil, so it's great for people who want to eat less fat but still enjoy tasty food. Air fryers also cook food faster, which is perfect for busy families or anyone who wants to get a yummy meal ready quickly.

When it comes to potatoes, air frying is really cool. The high heat and moving air make the outside super crispy while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.

This way of cooking makes the natural sugars in the potatoes turn golden-brown, which tastes really good. Plus, it takes half the time of regular oven roasting, so it's great for quick meals or when you need a side dish in a hurry.

You can also try different seasonings and flavors with air fryers, so you can make all kinds of potato dishes to go with different meals.

That's why learning Air fryer basics is becoming really important for home cooks everywhere, changing how we make our favorite foods.

Why Choose Baby Potatoes?

Baby potatoes are perfect for air frying. They're small, so they cook fast and evenly, making sure every bite is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

The thin skins of baby potatoes get really crispy in the air fryer, which feels nice when you eat them with the creamy inside.

They're also full of good things like potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, so they're healthy too. Baby potatoes usually taste a bit sweeter than big potatoes, and this sweetness gets even better when they're air fried and turn golden-brown.

When you pick baby potatoes for your air fryer recipe, you're getting a perfect mix of taste, texture, and nutrition in every bite.

Key Ingredients Spotlight

This recipe is great because it's simple and uses good ingredients. Let's look closer at the main things that make these air fryer garlic and parsley baby potatoes so yummy:

• Baby potatoes: Use a mix of red, gold, and purple potatoes to make the dish look pretty and taste a bit different. The different types also give you different healthy stuff, making your side dish tasty and good for you.
• Olive oil: Just a little bit helps the seasonings stick and makes the potatoes crispy. Extra virgin olive oil adds a light fruity taste and has good fats that are healthy for your heart.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds lots of flavor that dried garlic can't match. Garlic not only makes food taste better but might also be good for your health, like helping your immune system.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright, herby taste to the dish. It has lots of vitamins A, C, and K, and makes the food look colorful.
• Optional Parmesan: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory taste and a crispy, cheesy crust. It's a great way to make the dish extra special for special occasions.

Equipment Needed

To make these yummy Air Fryer Garlic and Parsley Baby Potatoes, you'll need these things:

• An air fryer: Pick one that's the right size for your family. Think about how much it can cook, how hot it can get, and how easy it is to clean when you choose your air fryer.
• A mixing bowl: For mixing the potatoes with oil and seasonings. A big bowl makes it easy to mix without spilling.
• A cutting board and knife: For cutting bigger potatoes in half and chopping herbs. A sharp knife makes cutting easier and safer.
• Measuring spoons: To measure oil and seasonings correctly.
• Tongs or a spatula: For shaking or flipping the potatoes while they're cooking.

Don't have an air fryer yet? Check out our kitchen essentials collection to find the perfect one for your kitchen. We have different air fryers for different family sizes and cooking needs.

Preparation Tips

To make sure your Air Fryer Garlic and Parsley Baby Potatoes turn out great every time, follow these expert tips:

• Wash your potatoes really well and dry them completely before adding seasonings. If they're wet, they won't get as crispy.
• Cut any bigger potatoes in half so they all cook the same. Try to make all the pieces about the same size.
• Chop your garlic very small so it spreads out evenly and cooks quickly. A microplane or garlic press can help make it really fine.
• Chop your parsley just before you use it to keep it fresh and green. This stops the herbs from wilting or losing their strong taste.
• Mix the potatoes with oil and seasonings until they're all covered evenly. This makes sure every potato is tasty and will get crispy.
• Heat up your air fryer before you start cooking for the best results. This helps make the outside crispy right from the start.

Serving Suggestions

These Air Fryer Garlic and Parsley Baby Potatoes go well with lots of different main dishes. Here are some ideas for what to serve them with:

• Serve them with grilled steaks or roasted chicken for a classic dinner combo.
• Put them next to baked fish or grilled salmon for a lighter meal.
• Add them to a vegetarian plate with grilled veggies and a bean salad for protein.
• Use them as the base for a filling breakfast bowl, topped with a fried egg and avocado.
• Serve as a tasty snack with a creamy dip like garlic aioli or herb sour cream.
• Include them in a spread of small bites and snacks for parties.

For more ideas about side dishes and to find foods that go well with these crispy potatoes, look at our collection of side dish recipes. You'll find lots of options to make well-balanced and tasty meals.

Nutritional Information Breakdown

One serving of these Air Fryer Garlic and Parsley Baby Potatoes (about 1 cup or 150g) has:

• Calories: 230
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Vitamin C: 30% of what you need daily
• Potassium: 15% of what you need daily
• Vitamin B6: 10% of what you need daily

Potatoes have good stuff like vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. The vitamin C helps your immune system and skin, while potassium is important for your heart and muscles.

The fiber in potatoes helps with digestion and makes you feel full. By using an air fryer, we can make a yummy dish with less added fat than regular roasting or frying, so it's healthier for people watching their calories or fat intake.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Garlic and Parsley Baby Potatoes are a tasty, easy-to-make side dish that you'll probably want to make again and again.

With their crispy outside, soft inside, and yummy garlic-herb flavor, these potatoes go well with lots of different main dishes.

The air fryer not only makes them taste great but also makes them healthier by using less oil for cooking.

Plus, with all the good stuff in potatoes and the benefits of garlic and fresh herbs, you can feel good about serving this dish to your family and friends.

So turn on your air fryer and get ready to enjoy some really tasty potatoes. Remember, cooking is all about trying new things and finding what you like best.

Don't be afraid to try different seasonings or cooking times to make your own perfect version of this recipe.

Air fryers let you try lots of different things, so have fun with your cooking. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Air Fryer Garlic and Parsley Baby Potatoes!

For more easy dinner ideas that go well with these potatoes, check out our collection of quick and yummy recipes. You'll find lots of ideas to keep your meals exciting and satisfying all week long.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular-sized potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

Yes, you can use regular-sized potatoes, but you'll need to cut them into smaller, even pieces about 1-inch big. This makes sure they cook evenly and get crispy all over. Remember that you might need to cook them a little longer or shorter, so check if they're done a few minutes earlier than the recipe says.

2. How long do leftovers last, and what's the best way to reheat them?

You can keep leftover air fryer potatoes in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat them, put them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until they're hot and crispy again. You can also reheat them in a hot oven at 400°F for about 10 minutes. Don't use the microwave because it can make the potatoes soggy.

3. Can I prepare the potatoes in advance and air fry them later?

Yes, you can prep your potatoes up to 24 hours in advance. After cutting, store them submerged in cold water in the refrigerator to prevent browning. When ready to cook, drain thoroughly and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This extra drying step is crucial for achieving crispy results.

4. Why soak potatoes in water before cooking, and is it really necessary?

Soaking potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to 1 hour helps remove excess starch, which results in crispier potatoes. While not absolutely necessary, this step can significantly improve texture, especially for crispier methods like air frying or roasting. If you're short on time, you can skip soaking for boiled potatoes, but it's recommended for other cooking methods.

5. Do different potato varieties affect the calorie content and cooking results?

Yes, different potato varieties can affect both calories and cooking results. Waxy potatoes (like red or fingerling) tend to hold their shape better and have slightly fewer calories than starchy potatoes (like Russets).

However, the cooking method has a much bigger impact on calorie content than the variety. For best results, match your potato type to your cooking method - waxy for boiling and roasting, starchy for frying and mashing.