Nothing says “weekend treat” like a big bowl of Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes—golden, fluffy-on-the-inside, and packed with just the right blend of spices. If you’ve been hunting for the secret to potatoes that are as satisfying as your favorite diner’s, but so much easier and healthier, this is it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultimate Crispiness: The air fryer technique transforms humble potatoes into irresistibly crunchy bites—with zero greasy mess!
- Flavor in Every Bite: Smoked paprika, garlic, and onion powder all work together to make each potato cube a tiny flavor bomb.
- No Fuss, No Flip: Minimal prep and a single bowl of ingredients—no parboiling or hard steps, just simple toss-and-go goodness.
- Perfect Side (or Main!): Whether you pair them with eggs or pile them into a breakfast burrito, these Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes are always the star.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes is that just a handful of pantry staples create something crave-worthy. Each ingredient is chosen for a reason—nothing extra, nothing missing, and you don’t have to hunt down anything fancy.
- Yukon Gold potatoes (1½ lbs): Their naturally creamy texture and golden color mean crispy outsides and buttery middles—no need to peel unless you want to.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): A light coating helps the spices stick and gives each piece that signature crispy crust.
- Garlic powder (1½ teaspoons): For deep, savory flavor without the risk of burnt fresh garlic.
- Onion powder (1½ teaspoons): Adds subtle sweetness and that cozy, “diner hashbrowns” aroma.
- Smoked paprika (1½ teaspoons): The secret ingredient! It delivers warm color and a hint of smokiness that makes these potatoes taste next-level.
- Salt (1½ teaspoons): For seasoning, of course, but also to help draw out moisture for extra-crispy edges.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Just enough for a gentle kick and to round out the flavors.
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional): A pop of color and freshness right before serving—it’s optional, but always welcome.
Variations
Once you master the basic recipe, don’t hesitate to make Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes your own. They’re a blank canvas for creativity—prep them to suit whatever’s in your pantry or to fit your personal favorites.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or chili powder for potatoes with serious attitude.
- Cheesy Edition: Toss the hot potatoes with a handful of shredded cheddar or crumbled feta for gooey, melty bliss.
- Herb Lover’s Dream: Add rosemary, thyme, or dill along with the parsley for extra garden-fresh flavor.
- Veggie Boost: Add diced bell peppers or red onion for color and sweetness—just toss them in halfway through cooking so they don’t over-brown.
- Whole30/Vegan-Safe: This base recipe is already vegan, but you can swap olive oil for avocado oil if you prefer.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by giving your air fryer a 5-minute head start at 375°F. Meanwhile, scrub and dry your Yukon Gold potatoes really well—good prep here means you get those incredible crispy edges. Cut them into even ½-inch cubes to ensure they cook through in perfect harmony.
Step 2: Season Like You Mean It
Place the diced potatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then generously sprinkle on the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until every single cube is coated and glistening—it’s all about maximizing flavor coverage for every bite.
Step 3: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single, even layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd—this ensures the hot air gets all around for maximum crispiness (you might need to work in batches, but it’ll be worth it!). Air fry for 20 minutes, pausing 2–3 times to toss and re-distribute the potatoes. You’ll see edges browning and that’s when the magic happens!
Step 4: Broil for Extra Crunch (Optional)
If your air fryer has a broil or air broil function, finish with a quick 2–3 minute blast, shaking once halfway through. This step intensifies the crispiness! No broil function? Just crank up your air fryer to 450°F for the last few minutes instead. Your Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes will thank you.
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
- The Cube Factor: Cut your potatoes into consistent ½-inch cubes—too large and they’ll be underdone, too small and they’ll dry out before crisping.
- Drying Time: After rinsing, take an extra minute to pat the potatoes dry with a towel—less surface moisture means even more golden crunch once they’re air fried.
- Batches Make Them Better: If your air fryer basket is small, cook the potatoes in two or three batches; crowding traps steam and sabotages crispiness.
- Broil for the Win: That final 2–3 minute broil in the air fryer (or on high heat) is the difference between “good” and “inhaled in seconds.” Don’t skip it for ultra-Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes!
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
Garnishes
Take your Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes up a notch with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for brightness, or add a dusting of smoked paprika for a warm, colorful finish. A touch of flaky sea salt right before serving brings out every savory note!
Side Dishes
Enjoy these potatoes alongside perfectly runny eggs, your favorite breakfast sausage, or avocado toast for a hearty, color-packed morning plate. They also make a fabulous base for a breakfast bowl—toss with sautéed veggies or a scoop of salsa and dig in!
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch gatherings, serve the potatoes in a cast iron skillet at the table for that “diner chic” look, or pile them high in a big bowl with lots of colorful herbs. For a fun twist, scoop into taco shells, top with scrambled eggs and cheese, and call them breakfast potato tacos!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let leftover Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep their taste and texture for up to 4 days, making them perfect for quick breakfasts or late-night snacks.
Freezing
If you’ve made a big batch and want to stash some away, freeze the cooled potatoes in a single layer first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay tasty for up to two months—ideal for meal prepping!
Reheating
To bring the crisp back to your potatoes, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–8 minutes, shaking halfway through. The oven or a hot nonstick skillet on the stove are good alternatives; just skip the microwave if you can, since it tends to soften that lovely crunch.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of potato for Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes?
Absolutely! Yukon Gold potatoes are my favorite because they get perfectly crispy while staying creamy inside, but you can use red potatoes or even russets. Just keep in mind that russets will be a bit fluffier and may crisp up a little faster—keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook.
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Do I need to peel the potatoes first?
Peeling is totally optional! Yukon Golds have thin, delicate skins that get wonderfully crisp, so I recommend leaving them on for both flavor and ease. If using russet potatoes, you may want to peel them for a smoother texture.
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How do I stop the potatoes from sticking to the air fryer basket?
A good toss in olive oil usually does the trick, but if your air fryer basket tends to be sticky, give it a quick mist of nonstick spray before adding the potatoes. Also, make sure not to overcrowd the basket for the best results!
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Can I prep the potatoes ahead of time?
Definitely! Dice your potatoes and store them in cold water in the fridge overnight to keep them from browning. Just be sure to dry them really well before tossing with oil and spices before air frying, so you still get that epic crispy texture.
Final Thoughts
I hope these Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes bring as much joy to your breakfast table as they do to mine! They’re easy, delicious, and so versatile—give them a try this week and watch how quickly they disappear. Happy munching!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Side Dish
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes are perfectly seasoned with garlic, onion powder, and smoked paprika, then air-fried to crispy perfection. A delicious and easy breakfast side dish.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 1 1/2 lbs yukon gold potatoes, washed and diced into 1/2 inch cubes
Seasoning:
- 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 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- Fresh chopped parsley for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes.
- Prepare Potatoes: Wash and dry the potatoes well, then dice into 1/2 inch pieces.
- Season Potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Air Fry: Transfer seasoned potatoes to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 375°F for 20 minutes, tossing occasionally for even cooking.
- Crisp Potatoes: For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes or increase heat to 450°F and broil until desired crispiness is achieved.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
