Preparation Time
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20–22 minutes
- Total Time: 30–32 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds (700g) baby potatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh rosemary for garnish (optional)
Kitchen Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Silicone spatula or spoon
- Serving bowl
Instructions
Step 1: Wash the Potatoes
Wash the baby potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt. Pat them completely dry using paper towels. Dry potatoes crisp up much better during cooking.
If some potatoes are larger than others, cut them in half so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Season the Potatoes
Place the potatoes in a large bowl.
Add:
- Olive oil
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Salt
- Black pepper
Mix everything thoroughly until every potato is evenly coated.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Preheating helps create an extra crispy exterior from the beginning of cooking.
Step 4: Air Fry
Arrange the potatoes in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.
Avoid overcrowding the basket.
Cook at:
400°F (200°C) for 20–22 minutes
Shake the basket every 7 minutes to ensure even cooking and browning.
Step 5: Add Garlic
During the last 4 minutes of cooking, toss the potatoes with the minced garlic.
Adding garlic near the end prevents it from burning while giving the potatoes a delicious roasted garlic flavor.
Continue cooking until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Finish with Herbs
Transfer the potatoes to a serving bowl.
Immediately sprinkle with:
- Fresh parsley
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh rosemary
Toss gently and serve immediately while hot.
Cooking Intensity
| Stage | Temperature | Time | Intensity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preheat | 400°F (200°C) | 3–5 minutes | High |
| Main Cooking | 400°F (200°C) | 16–18 minutes | High |
| Garlic Finish | 400°F (200°C) | 4 minutes | High |
| Rest Before Serving | Room Temperature | 2 minutes | Low |
Tips for Extra Crispy Potatoes
- Dry the potatoes thoroughly before seasoning.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket.
- Shake the basket every few minutes.
- Use baby potatoes of similar size.
- Add fresh garlic only near the end.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
- Garnish with fresh herbs just before serving.
Flavor Variations
Parmesan Garlic
Mix freshly grated Parmesan into the hot potatoes after cooking.
Spicy Herb
Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Lemon Herb
Finish with lemon zest and fresh dill.
Ranch Style
Sprinkle ranch seasoning immediately after cooking.
Cajun
Replace oregano with Cajun seasoning for a bold, smoky flavor.
What to Serve With
These crispy garlic-herb potatoes pair wonderfully with:
- Grilled chicken breasts
- Air fryer steak
- Roast beef
- Salmon
- Fried fish
- Pork chops
- Meatloaf
- Burgers
- BBQ ribs
- Roasted vegetables
- Fresh garden salad
- Garlic aioli
- Sour cream
- Ranch dressing
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, cool the potatoes completely and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4–6 minutes.
You can also reheat them in a conventional oven at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes.
Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the crispy exterior.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave the skins on?
Yes. The skins become wonderfully crispy and add extra texture and nutrients.
Do I need to boil the potatoes first?
No. Baby potatoes cook perfectly in the air fryer without parboiling.
Can I use larger potatoes?
Yes. Cut them into evenly sized chunks so they cook at the same rate.
Can I make these vegan?
Absolutely. Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
Which herbs work best?
Parsley, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and chives all complement the garlic and potatoes beautifully.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Potassium: 780 mg
- Vitamin C: 18 mg
- Calcium: 40 mg
- Iron: 1.4 mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.