Golden, crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside—these garlic herb potatoes are an easy side dish that feels fancy with almost no effort.
Air fryers are perfect for potatoes, and this recipe proves why. With simple pantry spices, minimal oil, and a clever upright stacking method, you get beautifully crisp edges and tender centers in under 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Crispy without deep frying
✅ Uses simple, everyday ingredients
✅ Faster than oven-roasted potatoes
✅ Perfect as a side, snack, or brunch dish
✅ Customizable with herbs, cheese, or spice
Whether you’re serving these alongside grilled chicken, steak, or eggs, they’re guaranteed to disappear fast.
Ingredient Breakdown (And Why They Matter)
Baby Potatoes (6–8 medium)
Baby potatoes are ideal because they:
Have thin skins that crisp beautifully
Stay creamy inside
Cook evenly when sliced thin
Tip: Yukon Gold or red potatoes also work well.
Olive Oil or Melted Butter (2 tbsp)
Olive oil gives a lighter, crispier finish
Butter adds richness and deeper flavor
You can even use a mix of both.
Garlic Powder (1 tsp)
Provides consistent garlic flavor without burning, which can happen with fresh garlic in the air fryer.
Paprika (½ tsp)
Adds subtle warmth and helps with browning. Smoked paprika is a great upgrade if you like deeper flavor.
Dried Thyme or Rosemary (½ tsp)
Classic herbs that pair perfectly with potatoes. Rosemary gives a stronger, woodsy note, while thyme is milder and earthy.
Salt & Black Pepper
Essential for bringing out all the flavors—don’t be shy here.
Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
Adds freshness, color, and a mild herbal contrast to the crispy potatoes.
Step-by-Step Method (With Pro Tips)
- Prep the Potatoes
Wash the potatoes thoroughly and slice them evenly to about ¼ inch thick.
Why this matters:
Even slices = even cooking. Too thick and they’ll be soft; too thin and they may burn.
Pat them dry with a towel to remove excess moisture—this is key for crispiness.
- Season Thoroughly
Place the potato slices in a large bowl and toss with:
Olive oil or butter
Garlic powder
Paprika
Thyme or rosemary
Salt and pepper
Make sure every slice is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Arrange Upright
Stack the potato slices upright in a heat-safe baking dish that fits inside your air fryer basket.
Why upright works:
This allows hot air to circulate between the slices, crisping the edges while keeping the centers tender.
- Air Fry to Perfection
Temperature: 180°C (350°F)
Time: 20–25 minutes
Halfway through cooking, gently rotate or shake the dish to ensure even browning.
- Finish & Serve
Once golden and crispy:
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley
Add a pinch of flaky sea salt
Serve immediately for best texture
Optional Finishing Touch
💡 Extra Golden Tip:
Brush the potatoes lightly with melted butter during the last 5 minutes of cooking for a richer color and flavor.
Flavor Variations to Try
🧀 Cheesy: Add grated Parmesan in the last 3–5 minutes
🌶 Spicy: Sprinkle chili flakes or cayenne
🧄 Extra Garlic: Toss with roasted garlic after cooking
🍋 Fresh & Bright: Finish with lemon zest
🥓 Loaded Style: Top with bacon bits and sour cream
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use larger potatoes?
Yes—just slice them evenly and try to keep thickness consistent.
Do I need to soak the potatoes?
No. Since they’re thinly sliced and air-fried, soaking isn’t necessary. Drying them is more important.
Can I make these without a baking dish?
Yes, but upright stacking gives the best results. If laying flat, flip halfway and expect slightly less structure.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat them?
Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes to bring back crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy garlic herb potatoes pair perfectly with:
Grilled or roasted chicken
Steak or salmon
Eggs and avocado for brunch
Dips like garlic aioli, sour cream, or spicy mayo
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Crispy Garlic Herb Potatoes are proof that simple ingredients + smart technique = big flavor. They’re fast, flexible, and foolproof—exactly the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.