Name: Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, these Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes are the perfect morning side dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. They’re seasoned to perfection and require minimal oil for a healthier alternative to traditional pan-fried potatoes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes will quickly become a staple in your breakfast routine. They require minimal hands-on time while delivering maximum flavor. The air fryer provides that perfect crispy texture without the need for excessive oil. Plus, they’re customizable with your favorite seasonings and pair beautifully with eggs or as a standalone breakfast item. This recipe is perfect for busy mornings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Russet potatoes are the ideal choice for this recipe because of their high starch content, which gives you that fluffy interior and crispy exterior. Their neutral flavor also makes them perfect for absorbing all the delicious seasonings.

Olive oil helps the potatoes crisp up in the air fryer while also helping the seasonings adhere to the potatoes. You can substitute with avocado oil if you prefer a higher smoke point oil.

Salt enhances all the flavors in this dish. Don’t skimp here—potatoes really need proper seasoning to shine.

Onion powder provides that savory depth without the texture of fresh onions. It distributes evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.

Paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color to your breakfast potatoes. You can use regular, smoked, or hot paprika depending on your preference.

Ground black pepper brings a subtle heat and complexity that rounds out the flavor profile. Freshly ground will give you the most aromatic result.

Directions

Place the cubed potatoes in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Let them soak for 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Drain the potatoes and pat them dry thoroughly with a paper towel.
In a bowl, toss the dried potatoes with olive oil, salt, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket, spreading them out in a single layer for best results.
Cook in the preheated air fryer for 20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping.
Once the potatoes are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 servings at approximately 121 calories per serving. It takes 10 minutes of prep time, 20 minutes of cooking time, for a total time of 30 minutes. This makes it perfect for a weekend breakfast or a quick morning meal if you’ve prepped the potatoes in advance.

Variations

Loaded Breakfast Potatoes: After cooking, top with shredded cheese and green onions. Place back in the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.

Southwest Style: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cumin and 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder to the seasoning mix. Serve with a side of salsa and avocado.

Herb Roasted: Mix in 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning with the other spices for an aromatic twist.

Garlic Parmesan: Add 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder to the seasoning mix and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Spicy Breakfast Potatoes: Include 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to add some heat to your morning.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover breakfast potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: These potatoes can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag.

Reheating in Air Fryer: For the best texture, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

Reheating in Oven: Spread on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes.

Reheating in Microwave: While this is the quickest method, it won’t retain the crispiness. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.

FAQs

Why should I soak the potatoes before air frying?

Soaking the potatoes removes excess starch, which helps them get crispier in the air fryer. It also prevents them from sticking together during cooking.

Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use Yukon Gold or red potatoes as alternatives. Yukon Golds will give you a more buttery flavor, while red potatoes will hold their shape better.

Do I really need to peel the potatoes?

No, leaving the skin on is perfectly fine and adds extra nutrients and texture. Just make sure to wash them thoroughly before cutting.

Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?

Yes! You can cut and soak the potatoes the night before, keeping them in water in the refrigerator. Just be sure to drain and dry them well before cooking.

My air fryer is small. Can I cook these in batches?

Absolutely. It’s better to cook in batches than to overcrowd the basket, which would prevent proper air circulation and crispy results.

How do I know when the potatoes are done?

They should be golden brown on the outside and easily pierced with a fork. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, bell peppers and onions make great additions. Add them during the last 10 minutes of cooking so they don’t burn.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can roast these potatoes in a conventional oven at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.

Are these breakfast potatoes gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Can I use frozen diced potatoes instead?

Yes, but skip the soaking step and adjust the cooking time as needed, typically adding 3-5 minutes to the total time.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes offer the perfect balance of convenience and flavor for your morning routine. With their crispy exterior and fluffy interior, they’re a satisfying side that pairs well with virtually any breakfast main. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability—customize the seasonings to your preference or add extra ingredients to make it your own. Whether you’re serving a weekend brunch or looking for a quick weekday breakfast component, these potatoes deliver consistent results with minimal effort. Give this recipe a try, and it may just become your new breakfast staple.