If you’re a potato lover, then you absolutely have to try these mouthwatering air fryer fingerling potatoes. In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy a cheesy and flavorful side dish that complements any meal. Trust me, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen, alongside my favorite crispy air fryer smashed potatoes. And the best part? There are rarely any leftovers!
Gone are the days of waiting for your oven to preheat and then spending even more time roasting potatoes. Air frying fingerling potatoes is the way to go. It’s quick, convenient, and delivers perfectly crispy results every time. Plus, these potatoes are versatile and can be enjoyed throughout the year. Kids, picky eaters, and adults alike will fall in love with them.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These air fryer fingerling potatoes take only 20 minutes to make, allowing you to have a delicious side dish on the table in no time.
- Crispy and Cheesy: The combination of Parmesan cheese and a savory garlic flavor gives these potatoes an irresistible crunch and taste.
- Perfect for Any Dinner: Whether you’re serving chicken, turkey, fish, or a vegetarian meal, these potatoes are the ideal accompaniment.
- Simple Cleanup: With no oven required and minimal utensils, cleaning up after making these potatoes is a breeze.
- Customizable Flavors: Feel free to get creative and experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
- Better Than Oven-Roasted: Say goodbye to waiting for 30 to 40 minutes for your potatoes to bake in the oven. Air frying gives you the same delicious results in a fraction of the time.
Ingredients & Substitutions
To make the crispiest and most delicious air fryer fingerling potatoes, you’ll need the following:
- Fingerling Potatoes: Grab a 1.5-pound bag of fingerling potatoes. If you can’t find them, baby red potatoes, Yukon golds, or baby russets will work well too.
- Olive Oil: This helps achieve the perfect crispiness in the air fryer. Avocado oil is a suitable alternative.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper are essential for flavoring the potatoes.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a delightful cheesy and crispy touch.
- Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley is a wonderful garnish that adds color and freshness.
Kitchen Tools Required
To make this easy air fryer fingerling potatoes recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
- Tongs
- Parchment Paper
- Measuring Tools: 1/2 teaspoon, 1 teaspoon, 1 tablespoon, and 1/4 cup
How to Make Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes
Follow these simple steps to create the best air fryer fingerling potatoes:
Step 1:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and lightly grease the basket with non-stick olive oil spray.
Step 2:
In a mixing bowl, toss the halved fingerling potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
Step 3:
Line the bottom of your air fryer with parchment paper to prevent the cheese from falling off or sticking.
Step 4:
Add the seasoned potatoes to the preheated air fryer and air fry at 400°F for 14 to 18 minutes. Give the basket a shake at the 10-minute mark to ensure even cooking. Adjust the cooking time based on your preferred level of crispiness.
Enjoy your air fryer fingerling potatoes immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Expert Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes
Here are some expert tips to elevate your air fryer fingerling potatoes:
- Don’t Skip the Olive Oil: Using olive oil is crucial for achieving that crispy texture. Avoid skipping it to prevent the potatoes from drying out.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds both flavor and an extra crispy element to the potatoes.
- Shake the Basket: To ensure even cooking, shake the air fryer basket around the 7-minute mark to prevent any burning.
- Customize the Flavors: Keep reading for a variety of flavor variations you can try with your fingerling potatoes.
- Dairy-Free and Vegan Options: Omit the Parmesan cheese to make this recipe dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
Fingerling Potato Flavor Variations
Take your air fryer fingerling potatoes to the next level by experimenting with these flavorful variations:
- Pesto Fingerling Potatoes: Omit the olive oil and add 3 tablespoons of your favorite pesto, such as a nut-free basil option.
- Cajun Fingerling Potatoes: Substitutes the seasonings with 1 tablespoon of cajun seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Rosemary Fingerling Potatoes: Add 2-3 teaspoons of freshly chopped rosemary to the mixing bowl for a fragrant twist.
- Buttery Fingerling Potatoes: Substitute the olive oil with butter or drizzle an extra tablespoon of melted butter on top after air frying.
- Lemony Fingerling Potatoes: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon on top of the potatoes after air frying for a zesty finish.
- Balsamic Fingerling Potatoes: Include 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar in the seasonings and drizzle balsamic glaze over the potatoes before serving.
What to Serve with Fingerling Potatoes
Pair your air fryer fingerling potatoes with these delicious dishes:
Chicken & Turkey Recipes:
- Balsamic Feta Stuffed Chicken
- Goat Cheese & Pesto Crusted Chicken
- Turkey Lentil Soup
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
Fish Recipes:
- Crispy Salmon with Pesto and Vegetables
- Blackened Salmon Caesar Salad
- Air Fryer Tilapia
Salad & Vegetarian Recipes:
- Orzo Pesto Salad
- Dairy-Free Tomato Soup
- Healthy Shakshuka
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to soak fingerling potatoes before air frying?
No, there’s no need to soak fingerling potatoes before air frying. Unlike oven-roasted recipes, air frying at a higher temperature eliminates the need for this step.
What’s the best substitute for fingerling potatoes?
Baby potatoes, such as baby red potatoes, Yukon golds, or baby russets, can be used as a suitable substitute.
Can I use Yukon gold potatoes instead of fingerling potatoes?
Absolutely! You can substitute Yukon gold potatoes for fingerling potatoes. Just make sure to cut them in half before seasoning and air frying.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily make this air fryer fingerling potatoes recipe dairy-free by omitting the Parmesan cheese.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Certainly! This air fryer fingerling potatoes recipe can be made vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese.
What do fingerling potatoes taste like?
Fingerling potatoes have a mild taste similar to classic russet or Yukon gold potatoes. When cooked, they have a rich and creamy texture.
Do I need to remove the skin from fingerling potatoes?
No, there’s no need to peel the skin of fingerling potatoes before air frying.
Can I bake fingerling potatoes in the oven?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still enjoy delicious fingerling potatoes by baking them in the oven at 400°F for 30-40 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
What’s the best temperature and cooking time for air frying fingerling potatoes?
For the best results, air fry your fingerling potatoes at 400°F for 14-18 minutes. Adjust the cooking time to achieve your desired level of crispiness.
Can I freeze fingerling potatoes?
I don’t recommend freezing air fryer fingerling potatoes, as the texture may not be the same when reheated.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storing: Store any leftover air fryer fingerling potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.
Reheating: For the best results, reheat the potatoes in the air fryer at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until warm, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warm.
If You Love This Recipe, Try These Next!
If you’re a fan of delicious and easy air fryer recipes, then give these a try:
- Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes
- Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
- Air Fryer Butternut Squash
- Air Fried Parmesan Zucchini
Did You Make This Recipe?
If you’ve tried this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment and rate it below. And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @healthfulblondie and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can share your tasty creations with my followers!
At Ekilove, we’re passionate about bringing you delightful and easy-to-make recipes like these air fryer fingerling potatoes. Visit our website for more amazing recipes and tips. Happy cooking! Ekilove
