Before it goes in the basket
Halve anything bigger than a walnut and leave the rest whole, then toss with oil and salt. Halved potatoes go cut-side down for the first half of the cook — a flat face on hot metal is the only way to get a properly browned surface on something this round.
Step by step
- 1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C) for 2–3 minutes.
- 2. Single layer. Arrange without crowding — air needs to reach every side.
- 3. Cook 18–22 minutes. Shake the basket or flip at the halfway mark.
- 4. Check doneness. Skins are crisp and wrinkled and a skewer glides through without resistance.
The tip that matters
Smash them flat with a cup after 15 minutes and cook 5 more for crispy smashed potatoes.
Why this temperature
400°F over 18–22 minutes handles the awkward combination of a dense interior and thin skin. The skin can take the heat, and the inside needs the time; a lower temperature leaves you with a boiled potato that happened to sit in hot air.
What usually goes wrong
- Wrinkled skin, hard inside. Too hot or too little time for the size. Halve them rather than lowering the heat.
- Skins split. Normal, and it is where the crisp comes from. If it bothers you, pierce each potato once before cooking.
- Nothing browned. All left whole and never turned. Halve and start cut-side down.
Times vary — here's why
Air fryers differ in wattage and basket size, so treat 18–22 minutes as a range, not a promise: check early the first time, then note what your machine needed. Quantity matters too — a full basket can add 2–3 minutes, and anything stacked will steam instead of crisp. Converting your own oven recipe instead? Use our air fryer conversion calculator.
FAQ
How long do you air fry baby potatoes?
Air fry baby potatoes at 400°F (205°C) for 18–22 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through. Start checking at 18 minutes — models vary.
Do you need to flip baby potatoes in the air fryer?
Yes — shake the basket or flip halfway through for even browning.
How do you know when baby potatoes are done?
Skins are crisp and wrinkled and a skewer glides through without resistance.
More vegetables
Bell Peppers · Eggplant · Kale Chips — or see the full air fryer cooking times chart.