Making fried potatoes in the air fryer turns a russet potato into golden slices that are tender inside and crispy outside. This side dish comes together in 22 minutes and costs $0.82 for the entire recipe, or about $0.41 per serving.
You get seasoned, crispy potatoes without the mess or extra oil of deep frying.
What this costs
These are estimated costs based on typical U.S. supermarket store-brand prices in September 2026. Prices vary by store and region, so treat them as a guide.
| Ingredient | Amount used | Pack size | Pack price | Recipe cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russet potato | 1 large (10 oz) | 5 lb bag | $3.99 | $0.50 |
| Yellow onion | 1/4 cup sliced (1 oz) | 3 lb bag | $2.99 | $0.06 |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon | 16.9 fl oz bottle | $6.99 | $0.21 |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon | 26 oz container | $1.00 | $0.02 |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon | 4 oz container | $2.50 | $0.03 |
| Total recipe cost | $0.82 | |||
| Cost per serving | 2 servings | $0.41 |
Ingredient cost = pack price ÷ pack quantity × amount used. Cost per serving = total recipe cost ÷ servings. Totals add the rounded line items shown; amounts below $0.01 are excluded. Produce sizes and spoon-to-weight conversions are estimates.
Ingredient Notes and Cheaper Swaps
Russet Potatoes
Russet potatoes have a high starch content, which gives a fluffy interior and a crispy exterior when air-fried. Look for firm potatoes without green spots or sprouts. If you already have mashed potatoes to use up, choose air fryer potato pancakes instead.
Cheaper Swap: Russets are usually the cheapest, but Yukon Gold or red potatoes can work in a pinch, with a slightly different texture. Avoid waxy varieties like new potatoes if you want that classic crispiness.
Olive Oil or Avocado Oil
Avocado oil has a higher smoke point than olive oil, which suits air frying. An oil mister distributes the oil evenly and sparingly, preventing sogginess and saving on oil.
Cheaper Swap: Any neutral-flavored cooking oil with a relatively high smoke point works, such as canola or vegetable oil. Without an oil mister, lightly toss the potato slices with a teaspoon of oil in a bowl before placing them in the air fryer.
Salt and Black Pepper
Cheaper Swap: Regular table salt and pre-ground pepper are fine. Dried spices you already have, like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, customize the flavor without extra cost.
Yellow Onion (Optional)
Cheaper Swap: If you don’t have a yellow onion, a shallot gives a milder flavor, or you can omit the onion entirely.
How to Make Air Fryer Fried Potatoes Step by Step
Scrub the potato under running water and pat it completely dry for a crispier result. Slice it into even 1/4-inch thick rounds; if slices are too thick, they won’t cook through, and if they’re too thin, they might burn.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the potato slices in a single layer without overcrowding; overlapping pieces steam instead of fry. Spritz the potatoes with oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
Cook the potatoes at 400°F for about 5 minutes, until lightly golden. Flip each slice, scatter in the thinly sliced onions if using, and spritz everything with a little more oil.
Cook for another 5 to 7 minutes, until golden brown with a tender interior; air fryers vary. Remove any pieces that are done and cook the rest for an additional 2-3 minutes if needed. Serve immediately.
The full quantities and steps are in the recipe card below.
Tips for the Best Results
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook in multiple batches if needed rather than overlapping the potatoes.
- Slice Evenly: Use a mandoline, if you have one, for consistent slices.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating for a few minutes helps the potatoes start crisping immediately.
Storing, Freezing and Reheating
These potatoes are crispiest fresh. Cool leftovers completely, then transfer them to an airtight container, such as Basics Glass Food Storage containers, and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing is not recommended, as cooked potatoes can become mealy and watery after thawing. To reheat, spread the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, until heated through and re-crisped, or reheat them in a pan over medium heat.
Serving Ideas and Variations
- Breakfast Companion: Serve with scrambled eggs, bacon, or sausage for breakfast or brunch.
- Burger or Sandwich Side: Serve instead of fries with burgers, sandwiches, or wraps, or as a potato side for tuna croquettes.
- Loaded Potatoes: Top the hot potatoes with shredded cheese, chopped green onions, sour cream, and cooked bacon bits.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder with the salt and pepper.
When you want potatoes as part of the main dish instead of a side, make a tuna potato bake.
Air Fryer Fried Potatoes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash and thoroughly dry the russet potato, then slice it into even 1/4-inch thick rounds.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive or avocado oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the potato slices in a single layer in the basket, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
- Spritz the potatoes with a little more oil and sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper.
- Air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes, until the potatoes start to look lightly golden.
- Carefully flip each potato slice, spritz again with oil, and if using, scatter the thinly sliced onions among the potatoes.
- Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, checking for desired crispness and tenderness.
- Remove any potatoes that are perfectly golden and tender, then continue to cook any remaining slices for an additional 2-3 minutes until all are done.
- Serve immediately for the best crispy results.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?
While russet potatoes are ideal for their high starch content, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes. The texture may be slightly different, but they will still be delicious. Avoid very waxy varieties.
How do I make my air fryer fried potatoes extra crispy?
For maximum crispiness, soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for 15-30 minutes, then pat them very, very dry before air frying. Also, ensure you don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, cooking in batches if necessary.
What other seasonings can I add to these potatoes?
You can easily customize the flavor! Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried rosemary, or a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the salt and pepper for different flavor profiles.
How should I store and reheat leftover air fryer potatoes?
Store cooled leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, spread them in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until heated through and re-crisped.
Do I need an oil sprayer for this recipe?
An oil sprayer helps distribute the oil evenly and sparingly, leading to better crispiness and less oil usage. If you don’t have one, you can toss the potato slices with about 1 teaspoon of oil in a bowl before placing them in the air fryer.
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