Recipe red potatoes with garlic air fryer—that’s exactly what you’re about to master. This dish is one of my absolute favorites, combining crispy red potatoes, aromatic garlic, and the convenience of an air fryer into one unforgettable side. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or prepping for a weekend gathering, this easy air fryer recipe delivers crisp perfection in just 30 minutes.

Growing up, my grandmother made oven-roasted garlic potatoes every Sunday. But when I recreated her dish in the air fryer, I was stunned by the extra crunch and speed. It’s a healthier twist on a nostalgic classic—and now a weekly staple in my kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This air fryer red potatoes with garlic recipe checks all the boxes:

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
Crispy without deep frying: Thanks to the air fryer’s magic, you get that perfect golden crunch using just a touch of olive oil.
Simple Ingredients: Nothing fancy—just wholesome, everyday items you probably already have.
Year-Round Favorite: Whether it’s summer barbecues or cozy winter dinners, this dish is season-proof.
Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, and easily customizable.

Whether you’re new to air frying or just need a go-to side dish, this recipe is a dependable classic with a garlicky twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For a dish that delivers so much flavor, it’s surprisingly simple. Here’s what you’ll need for four servings:

🥔 Ingredients:

1.5 lbs red potatoes – small to medium size, scrubbed and cubed evenly
3 tablespoons olive oil – or avocado oil
4 garlic cloves – finely minced (or use garlic powder as a shortcut)
1 teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or parsley flakes for garnish

👩‍🍳 Ingredient Tips:

Red Potatoes: These have a waxy texture and thin skin, making them perfect for air frying. They hold their shape and crisp up beautifully.
Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the potatoes during the cooking process, but if you’re short on time, garlic powder works well too.
Oil: A light coating of olive oil ensures the potatoes don’t dry out and helps the seasonings stick.

💡 Pro Tip: Want a zesty twist? Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving for a Mediterranean flair.

How to Make Red Potatoes with Garlic in the Air Fryer

Cooking red potatoes in the air fryer is one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to bring out their natural texture and flavor. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to ensure perfectly crispy results every time.

🧼 1. Wash and Prep the Potatoes

Start by scrubbing your red potatoes under cool water to remove any dirt. Since we’re leaving the skins on for added texture and nutrition, clean them thoroughly. Then, cut the potatoes into evenly sized chunks—about 1 to 1.5-inch pieces. Uniform size ensures they cook evenly.

🧄 2. Season the Potatoes

In a large mixing bowl, toss the chopped red potatoes with:

Olive oil
Minced garlic
Salt
Pepper
Optional herbs like rosemary

Make sure each piece is well coated. This step helps infuse flavor into the potatoes and promotes that golden, crisp finish we all crave.

🔥 3. Preheat and Load the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Preheating helps start the cooking process immediately and encourages browning.

Once preheated, add the seasoned potatoes to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd! If you’re doubling the recipe, cook in batches. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than crisping.

⏱️ 4. Air Fry to Perfection

Cook the potatoes at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Depending on your air fryer model and the size of your potato chunks, you might need a couple of extra minutes.

You’ll know they’re done when the edges are crisp and browned, and a fork slides in easily.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Potatoes

To elevate your red potatoes with garlic and make them consistently irresistible, here are a few key tips:

Preheat the air fryer: This helps jump-start the cooking process, leading to a better crisp.
Use enough oil—but not too much: A light coating (not dripping) is enough to crisp the edges.
Cut evenly: Uniform potato chunks mean even cooking.
Avoid overcrowding: Give the potatoes room to breathe and brown.
Shake or stir halfway: This prevents uneven cooking and ensures all sides crisp up.

✨ Chef’s Note: Want extra crunch? Let the cooked potatoes rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. They crisp up even more as they cool slightly.

Creative Variations & Delicious Serving Ideas

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe for red potatoes with garlic in the air fryer, the fun really begins! These crispy little gems are a blank canvas for so many flavors and pairings.

🧀 Parmesan Herb Potatoes

After air frying, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of dried oregano or thyme over the hot potatoes. The residual heat will melt the cheese just enough to create a savory crust.

🌶️ Spicy Garlic Red Potatoes

For those who love heat, add ½ teaspoon chili flakes or smoked paprika before cooking. You can also toss in a dash of cayenne pepper to give the potatoes a smoky, spicy finish.

🍋 Lemon-Garlic Mediterranean Style

Add lemon zest before air frying and drizzle with a splash of lemon juice before serving. Top with chopped parsley for a fresh, zesty side dish perfect for grilled fish or chicken.

🍽️ What to Serve With Air Fryer Garlic Potatoes:

Grilled meats: Chicken thighs, steak, or lamb chops
Brunch classics: Eggs, avocado, and toast
Hearty bowls: Combine with roasted vegetables, quinoa, and tahini sauce
Quick salad lunch: Pair with greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette

Health Benefits of Red Potatoes

Red potatoes often get overlooked in the nutrition conversation, but they’re a fantastic choice for a health-conscious kitchen.

🌿 Why Red Potatoes Are a Smart Choice:

Rich in potassium: Supports heart health and muscle function.
Good source of fiber: Especially when the skin is left on, helping digestion.
High in vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that boosts immunity.
Naturally fat-free and gluten-free: Making them a great side for almost any diet.

Plus, when cooked in an air fryer with olive oil and fresh garlic, this dish remains low in saturated fat and free from processed ingredients—just clean, whole foods.

Storing & Reheating Garlic Red Potatoes

🧊 How to Store:

Let the potatoes cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

🔄 How to Reheat:

Air Fryer: Preheat to 375°F and cook for 4–6 minutes to re-crisp.
Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes.
Microwave: Quick but will soften them—best for a speedy meal.

Avoid freezing, as the texture of potatoes changes after thawing, becoming grainy or watery.

Common Questions About Air Fryer Garlic Red Potatoes

❓ Why aren’t my air fryer potatoes getting crispy?

This is usually due to overcrowding the air fryer basket or using too little oil. Make sure the potatoes are in a single layer and lightly coated in oil.

❓ Can I use a different kind of potato?

Absolutely! Yukon Gold or baby gold potatoes also work beautifully. Russets will crisp well too but have a fluffier texture inside.

❓ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can! Parboil and season the potatoes in advance, then store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, pop them into the air fryer for a quick 10-minute reheat that revives the crispness.

❓ What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

Garlic powder is a convenient substitute. Use ½ teaspoon per 1.5 pounds of potatoes. You can also try granulated garlic for a stronger flavor.

💡 Make it meal-prep friendly by doubling the batch and storing extras for weekday lunches!

📋 Recipe Card: Red Potatoes with Garlic in the Air Fryer

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories (approx.): 180 per serving

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs red potatoes, scrubbed and cubed
3 tbsp olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
1 tsp sea salt
½ tsp black pepper
Optional: 1 tsp dried rosemary or parsley

Instructions:

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, toss cubed red potatoes with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs (if using).
Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Cook for 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway through for even browning.
Serve hot, optionally garnished with parsley or Parmesan.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for red potatoes with garlic in the air fryer is proof that simple ingredients and a modern appliance can produce restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. Whether it’s your first time using an air fryer or you’re a seasoned pro, this dish is sure to become a staple. Try it once, and it just might replace your oven-roasted go-to forever.

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear your twist on it! Share your results or tag your photos with #LBKitchen.

5-Star Recipe Red Potatoes with Garlic Air Fryer – Ultimate Delicious Side