Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
This post may contain affiliate links.
Crispy, golden, and downright addictive—these air fryer breakfast potatoes are the real deal. After testing (and taste-testing) over a dozen batches, I finally nailed the perfect balance of crispy edges and fluffy centers. Whether you’re serving them with eggs and bacon or just sneaking bites straight from the basket, this foolproof recipe will be your new go-to. Bonus? They cook in half the time of oven-roasted potatoes!
These are such a great compliment to any breakfast recipe! We like to serve them in breakfast tacos or as a side to Bacon Crunchwraps and my homemade McGriddle!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Perfectly Seasoned: Golden brown with the perfect balance of crispy edges and fluffy centers.
- Faster Than the Oven: Cooks in just 20 minutes, compared to the long wait for oven-roasted potatoes.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and foolproof air fryer cooking.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make ahead and reheat for quick breakfasts all week.
You know those diner-style breakfast potatoes that are crispy on the outside and fluffy inside? These air fryer breakfast potatoes nail that texture without the greasy mess. After testing this recipe a dozen times, I’ve perfected the balance of crunch and flavor—ideal for pairing with eggs or stuffing into a burrito.
The best part? They’re meal prep friendly! Make a big batch, store them in the fridge, and reheat in the air fryer for crispy potatoes all week. No soggy leftovers—just quick, delicious breakfasts on demand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients, big flavor! These air fryer breakfast potatoes come together with pantry staples, but the secret to perfection is all in the details. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Potatoes – Russet potatoes crisp up beautifully, but Yukon Gold gives a slightly creamier bite. Peel or leave the skins on—it’s all about preference!
- Oil – Just a little helps get that perfect crisp. Avocado or olive oil works best since they can handle the heat of the air fryer.
- Salt – Don’t skimp! Seasoning right after tossing ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Garlic Powder – Adds a savory depth without burning like fresh garlic sometimes can.
- Onion Powder – Enhances the overall flavor, giving that classic diner-style potato taste.
- Paprika – Smoked or sweet, this adds color and a subtle warmth that takes these potatoes to the next level.
- Black Pepper – Freshly cracked is best for a little bite and balance.
That’s it! Just a few ingredients, a quick toss, and your air fryer will handle the rest. Now, let’s get to the magic of turning them perfectly crispy!
Substitutions and Variations
Want to mix things up? These air fryer breakfast potatoes are super customizable! Whether you’re working with what you have or adding extra flavor, here are some easy swaps and tasty twists:
- Different Potatoes – Try red potatoes for a firmer texture or sweet potatoes for a slightly caramelized, sweet-savory combo.
- No Oil? No Problem! – Swap it for melted butter for a richer flavor, or use a light mist of cooking spray to keep things crispy with less fat.
- Spice It Up – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or toss in some Italian seasoning for an herby twist.
- Cheesy Goodness – Sprinkle parmesan or cheddar on the potatoes right after they finish cooking for a melty, crispy coating.
- Breakfast Hash Style – Toss in diced bell peppers and onions for a colorful, flavor-packed side.
However you season them, these crispy potatoes will steal the spotlight. Now, let’s get cooking!
Jesseca’s Recipe Review
I originally started testing these air fryer breakfast potatoes for my breakfast burritos, but after a dozen (yes, a dozen!) test batches, I realized they’re just too good to keep wrapped up. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside—exactly what I wanted for meal prep-friendly burritos, but also perfect as a standalone side.
Tip from Jesseca:
If you’re making these for burritos, let them cool completely before assembling. This keeps them crispy instead of steaming inside the wrap! Bonus points if you reheat them in the air fryer for extra crunch.
Breakfast Potatoes in the Air Fryer
Making these easy breakfast potatoes is easier than you think! With just a few simple steps, you’ll have crispy, golden bites of perfection. Here’s the rundown:
- Prep the potatoes – Dice them into small, even pieces and soak in ice water for 30 minutes. This removes excess starch for extra crispiness!
- Preheat the air fryer – Set it to 400°F so it’s nice and hot when the potatoes go in.
- Season – Drain and dry the potatoes well, then toss with oil and seasonings.
- Air fry – Cook for 20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure even crisping.
That’s it! Perfectly crispy potatoes in no time, ready to pair with eggs, bacon, or your favorite breakfast burrito.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
These air fryer breakfast potatoes are perfect for meal prep! Whether you’re making them ahead for busy mornings or storing leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh and crispy:
- Refrigerate: Let the potatoes cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Spread cooled potatoes on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months!
Reheating Tips
- Air Fryer: The best way to bring back the crisp! Reheat at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Oven: Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 10 minutes until crispy.
- Microwave: Quick but not as crispy—heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Make-Ahead Tip: If prepping for breakfast burritos, cook the potatoes as directed, let them cool completely, and store them separately before assembling. This keeps them from getting soggy!
Helpful FAQs
Soaking removes excess starch, which helps the potatoes crisp up instead of turning soft or gummy. It’s the secret to that perfect crunch!
Make sure the potatoes are completely dry before tossing them in oil, and give the basket a light spray of nonstick cooking spray if needed. Shaking the basket every 5 minutes also helps prevent sticking.
Yes! Just skip the soaking step and toss them directly with oil and seasonings. You may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cook time.
Russet potatoes get the crispiest, while Yukon Golds have a creamier texture. Both work great, so it’s a matter of preference!
Soak, dry, and don’t overcrowd the basket—airflow is key! Also, make sure to shake the basket frequently so every side gets crispy.
Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Too many potatoes at once will steam instead of crisp.
Still Hungry? Follow One Sweet Appetite on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!
Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 lb yukon gold potatoes- (cut 1/2 inch cubes)
- 1-1/2 tsp oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Wash and dice the potatoes into ½-inch cubes for even cooking. Place them in a large bowl of ice water and let them soak for 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch, making them crispier in the air fryer.
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up while you prep the potatoes. Preheating ensures the potatoes start crisping up right away.
- Drain the potatoes and pat them completely dry with a clean towel or paper towels. Moisture will prevent them from crisping, so don’t skip this step! In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with 1-2 tablespoons of oil and your seasonings (salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper). Stir well to coat every piece evenly.
- Spread the potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If needed, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes to ensure all sides get crispy.
- Once golden brown and crispy, remove from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy them on their own, in a breakfast burrito, or as the perfect side to any morning meal!
Video
Nutrition
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
