Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes ⋆ 100 Days of Real Food

Name: Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 pound fingerling potatoes; olive oil spray; ½ tsp sea salt; ¼ tsp garlic powder

Crispy on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside, these Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes are packed with savory garlic flavor! Quick, easy, and delicious, they make the perfect side dish or snack with a golden crunch in every bite.

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If you’re looking for the perfect crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside side dish, these Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes are about to become your new favorite! Ready in under 25 minutes with just a few pantry staples, this recipe is quick, healthy, and incredibly satisfying.

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Whether you’re serving them with grilled meat, eggs, or enjoying them as a snack, these golden potatoes deliver big on flavor with minimal effort!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Crispy Perfection Without the Deep Fryer: You get that irresistible golden crunch on the outside with zero greasy mess.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: With just four pantry staples—fingerling potatoes, olive oil spray, sea salt, and garlic powder—you’ll be amazed at how flavorful these air fryer fingerling potatoes are!
Quick Weeknight Side Dish: These potatoes go from fridge to table in under 25 minutes. They are ideal when you need something fast but still crave comfort food flavor.
Perfect for Any Meal: Breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner—these fingerling potatoes pair with everything. Serve them with eggs, steak, roasted veggies, or eat them on their own with your favorite dip.
Healthy Comfort Food: Golden and satisfying like traditional roasted potatoes, but made with minimal oil and less mess.
Kid-Approved and Family-Friendly: Their fun size and crispy texture make these potatoes a hit with kids and adults alike.
No Oven Needed: Keep your kitchen cool during hot months or free up oven space during holidays. The air fryer handles it all while you prep the rest of your meal.
Customizable to Your Taste: From cheesy parmesan toppings to spicy paprika, this recipe is a blank canvas for your favorite herbs, spices, and flavor twists!
Check out these Air Fryer Potatoes for another delicious side dish!

Ingredients & Substitutes

Scroll down to the recipe card for the full air fryer fingerling potatoes recipe.

Fingerling potatoes are small, slender, and naturally creamy, with a delicate, earthy flavor that shines when roasted or pan-fried. Their thin skins crisp up beautifully, making them a perfect side dish that’s both rustic and elegant.

Olive oil spray helps make the potatoes crispy.

Season with sea salt and garlic powder. Feel free to add other spices, such as onion powder and black pepper.

Ingredients for air fryer fingerling potatoes.

Taste & Texture

These air fryer fingerling potatoes are the perfect mix of crispy, seasoned skin and tender, buttery centers.

The garlic powder adds a savory touch without overpowering the natural flavor of the potatoes, while sea salt enhances every bite.

When cooked properly, you’ll get that irresistible golden crunch without deep frying!

How to Make

Step 1

First, wash and dry your potatoes. Add the potatoes to a large bowl. Generously spray with olive oil spray. Toss with sea salt and garlic powder.

Step 2

Arrange in one even layer in the air fryer basket.

Step 3

Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 18 to 20 minutes, carefully flipping halfway.

Step 4

Finally, remove from the air fryer. Serve your air fryer fingerling potatoes!

Expert Tips for Success

Follow these tips and tricks to make the best air fryer fingerling potatoes.

Choose uniform-sized potatoes for even cooking. If some are larger, slice them in half lengthwise.
Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Arrange potatoes in a single, even layer for best crispiness.
Flip halfway through to ensure even browning on all sides.
Pre-boil for extra tender centers: Simmer for 10 minutes before air frying if you prefer softer interiors.
Use olive oil spray liberally to help with crisping, especially if you're skipping pre-boiling.
Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming from overcrowding.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

Customize your air fryer fingerling potatoes with these simple add-ons:

Fresh herbs: Toss with chopped rosemary, thyme, or parsley after cooking.

Cheesy: Add grated parmesan in the last 2–3 minutes of air frying.

Spicy kick: Sprinkle with smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes.

Lemon zest & dill: For a fresh, zesty twist, toss with lemon zest and chopped dill post-air-fry.

How to Serve & Store

Serve your air fryer fingerling potatoes with:

Grilled meats (steak, chicken, or salmon)

Breakfast platters with eggs and bacon

A dipping sauce like garlic aioli or spicy ketchup

As a game-day snack with sour cream or ranch

Storing Leftovers:

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes until warmed through and crisp again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use butter instead of olive oil spray?

You can! Melted butter adds a rich, savory flavor. Just toss the potatoes in a tablespoon of melted butter instead of spraying them.

What temperature should I set my air fryer to?

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for the best crispy texture. Some models run hotter than others, so keep an eye on them during the last few minutes.

Are fingerling potatoes the same as baby potatoes?

Not exactly. Fingerlings are a specific variety with a long, knobby shape and a slightly buttery texture. Baby potatoes are younger versions of various potato types. Both can work, but fingerlings offer a unique flavor and crispier skin.

Can I season them with more than garlic powder?

Absolutely! Try adding onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or even Cajun spice for a bolder flavor.

Equipment Needed

Air Fryer: This large air fryer is great for making this air fryer whole chicken.

You May Also Enjoy

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Air Fryer Mahi Mahi: a fancy family favorite
Potato Wedges in Air Fryer: thick and crispy potatoes in the air fryer
Air Fryer Eggs: another air fryer protein recipe

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