Perfect Crispy Roasted Baby Potatoes (Air Fryer Or Oven!)

Name: Perfect Crispy Roasted Baby Potatoes (Air Fryer or Oven)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 lb baby potatoes ((red, yellow or Yukon Gold)); 1 tbsp olive oil ((or olive oil spray)); 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp garlic powder ((optional)); 1 tsp rosemary (chopped (optional))

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This easy recipe delivers perfectly golden, crispy roasted baby potatoes with creamy, tender centers. This easy side dish is quick and easy to make and completely customizable with your favorite seasonings. Simple to make in the air fryer or the oven!

air fryer baby potatoes with garlic and rosemary in bowl on countertop.

If I had to pick one side dish I'd make over and over again, these crispy roasted baby potatoes would be at the top of the list. This easy recipe is made at our house almost weekly, and we serve it with everything from grilled meats, roasted veggies or even breakfast. They're truly the workhorse of sides. These little potatoes turn golden brown and crispy on the outside while staying soft and fluffy on the inside. I love them simply dressed with a bit of olive oil, salt, and rosemary (and sometimes some garlic), but they're totally customizable with different flavors depending on what you're making.

They cook up pretty fast since they're small (especially if you're using an air fryer), and use less oil than deep-frying. Whether you make these roasted baby potatoes in the air fryer or oven, they're the perfect side dish for busy weeknights, and fancy enough to serve at your next dinner party.

Key Ingredients

This recipe calls for just a handful of fresh ingredients. Here's what you'll need:

ingredients for baby potatoes with rosemary and garlic on countertop, labeled.

Baby potatoes. Any small baby potatoes work well: red baby potatoes, baby gold potatoes, or yellow potatoes. Everyone has their favorite, so use what's in season or what you like best. The most important thing: choose ones that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
Olive oil. Helps the potatoes crisp and gives them a nice flavor. You can also use avocado oil or melted butter here. Or, if you're looking to cut down a bit on the fat, I've been using an olive oil spray that adds just enough of a coating to get these crispy without overdoing it on the oil.
Salt. A must. A tiny pinch of salt completely transforms these from meh to yum!
Garlic powder. Optional, but it adds a mild garlic flavor that makes these really special. I've used minced garlic on these before, too, but find it hard to keep the garlic from burning during the cooking process, so I prefer garlic powder here. (This also means no peeling or chopping the garlic! Bonus!)
Rosemary. Again, this is optional, but fresh rosemary (or dried, if that's what you have) adds extra flavor and a delicious, fresh aroma to these babies. Almost any seasoning works. Try swapping in Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or onion powder for a twist. Or leave it out completely if you prefer the simple flavor of just the oil and salt.

How To Make Crispy Roasted Baby Potatoes

One of the best things about this dish is that it's so easy to make, yet tastes so, so good! It's almost impossible to screw up. Here's how to make these roasted potatoes.

Wash and dry the potatoes well using paper towels. Be sure to dry the potatoes thoroughly. Moisture is the enemy of crispy!

Cut potatoes in half (or quarters if you have larger potatoes). Smaller pieces crisp up better. I usually shoot for potato pieces about the size of a golf ball, or slightly smaller.

halved baby potatoes on cutting board with rosemary on the side.

Season the potatoes. Add the potatoes to a large bowl and toss with olive oil, salt and any favorite seasonings like garlic powder or rosemary. (If you're using an olive oil spray, simply give the potatoes a small spritz in the bowl, add the spices, and give them a good stir to coat.)

bowl of halved baby potatoes with rosemary, garlic powder, oil and salt on the side.

seasoned baby potatoes in bowl with chopped rosemary mixed in.

Cook the potatoes! A note about cooking times: This may vary a lot depending on the size of your potato pieces and on your air fryer or oven. The first time you make these, I recommend checking on them often to make sure they don't get too crispy!)

For the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F and add the potatoes to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 20 minutes, shaking halfway through to ensure even cooking. The hot air circulates around the potatoes, making them perfectly crisp.

halved baby potatoes in air fryer with garlic and salt.

For the oven: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Place a baking sheet in the oven while it preheats (adding the potatoes to a hot pan helps create crispier edges). Once the oven has heated, remove the pan and spread the potatoes on the hot pan in a single layer. Roast for 20 minutes, flip, then roast for another 10 minutes, or until the edges of the potatoes are crispy and the insides are tender.

Add some extra seasoning. Sprinkle the potatoes with more fresh herbs or Parmesan cheese if desired and serve warm.

roasted baby potatoes with garlic and rosemary in bowl on countertop.

Variations And Different Seasonings

One of the great things about potatoes is that they can take on a lot of different flavors, making them easy to complement whatever you're serving them with. Here are some ways I like to switch these up.

Garlic Parmesan (one of my favorites). Toss roasted potatoes with Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of garlic powder.
For the herb lovers. Toss warm potatoes in melted butter and chopped herbs before serving. Fresh parsley, thyme, or rosemary add some great flavor.
Make 'em spicy. Add cajun seasoning or taco seasoning for a bold flavor. I also love roasting them with just a little olive oil and salt, and then giving them a splash of hot sauce once they're out of the oven or air fryer.
Simple and savory. Try onion powder, Italian seasoning, or a mix of garlic and paprika.
Lemon and herb. Toss with lemon juice, fresh parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Sweet and smoky. Add a touch of smoked paprika and melted butter.

Air Fryer Vs. Oven. Which one should I choose?

Both methods make delicious crispy potatoes, but each has its strengths. The air fryer uses hot air to circulate around the potatoes, creating those perfect crispy edges in less time (and with less oil, I find). I like this method when I'm cooking a smaller batch or don't want to heat up my whole kitchen. The oven is better for larger portions and creates a deep, roasted flavor. It's great if you have a big family, or are making other dishes and already have your oven on.

air fryere baby potatoes with garlic and rosemary in bowl on countertop.

Troubleshooting Tips For Perfect Roasted Potatoes

If your potatoes aren't crisping up, it's usually due to too much moisture or overcrowding. Here are a few tips to help make sure they turn out nice and crispy:

Always dry the potatoes thoroughly and make sure they're spread out in a single layer.
Use just a little oil, enough to coat the surface but not so much that they're sitting in hot oil. (This is where the spray really comes in handy!)
If they're still soft, extend the cooking time slightly until golden brown and soft on the inside. You can also finish them under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to help them crisp up.
If you have a convection setting on your oven, use it! The constant and even circulation of air will help make the potatoes nice and crispy.
Give them a stir halfway through. The potatoes tend to get ver crispy when touching the pan. Giving them a flip halfway through ensures all sides crisp up nicely. (And prevents the sides from touching the pan from burning!)

What to Serve With Roasted Baby Potatoes

Honestly, these crispy potatoes go with almost anything. Serve them alongside garlic butter steak bites, grilled chicken, or roasted salmon. They make a great addition to weekend brunch with some creamy scrambled eggs and oven-cooked bacon, or as a hearty side for main dishes like smash burgers or pork chops. You can even use leftover potatoes in breakfast burritos or toss them into salads. For dipping, try sour cream, garlic aioli, or a drizzle of pesto.

Tip: These are also a great addition to almost any sheet pan meal. They cook beautifully alongside chicken, salmon, or steak and will absorb some of the flavors of the rest of your meal as they cook, making them even more delicious!

Additional Serving And Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry (400 degrees F for about 4-5 minutes) or bake in the oven (400 degrees F for about 10 minutes) until crisp again. Avoid the microwave like the plague! This can soften the skin, making the potatoes more mushy than crispy.

If making roasted potatoes ahead of time (or if you happen to have leftovers), let them cool completely before storing to avoid condensation (this can also soften the skin!). When hosting a large crowd, I double or triple the recipe and use two baking sheets in the oven so the potatoes have enough space to crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of potatoes work best for roasting?

Small baby potatoes, red potatoes, or baby Yukon gold potatoes work best because of their thin skins and creamy texture. I'd avoid using russet potatoes - they're great for baked potatoes or French Fries but not ideal for roasting.

Do I need to parboil the potatoes first?

Nope, note for this recipe. Baby potatoes cook quickly and get crispy without boiling. If using larger potatoes, parboiling can help them cook evenly and develop extra crispiness. (Or you can just cut them down a bit in size as instructed here.)

Do I need to peel the potatoes?

Generally, no. I never peel potatoes for roasting. The skin helps to make the potatoes nice and crispy, and tastes great. (And who loves all that potato peeling?) Plus, you get the added benefit of the extra fiber and vitamins the skins add! However, it's really a matter of preference. If you're looking for a softer texture or you're making these for a specific sort of dish, then feel free to peel them if you'd like.

How long to cook baby potatoes in the air fryer?

Cook baby potatoes in the air fryer for about 20 minutes at 450 degrees F, shaking halfway through. Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the potatoes and your air fryer model. Check on them a few times throughout the cooking period to make sure they don't burn.

How long to cook baby potatoes in the oven?

Roast at 425 degrees F for about 30 minutes, flipping at the 20-minute mark. Cook until the potatoes are soft in the middle and golden brown.

How do I make my potatoes extra crispy?

Dry the potatoes well, use jsut a little oil, and spread them in a single layer so they roast instead of steam. Make sure your oven or air fryer is fully preheated before adding them. For extra crunch, toss them in a large bowl with a pinch of baking soda before roasting.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Roast the potatoes, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container. Reheat in the air fryer or oven until hot and crispy.

What flavors go well with roasted potatoes?

These potatoes pair perfectly with garlic, rosemary, thyme, parmesan cheese, or fresh parsley. You can also change up the seasoning with Cajun spice, taco seasoning, or Italian herbs.

air fryer roasted baby potatoes with garlic and rosemary in bowl on countertop.

If you try these roasted baby potatoes (using either the air fryer or oven method!), let me know what you think in the comments below! And don't forget to tag me with a pic @frontrangefed on IG. I'd love to hear about the flavor combinations you come up with!

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