Why You Need To Start Making Breakfast Potatoes In Your Air Fryer

Potatoes at their core are a pretty basic breakfast staple. But with a few spices thrown into the mix and the right cooking tools, they can be the star of any morning meal. Slather them in butter, bake them in the oven, or sprinkle on some spices, and enjoy them as a customizable breakfast side. Plus, they're cheap to buy and super filling too, which has made them a popular choice to fuel your day. Lastly, potatoes are loaded with nutrients like fiber to support digestive health and start the morning off right. 

One of the absolute best things a breakfast potato can be is crispy. If you order some homefries at a restaurant, chances are you're seeking a familiar crunch with a soft, warm potato interior. From crispy hashbrowns to a loaded brunch casserole, the texture can certainly make or break the meal — especially when it comes to breakfast. And, if you want to make those potatoes as crispy as can be, you need to start making them in your air fryer.

While there are many ways to cook potatoes, air fryers are both one of the newest and the best methods to use. A mini version of a convection oven, air fryers preheat quickly and beat out most other options with the sheer speed at which they cook things. It's just a more efficient option. Timing aside, using this little machine is also a healthier way to fry up food compared to shallow frying in a pan or plunking things deep into a fryer filled with oil. Any oil that you do use can easily drain through the pan in the bottom as your potatoes cook. 

Compared to your typical oven, an air fryer also is able to cook food more evenly because it circulates the air using convection powers. You don't need to routinely check to see how your food is cooking. Just pop it in and set the timer. Then, pause the air fryer and toss them around a bit halfway through cooking for the most even crisp. 

From air-fried chicken wings to crisp veggies, an air fryer can cook it all. So whether you prefer to use russet, red, or baby potatoes for your breakfast potatoes, bring out the small machine. You don't even need to boil your potatoes before tossing them in — just add salt and set the timer. The beauty is in that ease. 

Now to make your breakfast potatoes shine, start by peeling and cutting them to your liking. Next, add a slew of your favorite seasonings. Paprika and garlic powder are some popular favorites, as are onion powder or cayenne if you like a little bit of spice. If you're feeling like you want some variety in the mix, feel free to toss in some chopped onions or peppers to really amp things up. Now, toss it all in a bowl with a little drizzle of oil.

While cooking times will vary depending on how many potatoes you want, sticking two chopped russet potatoes in at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes is a good baseline. Smaller chunks will cook up faster while larger cuts will need more cooking time. Checking them as they cook is the best way to guarantee that just-right texture. Then, top them with ketchup or serve them with eggs and enjoy a hearty morning meal.