Last Updated on August 2, 2023 by MOe

Fingerling potatoes air fryer are a fun and tasty potato variety that can be prepared in endless ways.

One of the best methods for cooking fingerling potatoes is in an air fryer.

fingerling potatoes air fryer makes them crispy on the outside while keeping them soft and moist on the inside.

fingerling potatoes air fryer is quick, easy, and allows you to skip the oil that is used in traditional frying.

This cooking method results in potatoes that are perfectly browned with all the flavor you want, without the extra calories and fat.

This comprehensive guide will provide tips, tricks, and recipes for cooking delicious fingerling potatoes in an air fryer.

Benefits of Cooking Fingerling Potatoes Air Fryer

Fingerling potatoes air fryer has many advantages over other cooking methods:

– Uses little to no oil – Air fryers cook food by rapidly circulating hot air rather than submerging it in oil. This means you can enjoy crispy, browned potatoes without all the excess grease and calories.

– Quick cooking time – Fingerling potatoes cook fast in an air fryer, usually within 15-20 minutes. This makes air frying an ideal method for weeknight side dishes.

– Even cooking – The hot air circulates around the potatoes cooking them evenly on all sides. No more undercooked interiors or burnt outsides.

– Versatility – From seasoned to plain, air fryer fingerling potatoes pair well with all kinds of meals. Enjoy them as a side or elevate them into appetizers and main dishes.

– Easy cleanup – With minimal oil, air frying makes cleanup a breeze compared to deep frying.

– Healthier than deep frying – Eliminating all the oil used in deep frying slashes calories, fat, and makes air frying a healthier cooking technique.

With so many advantages, it’s easy to see why air frying makes the perfect fingerling potato preparation.

Choosing Fingerling Potatoes Air Frying

While all types of potatoes can be air fried, petite fingerling potatoes are ideal. Their small size allows them to cook quickly and crisp up perfectly in an air fryer.

When selecting fingerlings for air frying, keep these tips in mind:

– Look for smaller, narrow fingerlings that are about 2-3 inches long. Larger fingerling potatoes may not cook through fully.

– Pick potatoes that are smooth, firm, and free of major blemishes or bruises. Damaged, old potatoes won’t air fry properly.

– Try different fingerling varieties. Red, purple, yellow, or standard brown fingerlings all air fry well. Their colors will remain vibrant too.

– Wash and dry potatoes well before air frying. Excess moisture can prevent browning and lead to soggy results.

Follow those simple tips and you’ll be able to easily find great fingerling potatoes for air frying crisp, tender perfection.

Cutting Fingerling Potatoes Air Fryer

One of the great aspects of fingerling potatoes air fryer is that you can air fry them whole or cut into pieces. How you cut them will impact cooking time and texture. Here are some common ways to cut fingerlings for air frying:

– Whole – Leave petite 2-3 inch fingerlings whole to air fry. The skins will get ultra crispy.

– Halved lengthwise – Cut larger fingerlings in half lengthwise. Halving exposes more surface area for crisping.

– Quartered – Slice fingerlings into 1⁄2 inch wide quarters for fast, even cooking.

– Wedges – For soft, creamy centers, cut fingerlings into 1⁄2 inch thick wedges.

– Cubes – Dicing fingerlings into 1⁄2 inch or 1 inch cubes gives you classic roasted potato texture.

– Shoestrings – For skinny fries, cut fingerlings into 1⁄4 inch thick shoestrings. mist with oil and season.

– Chips – For potato chips, slice fingerlings paper thin using a mandoline. Toss in oil and seasoning.

The cut you choose will depend on the texture and cook time you’re looking for. Keep pieces similar in size for even air frying.

Seasoning Fingerling Potatoes Air Frying

One of the best parts of air frying potatoes is that you can add so much flavor with seasonings. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try out spice blends that go beyond typical potato seasonings.

Here are some tasty ways to season fingerling potatoes air fryer before air frying:

– Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, rosemary

– Smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, cumin, chili powder

– Za’atar spice blend, olive oil, lemon zest

– Ranch seasoning, parmesan cheese, parsley

– Brown butter, thyme, sage

– Harissa seasoning, lemon juice

– Soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, garlic

– Olive oil, fajita seasoning, cilantro

– Pesto sauce, pine nuts, parmesan

– Olive oil, cajun seasoning, hot sauce

– Maple syrup, cayenne, thyme

The flavor combinations are endless. Brush or toss the cut fingerlings with oil and spices before air frying for maximum flavor infusion.

Get creative with seasonings!

Air Fryer Settings for Fingerling Potatoes

One of the keys to successfully air frying fingerling potatoes is using the right settings. The small size of fingerlings means they cook fast on high heat.

Here are the optimal air fryer settings for fingerling potatoes:

– Temperature: 400°F

– Time: 15-20 minutes (adjust as needed)

– Toss/flip halfway during cooking

The high 400°F temperature ensures the outside of the potatoes gets ultra crispy.

Fingerlings only take 15-20 minutes at this temp before they are tender inside and browned outside.

Make sure to toss or flip them halfway during cooking to promote even browning.

For larger fingerling halves or wedges, you may need to increase cook time to 25-30 minutes. Check frequently and adjust time to your air fryer model and batch size.

Use those basic settings as a starting point. You can always increase temperature for extra crispness or add a few minutes for larger batches.

Tips for the Best Air Fried Fingerling Potatoes

Using proper technique will ensure your air fried fingerling potatoes air fryer turn out perfectly crisp and flavorful every time.

Follow these top tips:

– Use a basket – Air fryer baskets allow for maximum airflow. The basket also makes tossing and flipping potatoes easy.

– Don’t overcrowd – Cook potatoes in a single layer with some space between each piece. Overcrowding blocks airflow.

– Toss/flip halfway – Rotate or stir potatoes midway during cooking for even browning.

– Pat dry before cooking – Drying the potato pieces well before air frying prevents steaming.

– Use foil sling for shoestrings – Use a foil sling under your air fryer basket when making shoestring fries. This allows you to shake the basket easily to prevent sticking.

– Check early and often – Start checking a few minutes before minimum cook time and adjust as needed.

– Work in batches for large amounts – Cook potatoes in smaller batches to allow for proper airflow.

Follow those simple tips and you’ll be rewarded with perfectly air fried fingerling potatoes every time.

10 Delicious Air Fryer Fingerling Potato Recipes

Thanks to their petite size and adaptability, fingerling potatoes make for quick and easy air fryer side dishes and snacks.

Here are 10 insanely delicious fingerling potato recipes to make in the air fryer:

1. Parmesan Ranch Fingerling Potatoes

– Ingredients: fingerling potatoes, olive oil, ranch seasoning, parmesan, parsley

– Instructions: Toss potatoes in oil and ranch seasoning. Air fry until tender, top with cheese and parsley.

2. Harissa and Lemon Fingerling Potatoes

– Ingredients: fingerlings, harissa paste, olive oil, lemon juice

– Instructions: Toss potatoes in harissa paste and oil, air fry until crispy, finish with lemon juice.

3. Brown Butter Sage Fingerlings

– Ingredients: fingerling potatoes, brown butter, fresh sage

– Instructions: Fry potatoes in browned butter before air frying. Finish with crispy sage leaves.

4. Crispy Fingerling Fries

– Ingredients: fingerling potatoes, oil, salt

– Instructions: Cut into wedges, fry at 400F until browned and cooked through, season with salt.

5. Chili Lime Fingerling Wedges

– Ingredients: fingerlings, olive oil, chili powder, lime zest

– Instructions: Toss wedges in seasoning, air fry until crispy, finish with lime zest.

6. Pesto Parmesan Fingerling Chips

– Ingredients: thin sliced fingerlings, pesto, olive oil, parmesan

– Instructions: Toss potatoes in pesto and oil, air fry until crispy, top with grated parmesan.

7. Cajun Fingerling Potato Coins

– Ingredients: sliced fingerlings, cajun seasoning, hot sauce, cilantro

– Instructions: Toss coins in cajun seasoning, air fry, and finish with hot sauce and cilantro.

8. Greek Lemon Garlic Fingerlings

– Ingredients: fingerlings, olive oil, lemon, garlic, oregano

– Instructions: Toss potatoes in Greek seasoning, air fry, and squeeze lemon over top.

9. Sweet & Spicy Fingerlings

– Ingredients: fingerlings, oil, brown sugar, smoked paprika, cayenne

– Instructions: Toss in seasoning, air fry until caramelized and crispy.

10. Fingerling Breakfast Potatoes

– Ingredients: fingerlings, oil, eggs, bacon, onion, bell pepper

– Instructions: Air fry potatoes, then sauté with eggs, bacon, veggies for breakfast.

The possibilities are endless with air fried fingerling potatoes! Adjust cook times as needed and get creative with your own seasoning flavors.

Common Air Fryer Fingerling Potato Questions

Cooking fingerling potatoes air fryer is simple but there are some common questions that come up. Here are answers to the top questions about air frying fingerling potatoes:

Should fingerling potatoes be peeled before air frying?

Peeling is not necessary! The skins will get crispy and add texture. Simply give them a good scrub.

Do fingerlings need to be soaked before air frying?

Soaking is not needed. Just pat the potatoes dry before seasoning and air frying.

How long does it take to air fry frozen fingerling potatoes?

Add 3-5 minutes to the cook time if starting with frozen fingerling potatoes. Check frequently for doneness.

Is oil needed to air fry fingerling potatoes?

Minimal oil is recommended to help the potatoes get crispy. Toss potatoes in 1-2 tbsp oil before air frying.

What size fingerling potatoes work best?

Petite, narrow fingerlings about 2-3 inches long air fry the best. Size and cut uniforms for even cooking.

Can fingerling wedges be air fried into fries?

Yes! Cut into wedges or shoestrings, mist with oil, and air fry at 400F for 15-20 minutes.

How do you prevent fingerlings from sticking when air frying?

Use a basket, don’t overcrowd, and toss halfway to prevent sticking. Adding a light coat of oil also helps.

Have a new air fryer and bags of petite fingerling potatoes?

Try out these tips and recipe ideas to enjoy your new favorite crispy, crunchy potato side dish or snack.

The possibilities are endless with air fried fingerling potatoes!

How to Pair and Serve Air Fried Fingerling Potatoes

One of the great things about air fryer fingerling potatoes is that they pair well with just about anything!

Here are some delicious ways to serve up your crispy, crunchy air fried fingerling potatoes:

As a Side Dish

Crispy, seasoned air fried fingerlings make for a perfect side to all types of meals:

– Steak, chicken, and grilled meats

– Fish like salmon, cod, or halibut

– Roasted pork tenderloin or chops

– Sausage and peppers sheet pan meal

– Casseroles like cheesy chicken broccoli rice

– Veggie bowls or salad topped with potato wedges

For easy sides, air fry fingerlings in olive oil with salt and pepper or toss in your favorite spice blend.

For Breakfast

Start your day off right with fingerlings as part of a hearty breakfast:

– Breakfast tacos or burritos

– Huevos rancheros

– Breakfast casserole

– Eggs Benedict topped with air fried potatoes

– Potato hash with veggies and meat

– Breakfast bowls with eggs, bacon, veggies

For Appetizers

Crisp, seasoned fingerling wedges and chips make for the perfect pre-dinner appetizer:

– Potato skins – Scoop out middles and stuff with cheese, bacon.

– Fingerling fries – Kosher salt, malt vinegar for dipping.

– Homemade potato chips – Toss with bold seasonings before air frying.

– Potato pancakes – Grate raw potatoes. Mix with egg, onion, flour then air fry.

Take your appetizer game up a notch with air fried fingerling starters.

For Main Dishes

Not just a side, air fried fingerlings can star as the main dish:

– Fingerling potato nests – Crispy potato nests topped with pulled pork or barbacoa beef.

– Sheet pan sausage and potatoes – Roasted sausage and crisp fingerlings.

– Potato crusted quiche – Line pie dish with sliced potatoes before adding egg mixture.

– Fingerling hash – Cooked with corned beef, onions, peppers and topped with eggs.

– Twice baked fingerling potatoes – Scoop out middles, mash, stuff back in empty skins and air fry.

With a little creativity, fingerlings can be so much more than a side dish!

For Salads

Crisp, cold salads get a perfect crunch factor with air fried fingerlings:

– Potato salad – Toss fingerling wedges in tangy dressing, onion, celery, egg, parsley.

– Fingerling Nicoise – Cooked fingerlings, greens, tuna, green beans, olives, egg.

– Greek potato salad with dill yogurt dressing, cucumber, feta, onion.

– Warm fingerling and spinach salad with warm bacon dressing.

Take potato salad to new levels of flavor and crunch with petite fingerlings.

So simple, yet so versatile! Air fried fingerling potatoes are a slam dunk pairing with just about any cuisine.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Air Fried Fingerling Potatoes

A bonus to air frying fingerling potatoes is that you’ll inevitably have leftovers!

Here are some tips for storing and reheating those delicious leftover spuds:

Storage

Let fingerlings cool completely before storing. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 4 days.

For longer storage, place in freezer bags or containers up to 3 months.

Reheating Methods

Cover and reheat leftovers in the oven at 400°F for 8-10 minutes.

Microwave in 30 second intervals just until warmed through. Add a splash of water to crispy bits.

Quickly pan fry over medium heat to crisp and warm through.

Air fry again at 400F for 4-5 minutes to reheat and recrisp.

Serving Ideas

Repurpose leftovers into:

– Breakfast hash

– Potato pancakes

– Potato salad

– Fingerling poutine with gravy and cheese curds

– Potato soup

– Potato tacos

Have leftover fingerlings? You have the foundation for so many other delicious meals! Avoid food waste and enjoy air fried potatoes throughout the week.

 Enjoying Fingerling Potatoes Beyond the Air Fryer

While air frying is hands-down one of the best ways to cook fingerling potatoes air fryer don’t limit enjoying those tasty finger-shaped spuds to just the air fryer.

Here are some other stellar ways to cook fingerlings:

– Oven roasted

– Pan seared or fried

– Boiled then mashed or smashed

– Grilled

– Slow cooked into stews or curries

– Shaved into raw salads

Fingerling potatoes are so versatile. Take advantage and cook them in every way imaginable!

And of course, when you’re looking for fast, fuss-free cooking with a crispy exterior and tender interior, always go back to the air fryer and its fingerling magic.

Get Crispy, Crunchy Fingerling Potatoes Using Your Air Fryer

Equipped with an air fryer and bags of petite, flavorful fingerling potatoes, you now have endless possibilities for quick and easy side dishes, appetizers, meals and more!

Follow this comprehensive guide for choosing, cutting, seasoning and cooking fingerlings to crispy perfection in your air fryer.

With so many ways to customize flavors and pairings, you’ll never get bored with air fried fingerling potatoes.

So try out a new seasonings, get creative with recipes, and enjoy all that fingerling potatoes have to offer prepared in the air fryer and beyond.

Your crunchy, flavor-loaded spud sidekicks await!