How long to cook baby potatoes in an air fryer

At-a-glance cooking parameters

Temperature

400 °F

204 °C

Total time

18 min

per single layer

Shake at

9 min

shake once

Internal temp

—

use visual cue

Halved baby potatoes roast in 18 minutes at 400 °F (204 °C) with one shake. The cut sides caramelise into a deep crust while the skin crisps separately — restaurant-quality roast potatoes in a third of the oven time.

Baby Potatoes in popular air fryer brands

Adjusted for how each brand actually heats. Tap a brand name to see every food we calibrate for it.

How to tell it’s done

Skins are crisped and split slightly where the steam escaped; centres are fluffy when pierced; outsides are golden-brown all over.

Step-by-step method

1. 1

   Prep

   Bring ingredients close to room temperature. Toss with 1½ tablespoons olive oil and 1 tsp salt before adding.

2. 2

   Season

   Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, rosemary, thyme.

3. 3

   Load

   Arrange 1½ lb baby potatoes (yukon gold or red), halved (about 4 cups) for best convection airflow.

4. 4

   Cook

   Set the air fryer to 400 °F (204 °C) and cook for 18 minutes total, shaking once at 9 minutes.

5. 5

   Check & rest

   Check the visual doneness cue and serve immediately for best texture.

6. 6

   Store

   Refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat at 400 °F for 4 minutes.

Watch out for

• !Halve them cut-side down for the first 9 minutes — the cut face builds a deep golden crust.
• !Do not crowd. A single layer is mandatory; stacked potatoes steam and stay pale.
• !Larger ‘baby’ potatoes (over 1½ inches) need to be quartered, not halved.

FAQ about baby potatoes in an air fryer

What temperature should I cook baby potatoes at in an air fryer?

Cook baby potatoes at 400 °F (204 °C). The convection air at this temperature browns the exterior quickly without drying the centre.

How long does baby potatoes take in an air fryer?

Baby potatoes takes 18 minutes total at 400 °F (204 °C). Shake the basket once at 9 minutes so both sides cook evenly.

Do you need to shake baby potatoes in an air fryer?

Yes — shake the basket once at 9 minutes. Loose pieces (baby potatoes) settle into the basket and the bottom layer stays pale unless you redistribute them halfway through.

Do you need to preheat the air fryer for baby potatoes?

Preheating is optional for baby potatoes — most modern air fryers reach temperature in under 2 minutes and the food's total cook time already accounts for the ramp-up. If you do preheat, reduce the total time by 1–2 minutes and check earlier than usual.