Air frying diced potatoes is a quick and easy way to make crispy, delicious homemade french fries. Air fryers use rapid hot air circulation to produce a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the interior moist and fluffy. Ore Ida diced potatoes are precut into small, uniform cubes that cook up evenly in an air fryer. With just a little oil and seasoning, Ore Ida diced potatoes transform into crunchy, irresistible fries in a fraction of the time it takes to deep fry.
What You’ll Need
- 1 (28 oz) bag Ore Ida diced potatoes
- 1-2 Tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1⁄2 tsp salt
- 1⁄4 tsp pepper
- 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
- 1⁄2 tsp paprika
- Air fryer
The main ingredient is a 28 oz bag of Ore Ida diced potatoes. You can use the standard or reduced fat variety. Ore Ida diced potatoes are already washed, peeled, and cut into 1/2 inch cubes so they require minimal prep.
For oil, olive oil and avocado oil work well as they have high smoke points. You’ll also need basic seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika. An air fryer is required to circulate hot air and crisp up the potatoes.
Prep the Potatoes
Start by pouring the bag of Ore Ida diced potatoes into a large bowl. Add 1-2 Tbsp of olive oil or avocado oil and toss until the potato cubes are evenly coated. This light coating of oil helps promote even browning and crisping.
Next, add the seasonings – 1⁄2 tsp salt, 1⁄4 tsp pepper, 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder and 1⁄2 tsp paprika. Toss again until the seasonings are evenly distributed. The salt enhances flavor while the pepper, garlic powder and paprika add a savory kick.
Air Fry the Potatoes
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil to prevent sticking.
Working in batches, add the seasoned potato cubes to the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Air frying works best when the food has room to breathe.
Set the timer for 12-14 minutes, gently tossing halfway through. When ready, the diced potatoes will be golden brown and crispy on the outside while fluffy on the inside.
Repeat with remaining batches until all the potatoes are cooked, adjusting cook time as needed. Smaller air fryers may require cooking in more batches for even crisping.
Season and Serve
Once air fried, transfer the diced potatoes to a bowl and toss with any additional desired seasonings while hot. Ideas include:
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Cajun seasoning
- Ranch seasoning
- Parmesan cheese
Serve the air fried Ore Ida diced potatoes immediately as delicious crispy fries. They go great with ketchup, ranch or other favorite dipping sauces.
Tips
- Use freshly cut potatoes instead of pre-cut for more even cooking.
- Soak the potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before air frying to remove excess starch.
- Double fry for extra crispy fries. Fry once at 300°F then again at 400°F.
- Use corn starch or potato starch instead of oil for an oil-free version.
- Sweet potatoes also air fry beautifully. Toss in cinnamon and sugar instead of savory spices.
Common Questions
What is the best oil to use for air frying?
The best oils for air frying have high smoke points to withstand high heat. Good options include avocado, peanut, sunflower, safflower, refined olive and grapeseed oil.
How long does it take to air fry diced potatoes?
Air frying 1/2 inch diced potatoes takes 12-16 minutes at 400°F, shaking halfway through. Cook time can vary based on the amount and size of your air fryer.
Can you air fry frozen diced potatoes?
Yes, frozen diced potatoes work well in the air fryer. Add a couple extra minutes to the cook time. Air frying from frozen eliminates thawing time.
Should you rinse diced potatoes before air frying?
Rinsing off excess starch can help diced potatoes get extra crispy in the air fryer. Pat dry thoroughly before air frying.
Do you have to preheat an air fryer?
Preheating isn’t strictly necessary but it helps the air fryer recover temperature faster for optimal crisping when food is added.
Nutrition
Here is the nutrition information for a serving of air fried Ore Ida diced potatoes:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 153 |
| Fat | 4.5g |
| Sodium | 318mg |
| Carbohydrates | 26g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Protein | 2g |
Air fried Ore Ida diced potatoes make a nutritious side to any meal, providing complex carbohydrates, fiber and a small amount of protein. Enjoy air fried diced potatoes and keep total calories in a healthy range by watching your portion size and avoiding excessive added oils and salt.
Recipe Variations
The basic recipe for air fried diced potatoes is very versatile. Get creative with different seasonings and ingredients:
- Spicy: Add chili powder, cayenne, crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Cheesy: Toss with shredded cheddar, parmesan or crumbled feta.
- Ranch: Season with ranch powder and top with fresh chives.
- Chili-Lime: Toss in lime juice, chili powder and cilantro.
- Italian: Use Italian seasoning and grated parmesan.
- Cajun: Add Cajun seasoning and serve with spicy mayo.
- Breakfast: Top with scrambled eggs, bacon bits and green onion.
- Loaded: Top with cheese, bacon, sour cream and green onions.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and make each batch of air fried diced potatoes unique! Adjust cook times as needed when adding extra ingredients.
Storing and Reheating
Storage
- Allow potatoes to cool completely before storing.
- Place in an airtight container or zip top bag.
- Store in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
- Do not freeze, as this will cause texture to degrade.
Reheating
- Oven: Place in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 4-5 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave in 30 second intervals until hot.
- Air Fryer: Air fry at 400°F for 3-5 minutes, shaking halfway through.
The crispiness may not be quite as good as when freshly made, but reheating will revive most of the original texture.
Conclusion
Air frying is a quick and healthy cooking method that allows you to enjoy fried food flavors without all the added oil and mess of deep frying. Ore Ida diced potatoes are an ideal candidate, transforming into crispy, crunchy fries with barely any work. By using minimal added oil and seasonings, air fried diced potatoes make a flavorful and nutritious accompaniment to any meal. Experiment with different herb and spice blends to keep each batch fresh and exciting. In just minutes, you can enjoy piping hot homemade fries that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.