If you have been hunting for that perfect morning side that bursts with flavor and crunch, look no further than this Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes Recipe. It takes simple Yukon gold potatoes and transforms them into golden, crispy cubes layered with warming spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder. Thanks to the magic of the air fryer, you get all the texture and taste without the mess of deep frying, making your mornings easier and tastier. This recipe is truly a game changer for anyone who enjoys hearty, satisfying breakfast moments.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun, and for this Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes Recipe, each one plays a crucial role. From potatoes to spices, every item brings its own flavor, texture, and color, ensuring your potatoes come out just right every time.
- Yukon gold potatoes: Their buttery flavor and firm texture make them ideal for roasting crispy outside and tender inside cubes.
- Olive oil: Helps the spices stick and promotes a beautiful golden crisp in the air fryer.
- Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor for a subtle sweetness and aroma.
- Smoked paprika: Gives a smoky warmth and vibrant reddish color that brightens these breakfast potatoes.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all flavors together and seasoning every bite.
- Black pepper: Adds a touch of mild heat to balance the spices perfectly.
- Fresh chopped parsley: For a fresh herbaceous finish and a pop of green color when serving.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Setting your air fryer to 375°F and letting it preheat for 5 minutes is a crucial step. This warm environment ensures your potatoes start crisping immediately upon cooking, locking in texture and that irresistible crunch.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
While the air fryer is warming up, wash and dry your Yukon gold potatoes completely. Dicing them into 1/2-inch cubes means they cook evenly, ensuring each piece gets that perfect crispy edge with a soft center.
Step 3: Season the Potatoes
Transfer those evenly cut potato cubes to a large bowl, then drizzle with olive oil to coat them lightly but thoroughly. Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the potatoes, then toss everything together. This seasoning blend creates a flavorful crust that makes every bite exciting.
Step 4: Air Fry the Potatoes
Place the seasoned potatoes in a single, even layer inside the air fryer basket. Crowding the basket will steam the potatoes instead of crisping them, so be sure to cook in batches if necessary. This step sets the stage for maximizing crispiness.
Step 5: Cook and Toss
Cook for 20 minutes, shaking or tossing the basket every 6 to 7 minutes. This frequent turning helps the potatoes brown evenly and prevents sticking, resulting in that sought-after golden crust all around.
Step 6: Optional Extra Crisp
If you want to elevate the crisp factor, use your air fryer’s broil function for 2–3 minutes at the end, shaking the basket as needed. No broil function? No worries – simply raise the temperature to 450°F and broil similarly. This final step gives the potatoes an irresistible crunch.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a bright, fresh note and inviting presentation. Serve these crispy cubes hot for a breakfast guarantee to impress.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes Recipe

Garnishes
Adding fresh chopped parsley not only brightens the visual appeal but injects a light herbal freshness that balances the smoky, savory flavors. Feel free to experiment with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or even a dollop of sour cream for extra indulgence.
Side Dishes
This Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes Recipe pairs wonderfully with eggs any style, whether scrambled, fried, or poached. It’s also fantastic alongside crispy bacon or sausage links, making your breakfast plate hearty and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For brunch with friends, serve the potatoes in small cast iron skillets or rustic bowls topped with a sunny-side egg and a drizzle of hot sauce. Alternatively, toss them into breakfast burritos or alongside avocado toast to add a tasty crunch element.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes Recipe, let them cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, they will stay good for up to 3 days while retaining most of their crispness.
Freezing
These potatoes freeze well too. Spread the cooked, cooled potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer to freezer bags or containers. When you want to enjoy them, reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer for best results.
Reheating
To revive the crispy texture, avoid the microwave if possible. Instead, reheat in your air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes, shaking halfway through. This method brings back that fresh-out-of-the-air-fryer crunch you love.
FAQs
Can I use other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! While Yukon golds are ideal for their balance of creaminess and crispness, russets or red potatoes work well too. Just keep the cubes roughly the same size to maintain even cooking and texture.
Do I need to soak the potatoes before air frying?
Soaking isn’t necessary for this Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes Recipe because the olive oil and seasoning help achieve great crispiness. However, if you want extra crunch, soaking can remove excess starch.
Can I add other spices?
Feel free to customize your seasoning blend. Adding herbs like rosemary or thyme, or spices like cayenne pepper can add exciting twists to the flavor without complicating the recipe.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe comfortably serves four people as a side dish. You can easily scale the ingredients to accommodate more or fewer servings.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Since the potatoes store and reheat so well, they’re perfect for prepping ahead of busy mornings. You can cook a big batch and enjoy crispy breakfast potatoes throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes Recipe a try soon. It’s one of those simple yet incredibly satisfying dishes that quickly become a staple. The crispy, seasoned potatoes make breakfast feel special without any fuss, and the air fryer helps you get there faster and cleaner. Trust me, once you taste them, you’ll wonder how you ever started your day without them!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast Side Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes are a quick and easy side dish made with Yukon gold potatoes seasoned with garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a blend of spices. Air frying these potatoes results in a perfectly crispy exterior and tender interior, ideal for a delicious breakfast or brunch addition.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 1 1/2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, washed and diced into 1/2 inch cubes
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F and let it preheat for 5 minutes to ensure the potatoes get crispy as soon as they are placed inside.
- Prepare the Potatoes: While the air fryer is preheating, wash and dry the Yukon gold potatoes thoroughly. Dice them into 1/2-inch cubes for even cooking and optimal crispiness.
- Season the Potatoes: Place the diced potatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over them. Toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated with oil and spices.
- Air Fry the Potatoes: Transfer the seasoned potatoes into the air fryer basket, spreading in a single even layer. Avoid overcrowding to guarantee crisp edges; cook in batches if necessary.
- Cook and Toss: Air fry the potatoes for 20 minutes. Pause 2-3 times during cooking to toss and shake the basket for even cooking and browning. The potatoes should be fork-tender with crispy, golden edges when done.
- Optional Extra Crisp: If available, use the air broil function on your air fryer to broil the potatoes for 2-3 minutes, shaking as needed for even crisping. Otherwise, increase the temperature to 450°F and broil in the same manner.
- Serve: Remove the potatoes from the air fryer. Top with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot for a delicious crispy breakfast treat.
Notes
- For best results, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to maintain crispiness.
- Yukon gold potatoes work well due to their creamy texture and ability to crisp up nicely, but russets can also be used.
- Adjust seasoning quantities to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Using the broil function is optional but enhances extra crispiness.
- Leftover potatoes can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.

