Oh my gosh, you have to try these air fryer classic cheesy potatoes with garlic herb! They’re my go-to side dish when I want something crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor without all the fuss. I swear, the first time I made these, my husband kept sneaking bites straight from the air fryer basket – that’s how addictive they are. The garlic herb seasoning gives them this amazing aroma that fills your whole kitchen, and the cheese… oh, the cheese melts into little pockets of gooey perfection. Best part? You’re just 20 minutes away from potato heaven.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Classic Cheesy Potatoes with a Garlic Herb
Here’s what you’ll need for those crispy, cheesy bites of joy (measurements matter, folks!):
- 4 medium potatoes, diced into ½-inch cubes (Yukon Gold or russet work great)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (the good stuff for extra crispiness!)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (not garlic salt—trust me on this)
- 1 tsp dried herbs (I’m partial to rosemary, but thyme or oregano rock too)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste after cooking if you’re nervous)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked if you’re fancy)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, packed (or go wild and mix cheeses!)
Pro tip: Dice those potatoes evenly—nobody wants a mix of mushy and crunchy bits!
How to Make Air Fryer Classic Cheesy Potatoes with a Garlic Herb
Okay, let’s get these golden, cheesy beauties going! I promise it’s easier than you think – just follow these simple steps and you’ll be snacking straight from the air fryer basket in no time.
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
First things first – grab those potatoes and dice them into nice, even ½-inch cubes. This is KEY – uneven pieces mean some will be overcooked while others stay raw in the middle (been there, cried over that). Toss them in a big bowl with the olive oil, garlic powder, herbs, salt and pepper until every single cube is coated. I like to use my hands for this – gets everything evenly distributed and feels kinda therapeutic!
Step 2: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat that air fryer to 400°F – don’t skip this! Hot start = crispy outsides. Spread your potatoes in a single layer (crowding is the enemy of crispiness). Cook for 15 minutes, but here’s the magic trick – shake that basket like a Polaroid picture at the 7-8 minute mark! This ensures every side gets golden and delicious.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Finish
Now for the best part – sprinkle that shredded cheddar evenly over the potatoes (I always add extra, no shame). Cook for just 2-3 more minutes until the cheese melts into gooey perfection. Watch closely – cheese goes from melted to burnt real quick! You’ll know they’re done when the potatoes are fork-tender and the cheese is bubbling happily.
Pro tip: Let them sit for a minute before serving – that cheese is lava-hot straight out of the fryer!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Cheesy Potatoes
Seriously, what’s not to love? Here’s why these potatoes are always on repeat in my kitchen:
- Crazy quick – From fridge to table in under 30 minutes (even my teenager can make them!)
- Totally customizable – Swap cheeses, add bacon, go spicy – make them your own
- That perfect crunch – Crispy outside, fluffy inside (without deep frying!)
- Kid-approved magic – Picky eaters? Never met these cheesy potatoes
Go ahead, try not to eat the whole batch yourself. I dare you.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Classic Cheesy Potatoes
Want restaurant-quality results every time? Here are my hard-earned secrets:
- Uniform dicing is key – I use a ruler the first few times until my eye gets trained (about ½-inch works magic)
- Season aggressively – Potatoes soak up flavors, so taste before adding cheese and adjust
- Cheese variations rule – Mix cheddar with mozzarella for stretch or parmesan for nuttiness (sometimes I do all three!)
- Dry potatoes = crispier results – Pat them dry after washing for extra crunch
Oh! And always preheat – it makes all the difference!
Ingredient Substitutions
No cheddar? No problem! Here are my favorite easy swaps that still deliver on flavor:
- Cheese: Swap in Parmesan, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a kick (just avoid pre-shredded – it doesn’t melt as nicely)
- Herbs: Use 1 tbsp fresh instead of dried (rosemary stems removed, please!)
- Oil: Avocado or grapeseed oil work great – just avoid butter (burns too fast!)
Remember: The best recipes are the ones you can make with what you’ve got!
Serving Suggestions
These cheesy potatoes steal the show next to juicy grilled chicken or piled on a burger (trust me, try it!). For lighter meals, they’re magic with a crisp garden salad – the hot/cold combo is everything. Sunday brunch? Add a fried egg on top!
Storing and Reheating
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store cooled potatoes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes – they’ll crisp right back up! Microwave works in a pinch, but they won’t stay as crispy.
Air Fryer Classic Cheesy Potatoes Nutrition
Nutrition varies based on ingredients, but here’s the scoop per serving (based on my recipe!):
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 28g
- Protein: 6g
Go easy on the salt if you’re watching sodium – the cheese brings plenty of flavor already!
FAQs About Air Fryer Cheesy Potatoes
Can I use frozen potatoes? Absolutely! Just toss them straight from the freezer – no thawing needed. You might need an extra 2-3 minutes of cook time. I love keeping a bag of frozen diced potatoes for last-minute cravings.
How do I prevent sticking? That preheat step is crucial! Also, give your basket a quick spray with oil first. If potatoes still stick, wait a minute – they’ll release as they crisp up. No metal utensils though – they’ll scratch your basket!
Best cheese melt tips? Shred your own cheese – the pre-shredded stuff has anti-caking agents that make melting weird. And don’t walk away when the cheese is in – it goes from golden to burnt in seconds!
Why aren’t my potatoes crispy? Probably overcrowding! Cook in batches if needed. And pat those potatoes dry before seasoning – moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
Print
Air Fryer Classic Cheesy Potatoes in 20 Minutes – Irresistible
- Total Time: 28 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make crispy and cheesy potatoes in your air fryer with garlic herb seasoning for a quick and tasty side dish.
Ingredients
- 4 medium potatoes, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried herbs (such as rosemary or thyme)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss diced potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, dried herbs, salt, and black pepper.
- Place potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the potatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until melted.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Cut potatoes evenly for uniform cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add extra cheese if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American