Air Fryer Tinned Potatoes

Can you put tinned potatoes in the air fryer?

Tinned potatoes are brilliant in the air fryer because they’re already peeled and cooked, so you’re really just looking to get them lovely and crispy on the outside. Drain them well, pat them dry, season and air fry at 200°C for around 15 minutes. Give the basket a shake halfway through for even crispiness.

Do you need to cook tinned potatoes before air frying?

No. Tinned potatoes are already cooked, so there’s no need to boil them first. Simply drain, pat dry, season and put them straight into the air fryer. That’s what makes this such an easy potato hack when you don’t want to peel and chop fresh potatoes.

Are canned potatoes the same as tinned potatoes?

Yes. Canned potatoes and tinned potatoes are essentially the same thing – the name just depends on where you are. In the UK, we’d usually call them tinned potatoes, while canned potatoes is more commonly used elsewhere. Either way, they work brilliantly in the air fryer.

Do you have to peel tinned potatoes?

Nope! That’s one of the reasons I love using tinned potatoes. They’re already peeled and cooked, so there’s absolutely no peeling, chopping or boiling needed. Just drain them, pat them dry and get them seasoned.

Why use flour on air fryer potatoes?

A little flour helps give the potatoes a lovely crisp coating as they cook. You don’t need loads – just 1 tablespoon is enough for two cans of potatoes. Make sure you toss everything together really well so the potatoes are evenly coated before they go into the air fryer.

What seasoning can I use for tinned potatoes?

You can change the seasoning depending on what you’re serving them with. I’ve used paprika, dried rosemary and dried thyme here, but garlic granules, onion granules, smoked paprika, mixed herbs or a little chilli powder would all work really well.

Can you make air fryer tinned potatoes without oil?

Yes, you can, although I find a light spray of oil helps the potatoes become more golden and crispy. You only need a small amount, so don’t go mad with it.

Can you use any type of tinned potatoes?

Yes, although I usually go for whole peeled tinned potatoes. You can use smaller or larger potatoes, but bear in mind that the size will affect how quickly they crisp up. If they’re particularly large, you can cut them in half before seasoning.

Can I make these air fryer potatoes ahead of time?

They’re best served straight from the air fryer when they’re at their crispiest. If you do have leftovers, keep them refrigerated and reheat them in the air fryer until piping hot and crisp again.

What can I serve with air fryer tinned potatoes?

These crispy potatoes are a great side for pretty much anything. Serve them alongside sausages, burgers, chicken, steak or a roast, or load them up with garlic butter and fresh parsley and eat them on their own.

Can I add garlic butter to tinned potatoes?

Yes – and this is one of my favourite ways to serve them. Mix softened butter with fresh parsley and minced garlic, then toss the hot crispy potatoes through it just before serving. The garlic butter melts into all those crispy edges and is absolutely unreal.

Why aren’t my tinned potatoes crispy?

Usually, it comes down to moisture. If the potatoes are still wet after draining, they’ll steam rather than crisp up. Pat them dry really well before adding the flour and seasoning, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and give them a shake halfway through cooking.

How many tins of potatoes do I need?

This recipe uses two cans of peeled potatoes. If you’re cooking for more people, you can increase the quantities, but try not to overcrowd your air fryer. You may need to cook them in batches so the hot air can circulate properly.