Air Fryer Lemon Herb Potatoes

These easy Air Fryer Lemon Herb Potatoes come out fluffy and tender on the inside with a perfectly crispy skin. Ready in only 15 minutes, they are bursting with fresh garlic and herb flavors that brighten up any meal. This recipe is a quick and satisfying side that can easily elevate your weeknight dinners or weekend get togethers.

I first made these potatoes when I forgot to defrost a side dish for dinner. They saved the meal and became an instant family favorite. Now everyone asks for them alongside our grilled meats or roasted veggies.

Ingredients

• Gold baby potatoes: 1 and a half pounds washed and halved fresh potatoes are ideal for fluffiness and crisp skin
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons which helps the potatoes crisp while adding a fruity richness
• Unsalted butter: 1 tablespoon melted adds a hint of creaminess and depth to the flavor
• Fresh garlic: 3 fresh garlic cloves minced these infuse the potatoes with savory aroma and taste
• Fresh thyme: 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves roughly chopped thyme lends an earthy herbal note that pairs beautifully with lemon
• Kosher salt: Half a teaspoon kosher salt enhances all the flavors naturally use coarse salt for better seasoning control
• Ground black pepper: Quarter teaspoon ground black pepper adds subtle heat and complexity
• Lemon juice: Juice of half a lemon the brightness cuts through the richness and brightens the dish
• Fresh parsley: 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley or dried parsley for garnish and a fresh pop of color and flavor

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics and Coat the Potatoes:

Gather your halved potatoes in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, chopped thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure every potato piece is evenly coated with the flavorful mixture. The butter and oil help achieve that perfect crisp while infusing the herbs and garlic deep into the potatoes.

Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:

Optionally, line the bottom of your air fryer basket with aluminum foil to make cleanup quick and easy. Spread the coated potatoes evenly in a single layer inside the basket. This allows even cooking and prevents them from steaming instead of roasting.

Set Temperature and Cook:

Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the potatoes for about 12 to 15 minutes. Halfway through cooking, shake the basket gently to turn the potatoes so they crisp evenly on all sides. Check with a fork for tenderness as you near the end of cooking.

Add Lemon and Parsley:

When the potatoes are cooked through and crispy on the outside, immediately toss them with the juice of half a lemon and sprinkle over the chopped fresh parsley. Stir well to coat each potato with the bright lemon flavor and fresh herb finish.

Season and Serve:

Taste your potatoes and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of hot, crispy potatoes with bright citrus and aromatic herbs.

My favorite ingredient in this recipe has to be the fresh thyme. It adds a woodsy aroma that perfectly balances the brightness from the lemon. I remember making this for a family picnic on a warm spring day. Everyone loved the contrast of crispy potatoes with fresh herbs and lemon—it became the highlight of our meal and a recipe we still reach for when we want something comforting yet vibrant.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crisp skin instead of microwaving, which can make them soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap gold baby potatoes for red potatoes or fingerlings but avoid starchy russets since they can become too soft. Fresh rosemary works well if you don’t have thyme. Use garlic powder in a pinch but fresh garlic really makes a flavor difference.

Serving Suggestions

These potatoes are a natural side for grilled chicken or steak. Toss some extra parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for a festive touch. They also shine alongside roasted vegetables or a crisp salad.

These Air Fryer Lemon Herb Potatoes are a quick, flavorful side that pairs well with many mains. Serve immediately for the crispiest results.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of potatoes work best?

Small gold baby potatoes hold their shape well and become tender while crisping nicely in the air fryer.

→ Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Yes, dried thyme and parsley can be used, but fresh herbs provide a brighter flavor and aroma.

→ Is it necessary to toss the potatoes during cooking?

Shaking the basket halfway ensures even crisping and prevents potatoes from sticking together.

→ Can I adjust the cooking time?

Cooking time may vary slightly with potato size, but 12 to 15 minutes at 400°F typically yields tender results.

→ How can I make cleanup easier?

Lining the air fryer basket with foil simplifies cleanup without impacting the crisp texture.

→ What can I serve these potatoes with?

They pair well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.