I’ll be honest—purple potatoes weren’t always on my radar. I grabbed them on a whim at a local farmers market in California, mostly because… well, they were purple. And I’m a sucker for colorful food. That same night, I tossed them into my air fryer, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best.

Spoiler alert: I’ve been making air fryer purple potatoes ever since.

If you love crispy potatoes but hate babysitting a skillet or deep fryer, this one’s for you. I’ll walk you through exactly how I make them, what I’ve messed up along the way (FYI—there were a few fails 😅), and the little tweaks that turn these from “pretty good” into dangerously addictive.

---

Why Purple Potatoes Deserve Way More Hype

Ever wondered why purple potatoes taste richer than regular ones? It’s not just in your head.

Purple potatoes pack:

• A naturally creamy interior
• Slightly nutty, earthy flavor
• More antioxidants than white or yellow potatoes
• Lower glycemic index, which means fewer sugar spikes

IMO, they feel like a fancy restaurant side dish that somehow wandered into your kitchen.

And when you toss them into an air fryer? Oh yeah—crispy outside, buttery inside, no oil bath required.

---

Why I Always Use an Air Fryer for Purple Potatoes

I’ve roasted them. I’ve pan-fried them. I’ve even microwaved them once (don’t ask). Nothing beats the air fryer.

Here’s why:

• Even crisping without burning
• Less oil, same crunch
• Faster cook time
• Minimal cleanup (a personal win)

If you don’t own an air fryer yet, I use the Ninja AF101 Air Fryer (4 Quart). It’s the one that finally convinced me air fryers aren’t just hype.
👉 https://amzn.to/3YPw4ul

For bigger families, the COSORI Air Fryer Max XL (5.8 Quart) works like a champ too.
👉 https://amzn.to/4a3FZ5M

---

Save

Ingredients I Use Every Single Time

Nothing fancy here—just solid basics that let the potatoes shine.

You’ll Need:

• Purple potatoes (small to medium work best)
• Olive oil (or avocado oil if you like higher heat)
• Sea salt
• Fresh cracked black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika (trust me on this one)

That’s it. No weird fillers. No “secret sauce” nonsense.

---

How I Prep Purple Potatoes (Don’t Skip This)

Step 1: Wash Like You Mean It

Purple potatoes grow in dirt. A lot of dirt. I scrub them thoroughly but never peel them. The skin adds texture and holds flavor.

Step 2: Cut for Even Cooking

I slice them into:

• ½-inch rounds or
• bite-sized wedges

Consistency matters. Uneven pieces cook unevenly—ask me how I learned that :/

---

My Foolproof Air Fryer Method

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F
   Yes, preheating matters. Cold air fryer = sad potatoes.
2. Toss potatoes with oil and seasoning
   I use about 1 tablespoon oil per pound. Enough to coat, not drown.
3. Arrange in a single layer
   Crowding kills crispiness. Cook in batches if needed.
4. Air fry for 15 minutes, shake basket
   This step wakes everything up.
5. Cook another 8–10 minutes
   Look for deep purple edges and golden crisp spots.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning immediately
   Salt sticks best when hot.

Boom. Done.

---

How I Get Them Extra Crispy (My Real-Life Tips)

These tips come from trial, error, and mild potato-related heartbreak.

• Dry potatoes completely before seasoning
• Use avocado oil for higher heat
• Don’t overcrowd the basket
• Shake, don’t stir
• Finish with flaky salt, not table salt

If you want restaurant-level crunch, a light mist from an EVO Oil Sprayer works wonders.
👉 https://amzn.to/49w2Wyt

---

Flavor Variations I Rotate Through

I love the classic version, but sometimes I switch it up.

Garlic Parmesan

• Add grated parmesan during last 2 minutes
• Finish with parsley

Southwest Style

• Smoked paprika
• Cumin
• Chili powder

Rosemary Lemon

• Fresh rosemary
• Lemon zest after cooking

Ever tried purple potatoes with lemon? Game changer.

---

What to Serve With Air Fryer Purple Potatoes

These potatoes play nice with almost anything.

My go-to pairings:

• Grilled chicken or steak
• Air fryer salmon
• Veggie bowls
• Breakfast eggs (seriously)

They even survive leftovers—rare for potatoes.

---

Common Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To)

Let’s save you some frustration.

• Using too much oil → soggy mess
• Skipping preheat → uneven texture
• Cutting too thick → raw centers
• Not seasoning enough → bland sadness

Potatoes want confidence. Season them like you mean it.

---

Storage & Reheating (Yes, They Reheat Well)

I store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

To reheat:

• Air fryer at 375°F for 4–5 minutes
• Skip the microwave unless you enjoy disappointment

---

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

I’ve tested dozens of potato recipes, but this one sticks. It’s:

• Fast
• Reliable
• Healthy-ish
• Visually stunning

Plus, purple potatoes always get compliments. People notice them. And yes, that matters 🙂

---

Final Thoughts (From One Potato Lover to Another)

If you’ve never tried air fryer purple potatoes, this is your sign. They’re crispy, colorful, and stupidly easy once you get the hang of it.

Make them once, tweak the seasoning to your taste, and suddenly they’re part of your weekly routine. That’s exactly how it happened for me.

If you try them, don’t be surprised if regular potatoes start feeling… boring.