Fast Crispy Air Fryer Canned Potatoes Recipe

These air fryer canned potatoes make the best roast potatoes with zero effort. Super easy, and budget-friendly, and the potatoes come out incredibly crispy. You will be surprised how something from a cheap tin can rival traditional roast potatoes.

Check out my quick recipe video below to see these crispy air fryer canned potatoes in action. If you find this helpful, please like and subscribe for more easy air fryer recipes. I post new budget-friendly cooking shortcuts every week!

Fastes Air Fryer Roast Potatoes

Canned potatoes are pretty damn handy. They sit in your cupboard for ages without going bad. They’re cheap as chips – like a dollar a can. Throw them in the air fryer and they get super crispy in about 20 minutes.

No peeling, no preboiling, no waiting around. Just open the can, season, and cook. That’s it. Works when you need something quick and can’t be bothered with the whole potato prep nonsense.

Ingredients

For this super simple roast potato recipe, you’ll need minimal ingredients:

• 1 can of potatoes (approximately 400g/15oz), drained
• 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder or granules
• 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (optional)

Top Tip: While whole canned potatoes work best, you can also use sliced canned potatoes if that’s what you have on hand. They’ll crisp up even faster!

Equipment Needed

One of the joys of this recipe is that it requires very little equipment:

I make these canned potatoes in my Ninja air fryer – it’s the one I’ve had for about two years now, and it never disappoints. The potatoes get super crispy, and it’s big enough to fit a whole can without crowding. Check it out below if you need a good one!

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• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Colander (for draining)
• Measuring spoons (though eyeballing amounts works fine too!)

This makes it a relatively light side dish that pairs well with almost any main course.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let me walk you through just how easy this roasted potatoes recipe is.

Preparation

Before you start cooking, there are a few quick prep steps to take care of.

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for about 3-5 minutes.

Step 2: Open your can of potatoes and pour them into a colander. Rinse them under cold water briefly, then let them drain thoroughly.

Note: Removing excess moisture is key to getting crispy results. I sometimes pat the potatoes with a paper towel to get them extra dry.

Step 3: Transfer the drained potatoes to a mixing bowl.

Seasoning Your Potatoes

I just like to use this super simple seasoning, but you can use any seasoning you like.

Step 4: Drizzle the oil over your potatoes. You don’t need much – just enough to lightly coat them.

Step 5: Add a teaspoon of garlic powder and a teaspoon of rosemary to the potatoes.

Step 6: Season with salt (and pepper if using).

Step 7: Gently toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.

Top Tip: Sometimes canned potatoes already include salt in the canning liquid, so check the label before seasoning. If they do contain added salt, go easy with additional salt to avoid making them too salty. You can always add more at the end if needed.

Air Frying

Now it’s time to let your air fryer work its magic.

Step 8: Pour the seasoned potatoes into your air fryer basket, arranging them in a single layer if possible.

Did You Know? Spacing the potatoes out allows the hot air to circulate better, resulting in more even crisping. If you need to stack them, just give the basket a shake halfway through cooking.

Step 9: Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for about 20 minutes.

Step 10: Around the 10-minute mark, open the air fryer and give the basket a good shake to ensure even browning.

Step 11: Continue cooking until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Note: Every air fryer model is slightly different, so cooking times may vary. Keep an eye on your potatoes the first time you make this recipe to find the perfect timing for your particular air fryer.

Related Recipe: If you’re looking for more ways to use your air fryer with minimal effort, check out my Crispiest Air Fryer Baked Potatoes hack here.

Why Canned Potatoes Work So Well for Roasting

There are several reasons canned potatoes are perfect for air frying:

They’re Already Cooked

Canned potatoes are pre-cooked during the canning process, which gives them a significant head start. While raw potatoes might take 45+ minutes to cook through and crisp up, canned potatoes only need to develop a crispy exterior since the inside is already perfectly cooked.

I remember the first time I made these, I was genuinely surprised at how quickly they were ready. I was planning to use the cooking time to prepare the rest of dinner, but the potatoes were done before I’d even started!

Perfect Size and Consistency

Most canned potatoes come in a uniform size, which means they cook evenly. Their texture is also ideal – they hold their shape well but have the perfect moisture content for crisping.

Convenience Factor

Let’s be honest – sometimes peeling and chopping potatoes feels like a chore. Having a can in the pantry means you can have roast-style potatoes even when you’re short on time or fresh ingredients.

Flavor Variations

While the basic garlic and rosemary version is delicious, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe:

Herb and Spice Alternatives

The seasonings can be easily swapped based on what you have or what you’re serving these with:

• Italian-style: Use Italian herb blend instead of rosemary
• Smoky: Add paprika and a pinch of cayenne for heat
• Ranch-style: Use dried dill, parsley, and onion powder
• Greek-inspired: Try oregano and lemon zest

Add-Ins

For extra flavor, try adding these after air frying:

• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh herbs
• A squeeze of lemon juice
• Crispy bacon bits

Top Tip: If adding cheese, sprinkle it on during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking so it melts slightly without burning.

I’ve found these potatoes are substantial enough to serve as an appetizer with dips when I have unexpected guests – they always disappear quickly!

Storage and Reheating

If you somehow end up with leftovers (rare in my house), here’s how to handle them:

Storing

• Allow potatoes to cool completely
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days

Reheating

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F)
Step 2: Place leftover potatoes in the basket
Step 3: Air fry for 3-5 minutes until heated through and crispy again

Note: These potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, but reheating in the air fryer rather than the microwave helps maintain some of that crispiness.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes to Try

If you enjoyed these fast and crispy air fryer canned potatoes, here are some other budget-friendly recipes to try:

• CRISPY Air Fryer Chicken Thighs – dark meat chicken with skin that gets super crunchy. The fat renders out, leaving you with juicy meat and crispy skin.
• Crispy Air Fryer Potato Wedges – fresh potatoes cut into wedges with a mix of spices. They come out with a nice golden exterior and soft middle.
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Strips – homemade chicken tenders coated in seasoned breadcrumbs. They turn out crunchier than fast food versions and cost way less.

All of these make good weeknight dinners when you want something quick but tasty.