Mexican Potatoes are crisp and tender with bold Southwestern seasonings, like chili powder and cumin. Perfect to serve on their own with a dollop of sour cream, lime cream or yogurt. This easy air fryer recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make, and is perfect to add a pop of delicious Tex-Mex flavor to the table!
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Why we love this Mexican Potatoes?
We try to prepare balanced dinners that include a main protein with one or two sides... These are usually some sort of hearty starch/carb and veggie. Although the entree is technically the star, that doesn't mean side dishes should be an afterthought. This air fryer Mexican potatoes recipe is a great example of a delicious side that truly shines!
It is quick and easy to make with minimal prep and basic pantry ingredients. The tender chunks of red potatoes are tossed in olive oil and a simple but vibrant chili powder spice blend.
And then, the best part: The perfectly seasoned Mexican potatoes air fry golden and crisp in only 20 minutes. That's half the timing as it takes to prepare oven baked potatoes.
Start to finish this crowd-pleasing side dish - or appetizer! - is ready to serve as part of your tasty Tex-Mex meals in under 30 minutes. It's sure to be everyone's favorite starchy side for a flavorful and satisfying weeknight dinner!
Tip: It is easy to double or triple the recipe to feed a large family dinner or weekly meal prep. Increase the ingredients as needed and air fry in batches. Don't overcrowd the basket!
*More easy and delicious side dish recipes for you to try:
- Air Fryer Brussel Sprouts
- How to Make Mexican Rice
- Quick and Easy Oven Roasted Asparagus
- Air Fryer Salmon Steaks
Ingredients you will need
Red Potatoes: These hearty variety of spuds are great to air fry because the skin is best left on. This makes them stand up well to the high heat so the pieces get nice and crispy.
Olive Oil: Use high quality oil for the best overall flavor and potatoes that aren't greasy.
Spices: This Mexican potato recipe includes a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, chili powder, oregano, salt and pepper. See the complete recipe below for exact measurements.
Parmesan Cheese: Shredded parmesan becomes lightly crisp in the air fryer. It melts just a bit, and adds a delicious salty flavor.
How to make Mexican potatoes in air fryer?
- Pre-heat the air fryer at 400°F (default preheating time is 3 minutes for the model I own). However, this is an optional step, you may choose to skip preheating.
- Place cut potatoes in a mixing bowl. drizzle oil and toss to coat well.
- Season with potatoes with chili powder, smoked, paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, grated parmesan, salt and freshly ground pepper.
Toss everything together to combine well.
- Place the tossed potatoes in an air fryer basket a single layer.
Air fry the potatoes for 18-20 minutes (flipping once in between), until golden and crisp from out and tender within.
Expert Tips
- Scrub the potatoes well to remove any dirt. The skins are left on for the best texture, so you want to be sure they are completely clean.
- Why leave the skin on? Because they are good and good for you! Red potato skins are nutritious and tasty - win win.
- Pat dry the potatoes before tossing them in the oil. This ensures they will come out crisp and not soggy.
- Cut the potato pieces equal size so they cook evenly.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket! If the seasoned potatoes touch they won't get crisp. Work in batches if necessary.
- Use other types of potatoes, if you like. Yukon gold, fingerlings, and russet are all good options!
FAQs
Yes, you can! Like my Rosemary Roasted Potatoes recipe, spread the Mexican seasoned potatoes on a parchment lined baking sheet and roast in preheated oven at 400°F for 30-40 minutes. Toss the potatoes halfway through cooking.
No, there is no need to soak the potatoes first. The air fryer cooks the cubes perfectly crisp and tender without any soaking!
Serving Ideas
Serve these air fryer Mexican potatoes with your favorite meats, like grilled or roasted steak, salmon or chicken. They also are great for a hearty side with burritos, taquitos, tacos, enchiladas... Basically any of your favorite Tex-Mex main dishes!
They are delish with flavorful sauces and dips. Try the potatoes as a snack or appetizer with guacamole, lime crema, chipotle mayo, sour cream, salsa or pico de gallo for dipping.
And I love the air fried potatoes for breakfast! Pair with an omelette or scrambled eggs, breakfast sausages or ground beef, and a side of fresh fruit.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
To store leftovers: Cool the potatoes and store in a sealed container. They will keep well for up 5 days in the refrigerator.
To reheat from the fridge: Pop them in the air fryer at 380F for 8-10 minutes or until they are warm through and crisp from out.
Freezing: I haven't yet, but, you can certainly try! Transfer the cooled potatoes to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Store in the freezer for up to 4 months.
To reheat from frozen: You can reheat frozen in air fryer at 380F for few minutes until crisp.
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📖 Recipe
Mexican Potatoes Recipe (Air Fryer)
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds Red Potatoes (washed and quartered )
- 1½ tablespoons Olive Oil (or neutral oil of choice)
- 2 teaspoons Chili Powder (increase or decrease as required)
- ½ teaspoon Smoked Paprika (or regular paprika)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Coriander
- ½ teaspoon Dried Oregano
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon Freshly Ground Pepper
Instructions
- Pre-heat the air fryer at 400°F (default preheating time is 3 minutes for the model I own). However, this is an optional step, you may choose to skip preheating.
- Place cut potatoes in a mixing bowl. drizzle oil and toss to coat well.
- Season with potatoes with chilli powder, smoked, paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, grated parmesan, salt and freshly ground pepper. Toss everything together to combine well.
- Place the tossed potatoes in an air fryer basket a single layer. Air fry the potatoes for 18-20 minutes (flipping once in between), until golden and crisp from out and tender within.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve, enjoy!
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