To reheat boiled potatoes in an air fryer, set the temperature to 180°C (350°F) and cook for 5-8 minutes until heated through and crispy. This method revives leftover potatoes better than microwaving, giving them a delightful texture while retaining moisture. Whether you’ve got leftover Sunday roast potatoes or meal-prepped spuds, your air fryer can transform them into something special.
Air fryers circulate hot air rapidly, which is ideal for reheating boiled potatoes without making them soggy. Unlike microwaves that can leave potatoes rubbery, or ovens that take too long, air fryers deliver crispiness in minutes. The high heat reactivates the starches, creating a slightly crunchy exterior while keeping the interior fluffy. It’s also energy-efficient compared to reheating in a conventional oven. For more tips on perfect air fryer cooking, check out our air fryer conversion chart.
Another advantage is portion control – you can reheat just what you need rather than a whole tray. This makes it perfect for solo meals or when you’ve got different family members eating at various times. The quick cooking time means you can have hot, delicious potatoes ready faster than preheating an oven. Discover more quick meal solutions in our potato recipes collection.
Start by patting your boiled potatoes dry with kitchen paper – excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness. If your potatoes are large, consider cutting them into smaller, even-sized pieces for consistent reheating. A light coating of oil (about ½ teaspoon per serving) helps achieve golden results. For extra flavour, sprinkle with herbs or spices before air frying. This preparation takes just minutes but makes all the difference in texture.
First, preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) for about 3 minutes – this ensures even cooking from the start. Arrange the potatoes in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between them for air circulation. Cook for 5 minutes, then shake the basket or flip the potatoes for even browning. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy to your liking. The total time will depend on your air fryer model and potato size.
For refrigerated potatoes, you might need an extra minute or two as they start colder. If reheating frozen boiled potatoes, don’t thaw them first – just add a couple more minutes to the cooking time. Always check that the centre reaches at least 75°C (165°F) for food safety. For more air fryer safety tips, visit our cleaning and maintenance guide.
While 180°C (350°F) works well for most reheated boiled potatoes, you can adjust based on your preferences. For extra crispiness, try 190°C (375°F) for a shorter time. If your potatoes are particularly delicate or you’re worried about drying, 170°C (340°F) might be better. Many modern air fryers have a reheat function that automatically sets the ideal temperature. Experiment to find what works best with your particular model and potato type.
Don’t overcrowd the basket – this is the most common mistake when reheating boiled potatoes in an air fryer. Work in batches if necessary to maintain proper air flow. If your potatoes were originally boiled with skins on, consider removing some of the skin before reheating for better texture. A sprinkle of cornflour before air frying can enhance crispiness without adding noticeable flavour. These small adjustments can elevate your reheated potatoes from good to great.
For variety, try tossing your potatoes with different seasonings before reheating – garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary work wonderfully. If you’re reheating potatoes that were previously roasted or fried, they’ll often come out even better than the first time. Leftover potatoes actually develop more flavour as they sit, making them ideal for creative reinvention in your air fryer. Explore more inspiration in our recipe section.
If your reheated boiled potatoes are drying out, try reducing the temperature and adding a spritz of oil. Potatoes sticking to the basket? A light coating of oil on the basket helps prevent this. For uneven cooking, make sure your potato pieces are similarly sized and shake the basket more frequently. Remember that different potato varieties (waxy vs floury) will behave differently when reheated, so adjust your approach accordingly.
