Irresistible Air Fryer Garlic Herb Potatoes Perfect for Christmas

Name: Irresistible Air Fryer Garlic Herb Potatoes Perfect for Christmas
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs (~700g) baby potatoes; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped; 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste

Posted on October 30, 2025

air fryer garlic herb potatoes - featured image

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Every Christmas, there’s always that one dish that steals the spotlight on the dinner table. For me, it’s the potatoes. Specifically, these crispy, golden Air Fryer Garlic and Herb Potatoes. The first time I made them, they were gone before the turkey even hit the plate. True story.

Here’s the thing about these potatoes: they’re ridiculously easy to make, but they taste like you spent hours perfecting them. The outside is perfectly crisp, the inside is fluffy and tender, and the garlic-herb seasoning? It’s magic. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple at every holiday meal (and probably every weeknight, too).

If you’re looking for a dish that’s festive, foolproof, and guaranteed to impress, this is it. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Okay, I could go on for hours about these potatoes, but let me break it down for you:

Crispy Perfection: The air fryer works its magic to create the crispiest edges without drowning them in oil. It’s like restaurant-quality roast potatoes, but better.
Quick and Easy: From prep to plate, these take just 25 minutes. Perfect for when you’ve got 10 other dishes to juggle on Christmas Day.
Garlic and Herb Heaven: The seasoning mix is bursting with flavor—fresh garlic, rosemary, thyme, and a hint of paprika. It’s festive and comforting all at once.
A Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves potatoes, but these are on another level. Even the pickiest eaters will be reaching for seconds.

Whether you’re hosting a big holiday dinner or just want to treat yourself, these potatoes are the perfect addition to your table.

What Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this recipe? The ingredients are simple and straightforward, but they work together like a dream. Here’s what you’ll need:

Baby potatoes (1.5 lbs / ~700g): I love using baby gold potatoes because they’re naturally creamy and roast up perfectly, but red potatoes work great too.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Opt for extra-virgin olive oil for a rich, robust flavor. You don’t need much thanks to the air fryer!
Garlic cloves (4, minced): Fresh garlic is non-negotiable here. Trust me, the flavor it adds is unbeatable.
Fresh rosemary (1 tbsp, chopped): Nothing says Christmas quite like the scent of fresh rosemary. You can use dried if that’s all you have—just cut the amount in half.
Fresh thyme (1 tsp, chopped): Adds a subtle earthiness that complements the garlic and rosemary beautifully.
Paprika (1 tsp): For a touch of smokiness and color.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Don’t skimp on the salt—it’s what brings all the flavors together.

Quick tip: If you’re doubling the recipe for a crowd, make sure to cook the potatoes in batches. Overcrowding the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need much to make these potatoes, and I bet you’ve already got most of this in your kitchen:

Air fryer: The hero of this recipe! Mine is a 5.8-quart model, which fits about 1.5 lbs of potatoes perfectly.
Mixing bowls: One large bowl to toss the potatoes with the seasoning. Bonus points if you use a bowl with a lid for easy shaking.
Chef’s knife: For chopping the garlic and herbs. A sharp knife makes a huge difference.
Cutting board: Any sturdy one will do—no need to get fancy here.
Tongs: For tossing and serving the potatoes. Keeps your hands clean and your presentation on point.

Pro tip: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can use a convection oven at 400°F (200°C). The potatoes won’t be quite as crispy, but they’ll still be delicious.

How to Make It: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have potato perfection in no time:

Prep the potatoes (5 minutes): Wash the baby potatoes and pat them dry. If they’re larger, cut them in half or quarters—aim for roughly equal-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Make the seasoning mix (2 minutes): In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
Toss the potatoes (2 minutes): Add the potatoes to the bowl and toss until they’re fully coated in the seasoning mix. I usually use tongs, but you can use your hands if you’re in a hurry.
Preheat the air fryer (2 minutes): Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for a couple of minutes. Trust me, preheating makes a big difference in crispiness.
Cook the potatoes (15 minutes): Place the potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer (don’t overcrowd!). Cook for 15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping. They should be golden brown and smell amazing.
Serve and enjoy (1 minute): Transfer the potatoes to a serving dish and garnish with a sprinkle of extra rosemary or thyme for a festive touch. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!

Quick tip: If you’re cooking in batches, keep the first batch warm in the oven at 200°F (95°C) while you finish the rest.

My Best Tips & Techniques

After making these more times than I can count, here are my top tips:

Don’t skip the preheating: It’s tempting to throw the potatoes in right away, but preheating ensures that crispy, golden crust we all love.
Shake it up: Shaking the basket halfway through cooking is essential for even crisping. Think of it as flipping fries, but way easier.
Fresh herbs are worth it: Dried herbs work in a pinch, but fresh rosemary and thyme take these potatoes to the next level. The aroma alone is worth it.
Double the recipe: Trust me, you’ll want to. These go fast, and leftovers are amazing with eggs the next morning.
Clean as you go: While the potatoes are cooking, wash your dishes. You’ll thank yourself later!

And my final tip? Make extra. Seriously, you’ll regret it if you don’t.

Ways to Mix It Up

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, here are some fun ways to change things up:

Cheesy Garlic Potatoes: Toss the cooked potatoes with freshly grated Parmesan and parsley right before serving. Extra indulgent and so good!
Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the seasoning mix for a zesty punch.
Lemon Herb Potatoes: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked potatoes and sprinkle with more herbs. Bright and tangy!
Loaded Potato Bites: Top the cooked potatoes with shredded cheddar, crispy bacon bits, and a dollop of sour cream. Basically mini loaded potatoes, no forks needed!
Herb Swaps: Experiment with other fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or even sage for a seasonal twist.

Feel free to get creative—these potatoes are a blank canvas for flavor!

Serving Ideas & Storage

Here’s how I love to serve and store these irresistible potatoes:

Serving Suggestions

Perfect side dish: Pair with roasted turkey, glazed ham, or your favorite holiday roast.
Breakfast hero: Serve alongside scrambled eggs and bacon for a festive breakfast treat.
Snack time: Dip them in sour cream or ranch for a quick and satisfying bite.

If you’re hosting, plate them on a large, festive platter and garnish with a sprig of fresh rosemary for that extra holiday wow factor.

Storage Tips

Room temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Best reheated in the air fryer for 5 minutes to crisp them back up.
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Warm them in the microwave for 30 seconds or toss them back in the air fryer.
Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes.

Pro tip: If they lose their crispiness, a quick toss in the air fryer will bring them back to life!

Nutritional Info & Health Benefits

Here’s why you can feel good about serving these potatoes:

Nutritional Info (per serving)
Calories:	160
Fat:	6g
Carbs:	24g
Protein:	3g
Fiber:	2g

Health Benefits:

Low oil content: Thanks to the air fryer, these potatoes are crispy without being greasy.
Natural ingredients: No processed stuff—just real garlic, herbs, and olive oil.
Holiday comfort food: Satisfying and indulgent, but not overly heavy.

Real talk: They’re potatoes, not kale. But as holiday indulgences go, this is a pretty solid choice!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, my Irresistible Crispy Air Fryer Garlic and Herb Christmas Potatoes. I genuinely hope they find a place on your holiday table this year. They’re festive, delicious, and so easy to make—what’s not to love?

Make them your own, pair them with your favorite dishes, and most importantly, enjoy the moments around the table. That’s what Christmas cooking is all about.

If you make these, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a comment below and let me know how they turned out. Or snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @yourhandle—I love seeing your creations!

Happy cooking, and Merry Christmas!

FAQs

Q: Can I use regular potatoes instead of baby potatoes?

A: Absolutely! Just cut them into chunks about the size of baby potatoes. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

A: Yes! Cook them as directed and reheat in the air fryer for 5 minutes before serving to crisp them back up.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh herbs?

A: Dried herbs work just fine. Use half the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

Q: How do I prevent overcrowding in the air fryer?

A: Cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding leads to uneven cooking, so it’s worth the extra time.

Q: Can I double this recipe?

A: Absolutely! Just make sure to cook in batches so the potatoes crisp up properly. Trust me, you’ll want extra!

Pin This Recipe!