Get perfectly crispy and flavorful potatoes every time with this easy air fryer greek potatoes recipe. They're seasoned with a balanced blend of herbs and fresh lemon juice to create a mouth-watering side dish that will transport you to the sunny beaches of Greece. Make this as a side for busy weeknights or any time you're craving quick and easy comfort food.
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Ever since I got my air fryer I can't stop using it. Making potatoes that are crispy and packed with flavor is so easy. I've made these greek lemon potatoes a couple of times. I found that adding more lemon juice and double coating them half way through air frying gives the BEST and most bold flavors. If you've made any of my recipes you know that bold flavor is my thing. This recipe is so simple and the air fryer does all the work. It's perfect for busy weeknight dinners and they're healthy too!
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love Air Fryer Greek Potatoes
- What Are Greek Potatoes?
- History of Greek Potatoes
- Reasons to Make Greek Potatoes in The Air Fryer
- Is This Air Fryer Recipe Healthy?
- Ingredients
- The Best Potatoes for Air Fryer Greek Lemon Potatoes
- How They're Made
- Tips and Tricks
- How to Prevent Soggy Greek Potatoes
- Ways To Serve Air Fryer Greek Potatoes
- Must Try Variations
- Storing
- Other Sides You'll Love
- The Best Air Fryer Greek Potatoes
Why You'll Love Air Fryer Greek Potatoes
Crispy and flavorful: Air frying gives the potatoes a crispy texture on the outside while keeping them tender and fluffy on the inside. Each bite of these crispy potatoes is packed with flavor. We use lemon juice from one large lemon with oregano, garlic powder, and olive oil. The potatoes are soaked in the sauce then air fried then soaked again before they're finished. This ensures the best tangy flavor inside and out.
Healthier than deep-fried potatoes: Greek potatoes typically aren't fried, they're baked, but if you've never had crispy greek potatoes you're missing out. Air frying requires no oil which reduces the fat and calorie content of the dish. There's a little oil used for flavor but not nearly as much as it would take to deep fry the potatoes and get that nice crispy texture.
Easy to make: Air frying is simple and convenient because the air fryer does everything for you. You can set the air fryer and forget it before moving on to the next step while you prepare the rest of your meal.
Versatile: Air fried Greek potatoes can be served as a side dish with a variety of main courses, from grilled meats to vegetarian dishes. They also make a great snack or appetizer.
Gluten-free and vegan: If you are following a gluten-free or vegan diet, air fried Greek potatoes are a great option since they are naturally gluten-free and can be made without animal products.
What Are Greek Potatoes?
Greek potatoes are a popular dish in Greek cuisine. One thing that Greek potatoes are known for is their flavor. They are typically seasoned with a mixture of dried oregano, garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice, giving them a tangy and savory flavor. They're typically oven baked and known for being crispy on the outside while soft and fluffy on the inside. Some variations may also include other herbs and spices, such as rosemary or thyme. Greek potatoes are easy to make and a popular side dish for a variety of meals.
History of Greek Potatoes
It wasn't until the 19th century that potatoes became a staple food in Greece, particularly in rural areas where they were a cheap and easy source of nutrition. Potatoes were often boiled or roasted and served with olive oil and lemon juice, which are still common ingredients used in Greek potato dishes today. The use of oregano, garlic, and lemon juice in Greek potatoes is believed to have been influenced by Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine, which have been an integral part of Greek culinary history.
These ingredients were added to enhance the flavor of the potatoes and to create a unique taste that is now associated with Greek cuisine. Today, Greek potatoes are a popular dish in Greece and around the world, with many variations and interpretations of the recipe. Whether they are roasted in the oven, cooked on the stovetop, or made in an air fryer, Greek potatoes are a delicious and versatile side dish that has become a beloved part of Greek cuisine.
Reasons to Make Greek Potatoes in The Air Fryer
Crispy texture: Using an air fryer gives the potatoes a crispy exterior that is similar to deep-frying, but with much less oil. The hot air circulates around the potatoes, ensuring even browning and a crunchy texture. When baking in the oven, you won't get the same crisp on all sides of the potatoes.
Quick and easy: Air frying is a fast and convenient cooking method that requires minimal prep time. Plus, the air fryer does all the work for you. Just give it a little shake here and there and you've got crispy and d delicious Greek potatoes on the table in just a few minutes.
Versatile: Air fryer Greek potatoes are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of meals, from grilled meats to vegetarian dishes. You can serve them as they are or dress them up by adding feta cheese, or sun-dried tomatoes to impress your guests. They are also perfect as a healthy snack or appetizer.
Less mess: Air frying is a clean and easy cooking method that eliminates the need for scraping the burnt pieces from baking dishes. The air fryer basket is easy to clean and can be placed in the dishwasher for even more convenience.
Is This Air Fryer Recipe Healthy?
This air fryer Greek lemon potatoes recipe is generally considered healthy. Potatoes are a good source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. These nutrients are important for maintaining overall health and well-being. This airfryer greek potatoes recipe doesn't use an overwhelming amount of olive oil and no chicken bouillon cubes. Less oil means less calories and not using bouillon can help with regulating the salt content in the dish.
Ingredients
1lb yukon gold potatoes chopped or cut into potato wedges - I find that yellow potatoes have great flavor and the perfect color for greek potatoes. All the greek potatoes I've had have been this rich golden color which is partly due to the type of potato you use. We will get more into potato substitutes later on.
2 tablespoons olive oil - Be sure to use a high quality olive oil for the best flavor. I used extra virgin olive oil for this recipe.
1 lemon squeezed - Make sure to choose a lemon that's firm but a slightly tender to the touch to ensure you've got enough lemon juice
Zest from 1 lemon - For added flavor and to enhance the lemon even more
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - For added flavor, fresh garlic can be substituted
1 teaspoon dried oregano - A staple ingredient in greek potatoes.
salt and pepper to taste - To enhance the other ingredients
fresh parsley for garnish - fresh oregano, thyme, or rosemary can be substituted
The Best Potatoes for Air Fryer Greek Lemon Potatoes
Yukon Gold: This is my first recommendation and it's what we used in this recipe. These potatoes have a slightly buttery flavor and a creamy texture, making them a great choice for authentic greek lemon potatoes. They also have a nice golden color to them which only enhances as they cook. They're also big enough so you can cut them into wedges, quarter them, or even slice them into french fries for this recipe if you wanted to.
Red potatoes: Red potatoes are another good option for air frying the greek potatoes. They hold their shape well and have a slightly sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients. These aren't typically used but would be ok for this recipe.
Fingerling potatoes: Fingerling potatoes are small and narrow, making them a great option for air frying. This potato is also commonly used in greek potatoes. They have a slightly nutty flavor and a firm texture that holds up well after cooking.
Baby potatoes: Baby potatoes are another good option for air frying because they are small and cook quickly. They have a tender texture and a mild flavor that makes for a great greek roasted baby potatoes recipe.
Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes have a higher starch content than Yukon Gold potatoes, which can make them a little fluffier and perfect for this recipe. Especially when seasoned with the right herbs and spices in this recipe.
How They're Made
Step 1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
Step 2. In a large bowl, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add the potatoes and stir until they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
Step 3. Add the seasoned potatoes to the air fryer basket. Make sure the potatoes are in a single layer with some space between them for even cooking if possible.
Step 4. Air fry the potatoes for 10 minutes being sure to shake at the 5 minute mark. After ten minutes remove the potatoes from the air fryer basket and place back into the bowl to soak up the rest of the lemon, oil, herb marinade. Stir until the potatoes are coated in the seasoning and there is very little to none remaining.
Step 5. Place the greek potatoes back into the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees for an additional 7-10 minutes or until they are crispy and golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside. Shake the basket half way through to ensure even browning.
Step 6. Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish. Top with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice (optional). Serve immediately.
Tips and Tricks
Be sure to wash the potatoes before cutting. This will prevent any extra dirt and grime from interfering with the flavor of the greek potatoes.
Cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
For extra crispy greek potatoes, let the potatoes soak in cold water for at least an hour. This can help remove excess starch and prevent them from getting too soggy or sticking together during the cooking process.
Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Make sure to leave some space between the potato pieces if you can to ensure that they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides. Sometimes it's worth it to cook in multiple batches to allow air flow all around the potatoes and ensure a crispier finish.
Shake the basket. To ensure even browning. Don't forget to shake the basket when instructed in the recipe to get the best results.
Use fresh lemon juice. Squeezing fresh lemon juice over the cooked potatoes adds a bright and tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients. Pre-packaged lemon juice will not give you the same vibrant flavor.
How to Prevent Soggy Greek Potatoes
Use the right type of potato: Choose a firm and starchy potato like yukon gold or baby gold potatoes. These hold up well in the air fryer and become crispy with ease.
Cut the potatoes into even-sized pieces: This ensures that the potatoes cook evenly and get crispy on all sides. If some potatoes are cut bigger the the rest, they will require a longer cooking time while the smaller pieces will be done.
Dry the potatoes well: Pat the potato pieces dry of any excess moisture with paper towels. Moisture on the surface of the potatoes can cause them to become soggy in the air fryer.
Use a little oil: A light coating of oil will help the potatoes become crispy. However, avoid using too much oil, as it can cause the potatoes to become greasy. To prevent this, be sure to measure all ingredients instead of eyeballing them.
Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket: Leave some space between the potato pieces in the air fryer basket to ensure that they cook evenly and get crispy on all sides. Cook in multiple batches if you need to.
Shake the basket: To ensure even browning, shake the air fryer basket once or twice during cooking. This will move the potatoes around ensuring they receive air flow to become crispy.
Cook mediterranean style potatoes at a high temperature: The crispy lemon potatoes recipe is cooked at a high temperature of 400 degrees. High heat will crisp the potatoes nicely while a lower heat will result in soggier potatoes. This is why it's important to let the air fryer preheat for 5 minutes.
Ways To Serve Air Fryer Greek Potatoes
As a side dish: The air fryer greek potatoes are the perfect side dish for grilled or roasted pork chops, chicken, or fish.
In a salad: Add the cooled potatoes to a green salad, along with some feta cheese, olives, and a lemon vinaigrette for a delicious Greek salad inspired with Mediterranean flavor.
With tzatziki: Serve the potatoes with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping for a cooler, refreshing greek flavors
With grilled vegetables: Pair the potatoes with grilled or roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, eggplant, and zucchini.
As loaded greek fries: Instead of chopping the potatoes roughly slice them into fries instead. Top them with feta cheese, sundried tomatoes, sliced olives, fresh herbs, and your favorite greek seasoning blend.
In a pita sandwich: Stuff warm lemony potatoes into a pita with sliced grilled chicken, tzatziki sauce, and fresh veggies for a tasty and satisfying sandwich.
Must Try Variations
Spicy Greek Potatoes: Add some heat to your potatoes by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. You can even serve with your favorite hot sauce for added flavor and heat.
Parmesan Greek Potatoes: After air frying the potatoes, sprinkle them with grated parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a cheesy twist on classic Greek potatoes.
Greek Sweet Potato Fries: Substitute regular potatoes with sweet potatoes. Then season with Greek seasoning mix before air frying for a delicious and healthier alternative.
Greek-style Wedges: Cut potatoes into wedges to make air fryer greek potato wedges instead of cubes. Toss with Greek seasoning mix before air frying for a fun, tasty twist on classic Greek potatoes.
Loaded Greek Potatoes: Top potatoes with crumbled feta cheese, tomatoes, sliced olives, and fresh herbs for a loaded version.
Air fryer greek chicken and potatoes: Turn this into an entire meal by adding chopped chicken breast. Toss in the lemon herb sauce with the potatoes and cook.
Storing
If you have leftover air fryer greek potatoes, you can store them in the refrigerator to enjoy later. Before doing so, let the potatoes cool down to room temperature. Place the potatoes in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store for up to 3-4 days.
You can reheat the air fryer lemon potatoes in the air fryer again or use a conventional oven. To reheat in the air fryer, preheat it to 375°F and air fry the potatoes for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. To reheat in the oven, preheat it to 375°F and place the potatoes on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Reheating the potatoes may cause them to become slightly less crispy, but they will still be delicious!
Other Sides You'll Love
Instant Pot German Potato Salad
Air Fryer Broccoli and Cauliflower
The Best Air Fryer Greek Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 lb yellow potatoes chopped into equal sizes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon squeezed
- Zest from 1 lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add the potatoes and stir until they are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Add the seasoned potatoes to the air fryer basket. Make sure the potatoes are in a single layer with some space between them for even cooking if possible.
- Air fry the potatoes for 10 minutes being sure to shake at the 5 minute mark. After ten minutes remove the potatoes from the air fryer basket and place back into the bowl to soak up the rest of the lemon, oil, herb marinade. Stir until the potatoes are coated in the seasoning and there is very little to none remaining.
- Place the greek potatoes back into the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees for an additional 7-10 minutes or until they are crispy and golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside. Shake the basket half way through to ensure even browning.
- Once the potatoes are done, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving dish. Top with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice (optional). Serve immediately.
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