Why You Will Absolutely Love These Five Genius Potato Snacks

Who doesn't love a good potato? From crispy fries to creamy casseroles, this versatile vegetable is a staple in kitchens around the world. And guess what? The month of February gives us not one, but two reasons to celebrate our favorite spud: National Potato Month and National Snack Food Month!

On the Select Bites Blog, we're taking the celebration to the next level by showing you how to whip up five fantastic potato dishes using the magic of your TRU Air Fryer (available in 4-quart, 6-quart, and 8-quart). Get ready to enjoy healthier, crisper, and incredibly delicious potato snacks and meals that will make your taste buds sing!

Why the TRU Air Fryer?

The TRU Air Fryer is the ultimate kitchen companion for these celebrations. It uses hot air circulation to give you that irresistible crispy texture with significantly less oil than traditional frying. That means you can enjoy your favorite potato snacks guilt-free!

Let's dive into our five potato-tastic recipes:

Note: The following recipes are formulated to yield the correct portion sizes for the TRU 8-Quart Air Fryer. If you are using a smaller model, please adjust quantities accordingly to avoid overcrowding. 

1. London Potatoes

These elegant and flavorful potatoes are surprisingly simple to make in your air fryer. With their tender interior and beautifully browned exterior, they're perfect for a special dinner or a fancy snack.

These potatoes need space for the hot air to circulate around each half to get that "roasted" texture.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs baby potatoes, halved

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp dried rosemary

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, toss the halved baby potatoes with olive oil, dried rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.

2. Preheat your TRU Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.

3. Place the seasoned potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

4. Air fry for 18-22 minutes, shaking the basket every 5-7 minutes, until the potatoes are tender inside and crispy golden brown outside.

5. Serve hot and enjoy!

2. Cheesy Potatoes

Comfort food at its finest! This cheesy potato dish is gooey, savory, and incredibly satisfying. The air fryer helps create a delightful crust while keeping the inside perfectly creamy.

Ingredients:

• 3 large potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold), peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or another melting cheese)

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives (for garnish, optional)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Steam or boil the diced potatoes until just tender, about 10-15 minutes. Drain well.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the cooked potatoes, melted butter, milk, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is combined and the cheese starts to melt slightly from the residual heat of the potatoes.

3. Spoon the potato mixture into an air fryer safe container (7 or 8 inch round or square pan will do), spreading it evenly. Then place the dish into the air fryer basket.

4. Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.

5. Garnish with fresh chives, if desired, and serve immediately.

3. Homemade Potato Chips

Forget the store-bought bags! Making your own potato chips in the TRU Air Fryer is a game-changer. You control the seasoning, and the result is a perfectly crispy, light, and addictive snack.

Ingredients:

• 2 large Russet potatoes, very thinly sliced (use a mandoline for best results)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)

• Optional seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or your favorite chip seasoning

Instructions:

1. Slice potatoes as thin as possible (about 1/16-inch). Place the slices in a large bowl of ice water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This helps with crispiness.

2. Drain the potato slices very well and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for crispiness.

3. In a bowl, toss the dried potato slices with olive oil and salt (and any other desired seasonings).

4. Preheat your TRU Air Fryer to 325°F (160°C).

5. Arrange potato slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; you will need to cook in multiple batches.

6. Air fry for 12-18 minutes, flipping and checking every 4-5 minutes, until the chips are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them, as they can burn quickly once they start to brown.

7. Remove from the air fryer and let cool on a wire rack (they will crisp up further as they cool). Repeat with remaining batches.

8. Serve as a delicious homemade snack!

4. Tater Tot Casserole

A nostalgic favorite gets an air-fried twist! This casserole is a hearty and delicious meal that's easy to prepare. The air fryer ensures those tater tots on top are golden and crisp, just the way they should be.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb frozen tater tots

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey, cooked and drained

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

• 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots blend (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, milk, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, peas and carrots (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.

2. Preheat your TRU Air Fryer to 375°F (190°C).

3. Grease an air fryer-safe baking dish that fits inside your air fryer basket (e.g., a small ceramic or glass dish, or an aluminum foil pan).

4. Spread the beef mixture evenly into the prepared dish.

5. Arrange the frozen tater tots in a single layer over the beef mixture.

6. Carefully place the dish into the air fryer basket.

7. Air fry for 20-25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is bubbling.

8. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the tater tots and continue to air fry until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

9. Remove carefully and let stand for a few minutes before serving.

5. Loaded French Fries (Parmesan Garlic, Truffle Salt, Cajun Style)

French fries are the quintessential snack food, and with your TRU Air Fryer, they're better than ever. We're not stopping there – we're loading them up with three incredible flavor profiles!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb frozen french fries (your favorite cut)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)

• Salt to taste

For Parmesan Garlic Fries:

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

For Truffle Salt Fries:

• 1/2 tsp truffle salt (or to taste)

• 1 tsp chopped fresh chives (optional)

For Cajun Style Fries:

• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (or to taste)

• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your TRU Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C).

2. If desired, toss the frozen fries with 1 tbsp olive oil and a pinch of salt.

3. Place the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.

4. Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until the fries are golden brown and crispy.

5. Once cooked, divide the fries into three separate bowls for flavoring.

To make Parmesan Garlic Fries:

• Toss one portion of hot fries with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

To make Truffle Salt Fries:

• Toss one portion of hot fries with truffle salt and chives (if using). Serve immediately.

To make Cajun Style Fries:

• Toss one portion of hot fries with Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper (if using). Serve immediately.

There you have it – five amazing ways to celebrate both National Potato Month and National Snack Food Month with your TRU Air Fryer! From quick snacks to satisfying sides, these recipes prove that the humble potato is anything but boring.

So, grab your TRU Air Fryer, head to the kitchen, and get ready to enjoy some truly spectacular potato creations. Happy snacking and happy potato month! 

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FAQs

Can I use different types of potatoes for the chips? 

While Russet potatoes are the standard for chips due to their high starch content, you can use Yukon Gold for a creamier flavor. Just make sure you slice them very thin to get that signature crunch in the air fryer.

What is the best way to prevent the potatoes from sticking to the basket? 

A light coating of oil on the potatoes usually prevents sticking, but you can also lightly spray the basket. Avoid using aerosol sprays that contain soy lecithin, as they can damage the coating of your kitchen appliance over time.

How do I make sure the tater tot casserole is cooked through? 

Since the beef is pre-cooked, you are mainly looking for the soup mixture to bubble and the tots to brown. Using a shallow dish in your TRU Air Fryer helps the heat distribute more evenly through the center.

Do I need to soak the potatoes for every recipe? 

Soaking is most important for fries and chips because it removes excess starch. For the London potatoes or the casserole, you can skip the soaking step and still achieve excellent results in your home kitchen.