These air fryer fingerling potatoes are crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy inside. They pair perfectly with a bright green herb tahini sauce for an easy, healthy, gluten-free side that’s quick to prepare and sure to please family and guests.
I’m officially a potato person — I could eat them every day. Air frying fingerling potatoes is my go-to because they finish extra crispy in just 20–25 minutes. A simple herb tahini dressing transforms them from basic to memorable, adding creaminess, acidity and healthy fats. Serve them alongside proteins, add them to bowls, or enjoy cold from the fridge as a snack.
Ingredients Needed
All you need are simple, fresh ingredients:
- Fingerling potatoes (kipfler potatoes)
- Olive oil
- Tahini
- Lemon juice
- Fresh mint
- Parsley or coriander (cilantro)
- Garlic cloves + garlic powder
- Salt + pepper
What are fingerling potatoes?
Fingerling potatoes, sometimes called kipfler potatoes, are small, elongated tubers roughly the size of a finger. They have thin skins that don’t require peeling, and their flesh is buttery and mild. Because of their size and texture, they roast quickly and crisp beautifully in an air fryer. You can roast them whole or halved depending on how large they are and how crispy you prefer the cut surface.
How to make the best air fryer fingerling potatoes
Air frying fingerlings is fast and fuss-free. You only need basic kitchen tools: a knife, a bowl and a blender or food processor for the sauce.
1. Wash the fingerling potatoes and slice each in half lengthwise. Trim away any dark spots.
2. In a large bowl toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper so they’re evenly coated.
3. Place the potatoes in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 180°C (360°F) for 15–18 minutes, or until the cut sides are golden and crisp and the insides are tender.
4. While the potatoes cook, make the herb tahini sauce. Combine tahini, lemon juice, mint, parsley or cilantro, garlic cloves, water, salt and pepper in a blender or small food processor. Blend until smooth, adding more water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your preferred consistency. This makes a generous amount of sauce perfect for drizzling and dipping.
5. Arrange the cooked potatoes on a platter, drizzle with the tahini sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and extra black pepper if desired. Serve additional sauce on the side for dipping.
What to serve with this side dish
These potatoes pair well with a range of proteins and vegetables. Because they provide complex carbohydrates and the sauce supplies healthy fats, balance the plate with non-starchy vegetables and a quality protein. Ideas:
- Grilled steak, chicken or salmon; garlic-sautéed prawns also work beautifully.
- Plant-based proteins like air-fried tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian meal.
- Add them to a hearty salad or grain bowl for texture and flavor.
- Serve alongside burgers, wraps or sandwiches with a simple green salad.
FAQS
Why use the air fryer?
An air fryer circulates hot air to crisp food without submerging it in oil, giving you a fried texture with far less grease. It also shortens cooking time compared with conventional roasting.
Is air frying healthy?
Air frying is a healthier alternative to deep-frying because it uses far less oil, which reduces calories and fat while still delivering a satisfying crispness.
Storage Tips
These potatoes are best served immediately for maximum crunch. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
To reheat and restore some crispness, warm them in the air fryer at 180°C (360°F) for 1–2 minutes. Microwaving will heat them but soften the exterior, so it’s not ideal if you want them crisp.
Ingredients
Fingerling Potatoes:
- 500g (about 1.1 lbs) fingerling (kipfler) potatoes, halved lengthwise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Herb Tahini Sauce:
- ½ cup tahini
- ½ cup packed mint leaves
- ½ cup packed parsley or cilantro leaves
- Juice of 1–2 lemons
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ cup water (adjust to desired consistency)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and halve the fingerling potatoes lengthwise. Discard any blemishes.
- Toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a large bowl so they’re evenly coated.
- Arrange the potatoes cut-side down in the air fryer basket and cook at 180°C (360°F) for 15–18 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- While the potatoes cook, blend all tahini sauce ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth. Add water a little at a time to reach your preferred consistency.
- Plate the potatoes, drizzle with herb tahini sauce, and garnish with sesame seeds and extra black pepper if desired. Serve remaining sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Air-fried fingerling potatoes are at their best when served fresh and hot.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (360°F) for 1–2 minutes to restore crispness; microwaving will leave them softer.
Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes with Herb Tahini
Total time: 25 minutes • Serves 4
If you try this recipe or have a question, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out — I love hearing how you customize it.