1. Prepare the Potatoes:
- Wash and Peel: Wash the potatoes thoroughly. Peel them if desired, or leave the skins on for extra texture and nutrients.
- Cut into Shapes: Slice each potato into rounds or wedges. For a Christmas tree shape, you can use a small Christmas tree-shaped cookie cutter or freehand the shape with a knife. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
2. Season the Potatoes:
- Toss with Oil and Seasonings: In a large bowl, toss the potato shapes with olive oil, garlic powder, dried rosemary, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
3. Air Fry the Potatoes:
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Arrange in Basket: Place the potato shapes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even crispiness. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and tender inside.
4. Serve:
- Garnish: Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and place them on a serving plate. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and optional shredded cheese or Parmesan if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve warm as a fun and festive side dish or appetizer.
Tips for Perfection:
- Uniform Slices: Cutting the potatoes into uniform shapes ensures even cooking. If using a cookie cutter, try to cut the shapes as uniformly as possible.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure there is space between the potato pieces in the air fryer basket to allow hot air to circulate and crisp them up.
- Check Doneness: Potatoes can vary in size, so check for doneness by piercing with a fork. They should be tender inside and crispy outside.
Variations:
- Cheesy Trees: Sprinkle shredded cheese or Parmesan on top of the potatoes during the last few minutes of cooking for a cheesy twist.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, basil, or oregano to vary the flavor profile.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
These Air Fryer Christmas Tree Potatoes add a festive touch to your holiday meals with their fun shape and delicious flavor. They’re a hit with both kids and adults and make a perfect addition to any holiday spread. Enjoy the holiday season with this creative and tasty side dish!