Air-Fryer Latkes: How To Make Them Perfectly

Latkes are a traditional treat, often served during Hanukkah. These crispy fritters are usually fried in oil or chicken schmaltz, but can also be made in an air fryer. Air-fried latkes are healthier, less messy, and just as delicious as the traditional version. They are also a great option for those who observe Passover and want to avoid the smell of fryer oil lingering in their homes.

Air fryer latkes recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 to 4 russet potatoes, peeled
• 1 small yellow onion
• 1/4 cup panko crumbs
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• Chopped fresh chives, for garnish
• 2 large eggs
• Salt, to taste

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400˚F.
• Grate the potatoes and onion on the large holes of a box grater.
• Transfer the mixture to a kitchen towel, pull up the sides, and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
• Place the potato mixture in a large bowl.
• Add the eggs, panko crumbs, salt, and pepper to the bowl; stir until well combined.
• Grease the air fryer racks or basket with cooking spray.
• Drop the potato mixture in 2 to 3 tablespoon dollops into the air fryer, flattening the tops to make a patty.
• Do not crowd the air fryer – arrange the latkes in a single layer and cook in batches.
• Spray the tops with cooking spray.
• Cook in the air fryer for 8 minutes.
• Flip them over, grease with cooking spray, and continue to cook for 5 more minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
• Garnish with fresh chopped chives and serve with sour cream, apple sauce, or other toppings of your choice.

Tips:

• For gluten-free latkes, use GF panko.
• If you're short on time, use a food processor to speed up the grating process.
• To make the latkes extra crispy, save the liquid from the strained potatoes and allow it to sit for several minutes. Scrape the starchy juice into your latke batter.
• Make sure to space out the latkes in the air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• Feel free to add seasonings like garlic powder, seasoned salt, nutmeg, or cinnamon to your latkes.

How to make air fryer latkes

Air fryer latkes are a great way to make this popular dish without the mess and hassle of frying them in oil. The air fryer yields a crispy latke that can be served as an appetizer or a dinner side.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 Russet potatoes
• 1/2-1 medium yellow onion
• 2 tablespoons matzo meal (or plain breadcrumbs)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Olive oil, vegetable oil, or cooking spray
• Sour cream, applesauce, and chives, for serving

Method:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F.
• Grate the potatoes and onion. You can use a box grater or a food processor with a grating attachment.
• Place the grated vegetables in a colander and rinse with cold water. Then, transfer the mixture to a clean kitchen towel or several layers of cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
• Put the dried potatoes and onions in a large bowl. Add the matzo meal (or breadcrumbs), salt, and pepper. Whisk together an egg, and stir the mixture well to combine.
• Grease the air fryer racks or basket with cooking spray or oil.
• Drop the potato mixture in 2-3 tablespoon dollops into the air fryer, flattening the tops to form patties. Make sure not to crowd the air fryer and cook them in batches if needed.
• Spray the tops of the latkes with cooking spray or brush with oil.
• Air fry the latkes for 8 minutes. Then, flip them over and spray or brush with more oil or cooking spray.
• Continue air-frying for about 5-10 more minutes, or until the latkes are crispy and golden brown all over.
• Serve the latkes warm with sour cream, applesauce, chives, and any other desired toppings.

Tips:

• The key to crispy latkes is to remove as much moisture from the potatoes as possible.
• If you want to make a larger batch, you can speed up the process by using a food processor to grate the vegetables.
• For extra crispiness, save the liquid that you strain from the potatoes and let it sit for several minutes. The potato starch will settle at the bottom of the bowl. Scrape this starchy juice into your latke batter.
• Make sure to space out the latkes in the air fryer. If they are crowded, they may turn out mushy.
• This basic recipe can be modified with various seasonings, such as garlic powder, seasoned salt, nutmeg, or cinnamon.

Air fryer latkes toppings

Latkes are a delicious treat, especially when cooked in an air fryer. The toppings you choose for your latkes can make or break the taste, so it's important to select toppings that complement the flavours well. Here are some ideas for air fryer latke toppings:

Classic Toppings

A few classic toppings for latkes include sour cream and applesauce. These toppings are traditional and provide a great balance of sweetness and tanginess. The sour cream adds a creamy texture and a slight tang, while the applesauce brings a hint of sweetness and a touch of spice. Together, they create a perfect harmony of flavours that enhance the taste of the crispy latkes.

Savory Toppings

If you prefer savoury flavours, consider topping your latkes with smoked salmon, a slice of salmon roe, or even caviar for a luxurious touch. You can also add shredded cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, to the batter or sprinkle it on top of the hot latkes and let it melt. For a more subtle savoury note, try chopped fresh chives or green onions, which will add a mild onion flavour to your latkes.

Creative Toppings

Feel free to get creative with your toppings as well! You can add a variety of different vegetables to your latkes, such as shredded winter squash, zucchini, parsnips, or celery root. Experiment with different types of onions like leeks, shallots, or scallions for a unique flavour profile. If you're feeling adventurous, try topping your latkes with eggs, brisket, tomatoes, herbs, or microgreens.

Sweet Toppings

For those with a sweet tooth, there are options too! While the traditional applesauce provides a nice sweetness, you can also explore other sweet options. Try using cinnamon or nutmeg to add a warm, spicy sweetness to your latkes. You can also experiment with different types of sugar or honey to find the perfect level of sweetness.

Remember, the key to finding the perfect toppings for your air fryer latkes is to balance the flavours and textures. Don't be afraid to experiment and find combinations that suit your taste buds!

Air fryer latkes vs. traditional latkes

Latkes are a traditional food served during the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. They are crispy fritters, usually made with grated potatoes, onions, eggs, and matzo meal, and fried in oil. However, with the growing popularity of air fryers, many people are now opting to cook latkes in an air fryer instead of the traditional method. But how do air fryer latkes compare to traditional latkes?

Preparation

The preparation for air fryer latkes is very similar to traditional latkes. Both methods require grating the potatoes and onions, squeezing out the excess moisture, and mixing the ingredients together. The main difference comes in the cooking process itself.

Cooking

Traditional latkes are fried in oil, which can be messy and time-consuming. It also results in a stronger smell of oil in the house. In contrast, air fryer latkes are cooked in an air fryer, which uses hot air and a small amount of oil to crisp up the latkes. This method is less messy and produces similar results to traditional latkes.

Taste and Texture

Both air fryer and traditional latkes have a crispy exterior and a soft, steamy interior. The air fryer method may produce slightly less crispy results, but this can be mitigated by brushing the latkes with oil before cooking. Overall, there is not a significant difference in taste and texture between the two types of latkes.

Health

One advantage of air fryer latkes is that they use significantly less oil than traditional latkes, resulting in a lower calorie and fat content. This means you can enjoy more latkes without feeling as guilty!

Air fryer latkes are a great alternative to traditional latkes, offering similar taste and texture with less mess and fewer calories. Whether you are looking for a healthier option or simply want to try something new, air fryer latkes are definitely worth considering.

Storing and reheating air fryer latkes

Storing your air fryer latkes in an airtight container in the fridge will make them last for up to four to five days. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them. First, cook the latkes until they're almost crisp, then remove them from the air fryer to cool. Freeze the latkes in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet until they're frozen, then store them in a resealable plastic bag in the freezer for up to four months.

To reheat your latkes, simply pop them back in the air fryer for three to four minutes, or until they're thoroughly warmed through. You can also reheat them in the oven or in a pan on the stovetop.

Frequently asked questions