Air Fryer Potato Cakes: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Potato cakes are a delicious snack that can be cooked in an air fryer. They are easy to make and can be prepared with simple ingredients. You can use leftover mashed potatoes, or grate and boil potatoes, adding in a variety of seasonings and fillings of your choice. The patties are then cooked in the air fryer for a crispy, golden finish. This versatile dish can be made gluten-free and is perfect for a quick snack or side.

Potato cake ingredients

Potato cakes are a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. They can be made with a variety of ingredients to add flavour and texture. The basic ingredients include mashed potatoes, eggs, flour, and seasoning.

For the mashed potatoes, you can either boil and mash potatoes or use leftover mashed potatoes. If you are boiling potatoes, it is recommended to add salt to the water. The potatoes should be boiled until they are soft, which usually takes around 20 minutes or more. Once they are soft, drain the water and let the potatoes cool before mashing them.

The eggs act as a binder, helping to hold the mashed potato mixture together. They also add moisture and richness to the cakes. You can always add a bit more egg to the mixture if you feel that the cakes are not holding together well.

Flour is typically added to the mashed potato mixture to help absorb some of the moisture and create a thicker consistency. This can be substituted with gluten-free flour or panko for a crispier texture.

Seasoning is important to enhance the flavour of the potato cakes. Common seasonings include salt and pepper, but you can also add garlic powder, fresh or dried herbs (such as dill, chives, cilantro, basil, or parsley), and spices like cumin and coriander. You can also add flavour enhancers like grated cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, or green onions.

Air fryer temperature

Air fryer potato cakes are cooked at a range of temperatures, depending on the recipe and the type of air fryer being used.

Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer to 190°C or 375°F, and then cooking the potato cakes at the same temperature for 15 minutes, brushing with oil once. The temperature is then increased to 200°C or 390°F for 7-8 minutes, or until crispy.

Other recipes suggest cooking the potato cakes at 400°F for 8-9 minutes, flipping them over and adding more oil, and then cooking for another 6-7 minutes, or until browned and crispy.

It is important to note that the temperature and cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the size, brand, or model of the air fryer being used. For example, one recipe suggests preheating the air fryer to 400°F for 10 minutes, and then cooking the potato cakes for 12 minutes. Another recipe suggests cooking at 350°F for 2-3 minutes per side when reheating potato cakes.

It is also important to ensure that the potato cakes are not overcrowded in the air fryer, as this can affect the cooking time and temperature.

Potato cake cooking time

Potato cakes are a quick and easy snack that can be made in an air fryer. They are also a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. The cooking time for potato cakes in an air fryer depends on the recipe used and the desired level of crispness.

Some recipes call for the potato cakes to be cooked at a lower temperature, such as 350F, for a shorter amount of time, such as 3-4 minutes, to heat them without continuing to brown. Other recipes suggest cooking the potato cakes at a higher temperature of 400F for a longer period, such as 8-9 minutes, to achieve a golden brown and crispy exterior.

For those who prefer their potato cakes with a bit of spice, one recipe recommends coating them in peri peri or brushing them with a spice mix and oil before cooking. This recipe suggests cooking the potato cakes at 200C for 7-8 minutes, or until crisp.

Another recipe, which uses a combination of mashed and grated potatoes, suggests cooking the potato cakes at 375F/190C for 15 minutes, brushing with oil once, and then cooking at 200C/390F for an additional 7-8 minutes, or until crispy.

It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and model of the air fryer, as well as the thickness of the potato cakes. It is recommended to cook the potato cakes in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and to ensure even cooking.

Potato cake toppings

You can cook potato cakes in an air fryer—a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes! To make the potato cakes, you can add various ingredients to your mashed potatoes, such as eggs, flour, garlic powder, green onions, bacon bits, and cheese.

Once cooked, you can top your potato cakes with a variety of toppings. Here are some ideas:

• Sour cream and chives: For a classic, creamy, and savory topping, add a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle some freshly chopped chives on top.
• Ketchup: A squeeze of ketchup can add a sweet and tangy flavor to your potato cakes.
• Turkey and gravy: For a heartier option, top your potato cakes with some leftover turkey and a generous drizzle of gravy.
• Fried egg: For a breakfast-inspired topping, fry an egg to your desired doneness and place it on top of the potato cake. You can also serve the potato cakes as a base for eggs benedict.
• Ricotta whip: For a creamy and slightly sweet topping, try a ricotta whip.
• Spicy red tomato chutney: If you like a little kick, pair your potato cakes with a spicy red tomato chutney.
• Salmon or sardines: For a seafood twist, top your potato cakes with leftover cooked salmon or crushed sardines.

Potato cake storage

Potato cakes are a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes. If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge, where they should last for 3-4 days. This, however, depends on how old your mashed potatoes are to begin with. If they’re already a few days old, it is suggested to enjoy the potato cakes within a day or so.

You can also freeze potato cakes after they are prepared. Allow them to cool to room temperature, then freeze on a parchment-lined baking pan until frozen. Then, transfer the frozen cakes to a zip-top freezer bag for storage. Reheat the leftover mashed potato cakes from frozen in a 350-degree oven until warm.

When it comes to storing raw potatoes, it is important to consider factors like light, temperature, airflow, and the produce being stored near them. The best place to store potatoes at home is in a dark pantry or basement, if you have one. In these locations, potatoes will last for several months. Light will make the skin of potatoes turn green, and the green parts will taste bitter and are unsafe to eat. Temperature is also crucial; potatoes keep best between 45 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

If stored at too cool of a temperature (below 42 degrees Fahrenheit), the starch in potatoes will convert to sugar, negatively affecting their taste and cooking performance. On the other hand, if they're stored above 55 degrees Fahrenheit, potatoes will quickly dehydrate and may sprout. Potatoes should be stored in open containers like open paper bags, baskets, or sacks to ensure proper ventilation and prevent excess moisture. It is recommended to avoid airtight containers and sealed plastic bags, and never wash your potatoes before storing them, as this increases the risk of fungal or bacterial growth.

Frequently asked questions