Air Fryer Potato Pancakes: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Potato pancakes are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that can be cooked in an air fryer. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and can be loaded with cheese, bacon, and green onions for a savoury flavour. They can also be made sweet with apple sauce. This versatile dish can be served as a side or main and is perfect for using up leftover mashed potatoes. You can also use grated or ground potatoes, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. The exact cooking time may vary, but generally, they are cooked for about 10 minutes at 380°F, or 350°F for 4-5 minutes, and are flipped halfway through.

Potato pancake ingredients

Potato pancakes are a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main course. They can be made from either raw or cooked potatoes, and there are many possible ingredients that can be used to make them. Here is a list of some essential and optional ingredients for potato pancakes:

Essential Ingredients:

• Potatoes: The star of the dish! Russet potatoes are a popular choice due to their high starch content, but other types such as Yukon Gold or Katahdin can also be used. Grate or mash the potatoes to create the base of your pancakes.
• Eggs: Eggs act as a binding agent, helping to hold the potato cakes together. They also add moisture to the mixture.
• Flour: Use all-purpose flour to thicken the potato mixture. Gluten-free flour can also be used as a substitute.
• Salt: Potatoes soak up salt, so don't be shy with it! Salt enhances the flavour and helps bring out the taste of the other ingredients.

Optional Ingredients:

• Onion: Finely grate or chop an onion to add flavour and texture to your potato pancakes. Green onions or scallions are a popular choice.
• Seasonings: Black pepper, garlic powder, paprika (smoked or regular), and nutmeg can be added to taste.
• Toppings: Sour cream, applesauce, chives, and smoked salmon are all delicious toppings or sides to serve with your potato pancakes.

Remember, the beauty of potato pancakes is that you can customise them to your liking. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and toppings to find your perfect combination!

How to make the potato mixture

To make the potato mixture, you can use either raw or leftover cooked potatoes. If using raw potatoes, peel and shred or grate them, then place them in a kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. If your potatoes are already cooked, simply mash them. You can also add in some shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, and crumbled, cooked bacon for extra flavor.

Next, add in your other ingredients. You will need some form of binder, such as egg or flour (or both), and you can season with salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, and oregano. If you are using egg, you can also add in chopped green onions for some color and extra flavor. If your mixture is too runny, add more flour. If you are using mashed potatoes, you may need to add more flour to help the mixture hold together.

If you are using raw potatoes, you can mix all the ingredients in a food processor to get a smooth texture. If you are using mashed potatoes, simply stir everything together in a bowl until well combined. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Once your mixture is ready, you can start forming it into patties. Use a large cookie scoop or spoon to scoop out a chunk of the mixture, then form it into a ball and flatten it to about 1/2-3/4" thickness. If you are using mashed potatoes, you can bread the pancakes by sprinkling them with Panko for a crispy texture.

Cooking temperature and time

The cooking temperature and time for potato pancakes in an air fryer depend on the ingredients used and personal preferences for texture and crispiness. For example, the type of potato used can affect cooking time, with mashed potatoes requiring less cooking time than grated potatoes.

Most recipes recommend cooking potato pancakes at temperatures between 350 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. For instance, one source suggests preheating the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit, while another recommends setting the temperature to 380 degrees Fahrenheit.

The cooking time can vary depending on the air fryer, the thickness of the potato pancakes, and the desired level of crispiness. Some recipes suggest cooking potato pancakes for a total of 8 to 10 minutes at 380 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping them halfway through. Others recommend cooking for 4 to 5 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, flipping, and then cooking for an additional 4 to 5 minutes.

For thicker potato pancakes, longer cooking times may be necessary. One source recommends cooking potato pancakes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 minutes on one side, flipping them, and then cooking for an additional 10 minutes.

It is important to note that overcrowding the air fryer basket should be avoided as it can impact the cooking time and evenness of the results. It is also crucial to flip the potato pancakes carefully, as they tend to be delicate.

Flipping the potato pancakes

When using an air fryer, it is important to not overcrowd the basket. This is because you will need enough space to flip the potato pancakes halfway through the cooking process. Flipping them allows for even cooking and browning on both sides, ensuring a crispy texture.

The cooking time for potato pancakes in an air fryer is generally around 10 minutes at 380°F, flipping them halfway through. However, some recipes suggest cooking them for 4-5 minutes on each side, for a total of 8-10 minutes. This shorter cooking time may be more suitable for thinner pancakes or those made with mashed potatoes, as they may cook faster and not require as much time in the air fryer.

For thicker potato pancakes, a longer cooking time may be necessary. One recipe suggests preheating the air fryer to 400°F and cooking the pancakes for 15 minutes on one side, then flipping them and cooking for an additional 10 minutes or until fully cooked. This longer cooking time ensures that the inside of the pancakes is cooked through while achieving a crispy exterior.

It is important to note that the exact cooking time and temperature may vary depending on your air fryer and the thickness of your potato pancakes. Therefore, it is always a good idea to keep an eye on them while cooking and adjust the time and temperature as needed.

Potato pancake toppings

Potato pancakes are a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of toppings and sides. Here are some ideas for toppings to elevate your potato pancakes:

Sour Cream and Applesauce

The cool, creamy tang of sour cream is a classic pairing with potato pancakes. It adds a delicious richness and a nice contrast to the crispy texture of the pancakes. You can serve a dollop of sour cream on the side or spread it on top. For an extra touch, mix in some chopped scallions or chives for added flavour and a pop of colour.

Applesauce is another traditional topping for potato pancakes, especially when paired with sour cream. It provides a sweet and tangy contrast to the savoury pancakes. You can serve the applesauce on the side or drizzle it over the top.

Green Onions and Herbs

Fresh, chopped green onions are a great way to add a mild onion flavour and a vibrant garnish to your potato pancakes. You can mix them into the sour cream or sprinkle them directly on top. Other fresh herbs like parsley or dill can also be used to add a bright, herby flavour.

Meat and Fish

For a heartier option, top your potato pancakes with shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or ham bits. Smoked salmon is another delicious option, especially when paired with sour cream and capers for a brunch-style dish. If you're feeling adventurous, try barbecued duck, quail, or chicken on top of your pancakes for a unique flavour combination.

Spices and Seasonings

A simple way to enhance the flavour of your potato pancakes is to add some spices and seasonings. Everything bagel spice, smoked paprika, and oregano are all great options to add a punch of flavour. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also enhance the other toppings and the pancake itself.

Other Creative Toppings

For a unique twist, try topping your potato pancakes with ricotta cheese and orange marmalade, or honey and pomegranate arils. If you're a fan of savoury and creamy flavours, cream cheese and lox with capers and pickled red onions is a delicious combination. For a more international flair, try a Southeast Asian-inspired topping like whitefish salad and smoked Gulf fish spread, or go for a Polish-inspired mushroom sauce with onions, veggie broth, and parsley.

Frequently asked questions