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

Air fryer potato slices are a quick and easy snack or side dish that can be made in under 30 minutes. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the potato slices, the type of potatoes used, the air fryer used, and personal preference for crispiness. For example, thicker slices will take longer to cook, and waxy potatoes like red potatoes tend to take longer to cook than starchy potatoes like russets. Additionally, different brands of air fryers cook at different rates. As a result, the cooking time for potato slices in an air fryer can range from 10 to 18 minutes, with some recipes recommending cooking in 5-minute increments and checking for doneness along the way.

How to slice potatoes

There are several ways to slice potatoes, and the best method for you will depend on the equipment you have available. Here are some of the most common approaches:

• Mandoline: A mandoline is a kitchen tool specifically designed for slicing, and it can be used to quickly and easily slice potatoes to a uniform thickness. However, they can be dangerous and require careful handling to avoid injury.
• Vegetable Peeler: Using a vegetable peeler, or potato peeler, is a good alternative to a mandoline. It may be more time-consuming, but it can still produce thin, even slices.
• Cheese Planer: A cheese planer can also be used to slice potatoes. It works well for long vegetables and can be effective for potatoes, but it may not be a common tool in every kitchen.
• Sharp Knife: Using a thin, sharp knife allows for precise cutting and smooth slices. However, it's important to take your time and be careful to avoid accidental cuts.
• Food Processor: If you have a food processor with a slicing attachment, you can use it to slice potatoes. However, you may not have much control over the thickness of the slices.

Once you've sliced your potatoes, you can cook them in an air fryer for a delicious, crispy snack or side dish!

How to make sliced potatoes in the air fryer

Ingredients:

• 1-2 lbs of potatoes (russet or Yukon Gold)
• 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Other spices of your choice (e.g. dried parsley, rosemary, thyme, cumin, etc.)

Utensils:

• Air fryer
• Knife or mandolin slicer
• Large bowl
• Colander (optional)
• Paper towels (optional)
• Kitchen tongs (optional)

Method:

• Slice the potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes. Using a knife or a mandolin, slice the potatoes into even, 1/4-inch thick slices.
• Soak the potatoes (optional): Place the potato slices in a bowl of cold water and soak for 15-30 minutes. This step is optional but will help to remove some of the starch and make the potatoes crispier.
• Dry the potatoes: After soaking, drain the potatoes using a colander, then pat them dry with paper towels.
• Season the potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the potato slices with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and any other desired spices until they are evenly coated.
• Air fry the potatoes: Place the seasoned potato slices into the air fryer basket, making sure they are not directly on top of each other. For best results, arrange them in a single layer, with a little overlap being okay.
• Cook the potatoes: Set the air fryer to 380-400°F and cook the potatoes for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. For thicker slices, cook for 15-18 minutes. For thinner slices, cook for 10-12 minutes or less. The potatoes are done when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and soft and fluffy on the inside.
• Serve: Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips:

• For extra crispy potatoes, sprinkle a little cornstarch over the slices with the oil and seasonings.
• You can also add some Parmesan cheese when you flip the potatoes for extra flavor and crunch.
• If food tends to stick to your air fryer basket, spray it with non-stick cooking spray before adding the potatoes.
• To store leftovers, let the potatoes cool, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-5 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 380°F until crispy and heated through.

Variations:

• Cheesy potatoes: Top the potatoes with your favorite cheese, such as mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan.
• Loaded potatoes: Add bacon crumbles and spring onions to the cheesy potatoes.
• Seasoned potato slices: Use your favorite spice blend, such as Cajun or Suya, to create unique flavor profiles.

How long to cook sliced potatoes in the air fryer

The cooking time for sliced potatoes in an air fryer depends on several factors, including the thickness of the slices, the type of potato used, the size of the air fryer, and the desired level of crispiness. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you achieve the perfect air-fried potato slices.

Preparation:

First, select potatoes of similar size to ensure even cooking. Peel the potatoes and cut them into slices of your desired thickness. For best results, aim for a thickness between 1/4 inch and 1/3 inch. Soaking the potato slices in cold water for 15 to 30 minutes can help remove excess starch and promote crispiness, but it is not mandatory. After soaking, be sure to pat the potatoes dry with paper towels.

Seasoning:

Next, it's time to add flavour to your potato slices. Place the slices in a large bowl and drizzle them with olive oil. You can also use other types of plant-based oils, such as avocado oil. Toss the potatoes to ensure they are evenly coated with oil.

Now, it's time to add your choice of seasonings. You can keep it simple with just salt and pepper, or experiment with various combinations of spices. Popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, dried basil, ground cumin, and ground coriander. You can also try more exotic blends like Cajun seasoning or Suya spices.

Cooking:

Preheat your air fryer to around 380°F (200°C). Place the seasoned potato slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer with minimal overlap. Cooking times will vary, but for 1/4-inch thick slices, start checking for doneness after about 10 minutes. For thicker slices, allow a little more time.

During cooking, shake the air fryer basket every 5 minutes to prevent the potatoes from sticking and to ensure even cooking. The slices are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, with a soft and fluffy interior. This usually takes around 12 to 15 minutes for 1/4-inch thick slices.

Serving:

Air fryer potato slices are best served immediately while they are still hot and crispy. They make a delicious side dish to meats like chicken, steak, or fish. For an appetizer or snack, serve them with a dipping sauce such as aioli, sour cream, ketchup, or ranch dressing.

Troubleshooting:

If your potato slices are not crispy enough, try increasing the cooking time by a minute or two. Remember that different types of potatoes will yield different results. Russet potatoes, being higher in starch, tend to crisp up more easily. On the other hand, red potatoes contain more moisture and may require longer cooking times to achieve the desired crispness.

Additionally, the brand and size of your air fryer can also affect cooking times. Always keep an eye on your potatoes during the first few attempts, and adjust the timing as needed.

Storage and Reheating:

Leftover potato slices can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer at 380°F until crispy and heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 375°F for 5 to 10 minutes.

Variations:

For a cheesy treat, sprinkle your potato slices with mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan cheese during the last few minutes of cooking. You can also load them up with bacon crumbles and spring onions for a heartier snack.

Cooking sliced potatoes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty side dish or snack. With a bit of experimentation, you'll be able to find the perfect cooking time and seasoning blend to suit your taste. Enjoy the crispy, fluffy goodness of air-fried potato slices!

Tips for the best air fryer sliced potatoes

Choose the right potatoes

Look for potatoes that are similar in size, and opt for starchy varieties like Russets or Yukon Golds. These tend to crisp up more easily than waxy potatoes such as red potatoes, which take longer to cook.

Prepare your potatoes

Peel the potatoes and cut them into slices about 1/4 inch thick. A mandolin will give you the most even slices, but you can also use a sharp knife. Soaking the potato slices in cold water for 15-30 minutes can help draw out excess starch, resulting in crispier potatoes, but it's not mandatory. Dry the slices with paper towels before adding oil and seasoning.

Seasoning

A simple seasoning of olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder will give your potatoes great flavor. You can also experiment with other spices like smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, or cayenne pepper for a kick.

Air frying

Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F. Place the potato slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, or with a little overlap if necessary. Avoid stacking them directly on top of each other. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until the potatoes are golden and crispy. For thicker slices, increase the cooking time to 15-18 minutes.

Serving and storage

Air fryer sliced potatoes are best served fresh and hot out of the fryer. They can be a delicious side dish or appetizer, and they go well with dipping sauces like aioli, ketchup, or sour cream. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Reheat in the air fryer to retain crispiness.

Recipe variations

Spices and Seasonings

You can experiment with different spices and seasonings to suit your taste preferences or to complement your main dish. Here are some suggestions:

• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Cumin
• Lemon pepper
• Cajun seasoning
• Taco seasoning
• Ranch seasoning
• Cayenne pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Dried herbs (e.g. rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil)
• Ground cumin and coriander
• Garlic salt
• Black pepper

Cheesy Potatoes

For a cheesy twist, sprinkle your favourite cheese on top of the potato slices. Good options include mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.

Loaded Potatoes

Take it up a notch by adding bacon crumbles and spring onions to the cheesy potatoes.

Dips and Sauces

These potato slices are great as a snack or appetiser, especially when served with dips and sauces. Try them with:

• Sour cream
• Spicy ketchup
• Plain ketchup
• Aioli (e.g. dill aioli, spicy garlic aioli, or bacon aioli)
• Ranch dressing
• Mayo
• Chip dip

Potato Types

Although Russet and Yukon Gold potatoes are recommended for this recipe, you can also experiment with other types of potatoes, such as red potatoes or sweet potatoes. Keep in mind that waxy potatoes like red potatoes tend to take longer to cook.

Frequently asked questions