Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes: How Long Until They're Crispy?

Air fryer sliced potatoes are a quick and easy side dish or snack that can be made in under 30 minutes. They are irresistibly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the potato slices and the type of air fryer used. For example, at 380 degrees Fahrenheit, potato slices typically take around 12-15 minutes to cook, but this may vary depending on the air fryer model and the thickness of the slices.

How to make sliced potatoes in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 1-2 pounds of Russet potatoes (about 2-4 small or 3-4 medium potatoes)
• 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley
• A pinch of cayenne pepper
• Parsley for garnish (optional)

Method

• Cut the potatoes into 1/4-inch-thick slices. You can peel the potatoes first if you prefer.
• (Optional) Soak the potato slices in water for 15-30 minutes to remove some of the starch and make them crispier.
• Pat the potato slices dry with a tea towel or kitchen paper.
• Place the potato slices in a large bowl and add the olive oil, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Toss until the potato slices are evenly coated.
• Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F.
• Place the potato slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, or a maximum of two layers if your air fryer is small. Make sure the slices aren't overlapping too much.
• Cook for 12-15 minutes at 380°F, or 25-28 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket every 5-10 minutes.
• Serve immediately, garnished with parsley if desired.

Tips

• Russet potatoes are recommended as they are high in starch and low in moisture, making them ideal for air frying.
• You can use other types of oil, such as avocado oil, vegetable oil, or canola oil.
• You can experiment with different seasonings, such as smoked paprika, Italian herb, Cajun seasoning, or chili powder.
• For extra crispy slices, sprinkle a little cornstarch over the slices before cooking.
• If your potato slices are thicker than 1/4 inch, they may need a few extra minutes to cook.
• If you are making a large batch, you may need to cook the potatoes in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

How long does it take to air fry potato slices?

The cooking time for potato slices in an air fryer depends on several factors, including the thickness of the slices, the temperature setting, and the type of air fryer being used.

Thickness of the Potato Slices:

It is recommended to slice potatoes to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (or 0.6 cm) for optimal cooking. Thicker slices may require longer cooking times, ranging from 15 to 18 minutes or more, while thinner slices may take less time, around 10 to 12 minutes or even less.

Temperature Setting:

The ideal temperature for cooking potato slices in an air fryer seems to be around 380 degrees Fahrenheit (or 190 degrees Celsius). At this temperature, it typically takes about 15 minutes to achieve crispy potato slices. However, some recipes suggest cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a similar duration.

Type of Air Fryer:

Different models of air fryers may cook at slightly different rates. It is always a good idea to monitor the potato slices during cooking and adjust the timing as needed. Additionally, some air fryers may require preheating, which can shorten the overall cooking time by a minute or two.

Overall Cooking Time:

Taking these factors into account, the total cooking time for potato slices in an air fryer can range from around 12 to 15 minutes for 1/4-inch thick slices, with thicker slices taking a few minutes longer. It is important to keep an eye on the potato slices and adjust the timing based on your specific air fryer and desired level of crispiness.

What's the best kind of potato to use?

When it comes to choosing the best type of potato for your air fryer, there are a few varieties that are particularly well-suited to this cooking method. Here's a guide to help you select the perfect potato for your air-fried feast:

Russet Potatoes

Russet potatoes are a popular choice for air frying due to their high starch content. This variety crisps up beautifully, resulting in a pale golden colour with a soft and fluffy texture. They are a versatile option and always a good choice for air fryer recipes.

Yukon Gold or Yellow Potatoes

Yukon Gold potatoes, also known as yellow potatoes, are a favourite for air frying because they strike the perfect balance between crispiness and creaminess. Their lower starch and higher sugar content give them a deeper golden colour than russets. While their crisp may be slightly softer, the insides will be irresistibly creamy and full of flavour.

Red Potatoes

Red potatoes will deliver an even darker golden brown colour due to their higher sugar and lower starch content. They will emerge from the air fryer crispy, but their exteriors will soften quickly. The insides will be creamy and soft, making them a tasty option for air fryer recipes.

Baby Potatoes or New Potatoes

Baby potatoes, also known as new potatoes, are regular potatoes that have been harvested early. They are smaller in size and have a thinner skin, which is ideal for achieving that perfect crisp. They have a high sugar content and hold their shape well during air frying. However, they can be harder to find in grocery stores as their availability may be more seasonal.

Gold Potatoes

Gold potatoes, also known as yellow potatoes, are a good middle ground between russet and red potatoes. They have a higher starch content than red potatoes, making them easier to crisp up. At the same time, they possess more moisture than russets, resulting in a softer texture.

In summary, the best potatoes for air frying are those with higher starch content, such as russets, gold potatoes, and baby potatoes. These varieties will give you that sought-after crispiness. However, if you're looking for a creamier texture, opt for Yukon Gold or red potatoes, which have a higher sugar content and will deliver a deeper golden colour.

How to serve air fryer sliced potatoes

Air fryer sliced potatoes are a versatile dish that can be served as a side, snack, or appetiser. They are best served hot and crispy straight out of the fryer.

As a Side

Air fryer sliced potatoes are a great side dish for any meal. They go well with proteins such as chicken, fish, steak, or pork chops. You can also serve them with a simple green salad or a Greek chickpea salad for a perfect, no-fuss dinner.

As a Snack or Appetiser

These potato slices work well as finger food for parties, game nights, or family gatherings. They can be served with simple dips like chip dip, ketchup, or mayo. To elevate them, you can serve them with a dill aioli or a sweet and spicy Korean Gochujang aioli.

Other Serving Suggestions

• Air fryer sliced potatoes can be served with other air fryer recipes like butternut squash fries, carrot fries, or eggplant.
• For a savoury breakfast, serve them with a silken tofu scramble or scrambled eggs, avocado slices, and grilled vegetables.
• They also pair well with meaty mains like vegan roast beef or BBQ ribs.

Reheating and Storing

Leftover potato slices can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. To reheat, place the slices in the air fryer and air fry for 3-5 minutes until warmed through. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as they will lose their crispy texture.

Variations and Add-Ins

• For extra crispiness, sprinkle cornstarch over the potato slices with the oil and seasonings.
• Top the potato slices with shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese for the last few minutes of cooking for a gooey, cheesy treat.
• For loaded potato slices, top them with beef, turkey, or veggie mince, cheese, guacamole, or sour cream.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices like Italian herb seasoning, Cajun seasoning, chili powder, or everything bagel seasoning.

Reheating instructions

If you have any leftover sliced potatoes, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four or five days.

To reheat, place the potato slices in the air fryer and air fry for three to five minutes until warmed through. Don't air fry for too long, or they will become dry. You can also reheat in the oven. Place the slices in a single layer on a baking tray and heat for five to ten minutes in an oven preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Check after five minutes and don't let them turn into dry potato chips.

It is not recommended to reheat these slices in the microwave, as they will lose their crispy texture.

Frequently asked questions