Air Fryer Crispy Potato Slices: The Perfect Crunchy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy potato slices, and it only takes about 15 minutes! The key to getting that perfect crispiness is to cut the potatoes into even slices, ideally about 1/4 inch thick. You can use a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer to get the perfect cut. After slicing, it is recommended to soak the potatoes in cold water for about 15-30 minutes to remove excess starch and ensure maximum crispiness. Once they're nice and dry, toss them with your choice of seasonings and a little bit of oil. You can use a variety of seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, parsley, chili powder, or even a secret ingredient like rice flour! Then, it's time to air fry! Place the potato slices in the air fryer basket, making sure they're not overlapping too much, and cook at around 380-400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes or so. And that's it! You now have delicious, crispy potato slices that are perfect as a side dish or a snack. Enjoy!

Choosing the right potatoes

The type of potatoes you choose for your air fryer slices will have a significant impact on the final result, so it's important to select the right variety. Here's a guide to help you choose the perfect potatoes for your crispy air-fried treat:

Potato Varieties

• Russet potatoes are an excellent choice for air fryer slices. They are starchy and crisp up easily, making them ideal for achieving that perfect balance of crispy exteriors and fluffy interiors.
• Yukon Gold potatoes are another great option. They are medium-starch potatoes that strike a wonderful balance between creaminess and crispness. If you prefer your potato slices to have a creamier texture, Yukon Golds are the way to go.
• Red potatoes are waxy and tend to take longer to cook in the air fryer. While they can be used, you may need to adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Size and Thickness

When choosing your potatoes, try to select ones that are of similar size. This ensures that your potato slices will cook evenly and have a uniform texture. Aim for medium-sized potatoes that weigh around 5 to 10 ounces each.

The thickness of your potato slices is also crucial. Aim for a thickness of around 1/4 inch (about 0.6 cm) for that perfect balance of crispness and tenderness. You can use a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer to achieve even slices.

Starch Content

Potatoes with higher starch content, such as russet potatoes, tend to yield crispier results. If you want to enhance the crispiness even further, consider soaking your potato slices in cold water for 15 to 30 minutes before cooking. This helps draw out some of the starch, resulting in an even crispier texture.

Freshness and Quality

Always choose firm, unbruised potatoes with smooth skin. Avoid potatoes that have started to sprout or show signs of shrivelling. Look for potatoes that feel heavy for their size, as this indicates a higher moisture content, which can contribute to a better texture in your air-fried slices.

Storage

If you're not using your potatoes right away, store them in a cool, dark place with good ventilation. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Proper storage will help maintain their freshness and quality until you're ready to slice and air fry them to perfection.

How to cut the potatoes

There are two ways to cut the potatoes: with a knife or a mandolin slicer.

Using a Knife

Place the potato on a chopping board and slice downwards towards the board to your desired thickness, starting from the tip to the end of the potato.

Using a Mandolin Slicer

For your safety, focus and pay attention when using a mandolin. Secure the potato on the food holder of your mandolin slicer. Hold the secured potato, then place it over the slicing section of the mandolin and move it up and down to slice the potato. The sliced potatoes will fall on the receiving tray or container (some mandolin slicers come with a receiving container).

Soaking the potatoes

The first step is to wash and slice your potatoes evenly to your desired thickness. It is recommended to use a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife to achieve even slices. Aim for a thickness of around 1/4 inch to 1/8 inch. Thicker slices will result in a longer cooking time and a fluffier texture, while thinner slices may crisp up like potato chips.

Once you have your evenly sliced potatoes, it's time to soak them. Fill a large bowl with cold water and submerge the potato slices in it. Let them soak for around 15 to 30 minutes. This step is optional, but it is highly recommended as it helps remove excess starch from the potatoes, resulting in a crispier texture. The longer you soak them, the more starch will be removed.

After soaking, thoroughly dry the potato slices with paper towels or a kitchen towel. This step is crucial as any remaining water can affect the crispiness of the final product. Make sure the potato slices are completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Now, you can proceed with seasoning and cooking your potatoes according to your chosen recipe. Remember to preheat your air fryer, and if you're using an air fryer with trays, place the potatoes on the middle rack. For even cooking, shake the basket or rotate the trays at regular intervals during the cooking process.

By following these steps and allowing enough time for soaking, you'll be well on your way to enjoying perfectly crispy and delicious air-fried potato slices!

Seasoning the potatoes

The seasoning is what makes your potato slices truly delicious. You can use a variety of spices and herbs to add flavour to your potatoes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Classic seasonings: Keep it simple with just salt and pepper.
• Spicy kick: Add some chilli powder or paprika, along with garlic powder, for a spicy kick.
• Herby goodness: Try rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil or Italian seasoning for a more herby flavour.
• Smoky flavour: Smoked paprika and cumin will give your potatoes a smoky taste.
• Cheesy delight: Sprinkle on some grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese, along with garlic powder, for a cheesy treat.
• Mediterranean twist: Drizzle some olive oil and add a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of oregano.
• Indian-inspired: Go for a garam masala, cumin, coriander and turmeric mix for an Indian-inspired flavour.

You can also experiment with different combinations of these seasonings or create your own unique blend. Don't be afraid to get creative and find the perfect seasoning mix for your taste buds.

When it comes to the type of potatoes, Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are the best varieties for making crispy air fryer potato slices. These potatoes have the right balance of starch and moisture, which results in a crispy exterior and fluffy interior.

To make the seasoning stick to the potatoes and enhance the crispiness, coat the potato slices with a thin layer of oil before adding the seasonings. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or any other plant-based oil of your choice. This step will ensure that your seasonings adhere evenly to the potatoes and create a delicious crispy texture.

Once you've chosen your desired seasonings and prepared your potato slices, simply toss the potatoes in the oil and seasoning mixture until they are evenly coated. You can use your hands or a spoon to ensure all the slices are well coated. Then, they are ready to be placed in the air fryer and cooked to perfection!

Feel free to adjust the amount of each seasoning to suit your taste preferences. You can also add more than one type of seasoning to create unique flavour profiles. For example, you could combine smoked paprika with Parmesan cheese for a smoky and cheesy delight. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting and finding your favourite combinations!

Air-frying the potatoes

Step 1: Prepare the potatoes

Wash the potatoes and peel the skin off. You can use a knife or a mandolin to slice the potatoes. For even cooking, cut the potatoes into slices of similar thickness. The ideal thickness is 1/4 inch or 1/8 inch.

Step 2: Soak the potatoes

Soaking the potatoes in cold water for 15-30 minutes is an optional step but it is highly recommended. Soaking helps to remove excess starch and results in crispier potatoes.

Step 3: Season the potatoes

In a mixing bowl, add olive oil, salt, pepper, chilli powder or paprika, garlic powder, and rice flour (optional). Toss the potato slices in the spice mixture until they are evenly coated.

Step 4: Air-fry the potatoes

Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F. Place the seasoned potato slices in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping. Air-fry for 12-18 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes. For thicker slices, increase the cooking time. Flip the slices halfway through the cooking time.

Step 5: Serve

Once the potato slices are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favourite dip.

Tips

• Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are the best varieties for this recipe.
• You can experiment with different seasonings like rosemary, thyme, oregano, paprika, cumin, or Mediterranean spices.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
• For an extra crispy texture, use rice flour in the spice mixture.
• You can also bake the seasoned potato slices in the oven at 220°C for 20-25 minutes.

Frequently asked questions