Air-Fried Potato Rösti: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Potato rosti is a Swiss dish of pan-fried, golden potato patties. It is similar to a hash brown and is usually served as a side dish. This crispy, savoury treat can be made in an air fryer in just 20 minutes. It is a healthier alternative to the traditional potato rosti, which is often fried in oil. Air frying achieves the same crispy texture and delicious flavour without the added fat and calories. This introduction will explain how to make potato rosti in an air fryer, a quick and easy recipe that is perfect for any meal of the day.

Choosing the right potatoes

The type of potato you use for your rosti can make a big difference to the final dish. The general consensus is that waxy potatoes, such as Yukon Golds, are a good choice as they have a higher moisture and sugar level with less starch. This means they will hold together better and give you a crispier finish.

However, some recipes suggest using floury potatoes, such as Russets, as these will make the inside of your rosti more fluffy and similar to mashed potato. If you want to get the best of both worlds, an all-rounder potato like the Maris Piper is a good choice.

One source suggests that there is no definitive rule about what type of potatoes to use and that you should use whichever you prefer. However, it is important to note that waxy potatoes will give you a crispier finish, while floury potatoes will make the inside of your rosti more soft and fluffy.

When it comes to preparing your potatoes, most recipes recommend parboiling or pre-cooking them before grating. This helps to create a soft and melting interior, and it also means you don't have to worry about the oxidation and discolouration that can occur with raw potatoes. Chilling the potatoes after boiling can also help to firm up the flesh, making them easier to grate.

Finally, don't forget to remove any excess moisture from your grated potatoes before cooking. This will help your rosti to crisp up nicely in the air fryer.

Grating and preparing the potatoes

Start by selecting the right type of potatoes. Russet potatoes are ideal for this recipe due to their lower moisture content, which makes them easier to crisp up in the air fryer. Alternatively, you can use waxy potatoes, such as Yukon golds, which have a higher moisture level and will result in a crispier texture.

Wash and peel the potatoes. This step is crucial as it removes any dirt or impurities from the surface of the potatoes.

Now, it's time to grate the potatoes. You can use a box grater, a potato grater, or even a food processor for this step. If you're using a box grater, opt for the large holes to make the grating process easier. Place the grated potatoes into a bowl.

Line a small bowl with a kitchen towel or muslin cloth and transfer the grated potatoes into it. This step is crucial to removing excess water from the potatoes. Gently squeeze the potatoes to release as much moisture as possible. Alternatively, you can place the grated potatoes in a bowl of water and rinse them before squeezing out the excess water. Failure to remove this water will result in a soggy rosti.

Once the potatoes are sufficiently dried, transfer them back into a clean bowl. Season the potatoes with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or chilli pepper flakes to enhance the flavour.

At this stage, you can add additional ingredients to your potato mixture if desired. For a more indulgent rosti, mix in some grated cheese, melted butter, or egg whites. These ingredients will add flavour and help bind the potatoes together.

Now, your grated and seasoned potatoes are ready to be shaped and cooked. Follow the remaining steps in your chosen recipe to assemble and cook your potato rosti in the air fryer.

Remember, the key to successful potato rosti is taking the time to remove excess moisture from the potatoes and seasoning them well. This will ensure your rosti has a crispy texture and delicious flavour.

Adding extra ingredients

There are several ways to customise your potato rosti by adding extra ingredients. Here are some suggestions:

Cheese

You can grate some cheese over the rosti while it's still hot and let it melt.

Bacon

Crisp up some bacon and crumble it over your rosti. You can also mix in some bacon to give it a bit more depth.

Sour Cream

Top your rosti with a dollop of sour cream.

Smoked Salmon

Smoked salmon is a delicious, non-traditional topping for your rosti.

Onion

You can mix grated onion into your potato mixture. You can also keep it basic and serve your rosti alongside onion.

Garlic

Add some garlic powder or fresh garlic to your rosti mixture for some extra flavour.

Herbs

Top your rosti with herbs such as basil, dill, or chives.

Eggs

Top your rosti with a fried or poached egg, or mix in some egg whites to your potato mixture.

Meat

Serve your rosti alongside meat, such as grilled meat or smoked meatloaf.

Cooking in the air fryer

Now that you have your potato mixture ready, it's time to cook your rosti in the air fryer! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is important as it helps to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
• While the air fryer is preheating, prepare your air fryer basket or tray by spraying it with cooking spray or brushing it with oil. This will prevent your rosti from sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Carefully place your potato mixture into the air fryer basket or tray. Use a spatula to gently shape and flatten it into a round or oval shape, about 1/2-inch thick.
• Set the temperature to 350°F (177°C) and air fry your rosti for about 15 minutes. This timing may vary slightly depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
• After 15 minutes, check the rosti. It should be golden brown and crispy. If needed, you can carefully flip it over and air fry for an additional 5 minutes to ensure even cooking on both sides.
• Once your rosti is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the air fryer using a spatula. Place it on a serving plate and let it cool down slightly before serving.
• Top your rosti with your choice of toppings or serve it as a side dish. Some popular topping options include sour cream, smoked salmon, dill, chives, cheese, bacon, and eggs.
• If you want to get creative, feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, and ingredients to make your rosti even more delicious and flavorful.

Remember, air frying is a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, so you can enjoy your crispy and tasty rosti without the added guilt!

Serving suggestions

Potato rosti is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Here are some serving suggestions for potato rosti made in an air fryer:

Breakfast

Potato rosti is a popular breakfast dish, and it pairs well with eggs, whether they are poached, fried, or scrambled. You can also serve it with crispy bacon and fluffy pancakes on the side. For a savoury breakfast, top the rosti with smoked salmon, sour cream, and dill, or with melted cheese and a dollop of sour cream. For a kid-friendly option, top the rosti with cheese and serve with ketchup or sour cream for dipping.

Lunch or Dinner

Potato rosti can be served as a side dish with meat, such as beef stew, chicken, or smoked meatloaf. It also goes well with roasted vegetables, a rocket salad, or on its own topped with smoked cream cheese and cod. For a vegetarian option, serve it with a warm salad and hummus.

Toppings and Sides

Potato rosti can be customised with various toppings and sides. You can add herbs such as chives, basil, or dill, or spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or chilli pepper flakes. For a deluxe version, top the rosti with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or herbs. You can also mix in some bacon or onion for added depth of flavour.

Frequently asked questions