Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes

This Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes recipe has transformed how I make crispy potato sides at home with minimal effort and oil. This simple technique gives you tender potato slices with golden, crispy edges that taste like they came from a restaurant.

While you could spend time roasting them in the oven, the air fryer cuts cooking time in half while delivering superior results.

Equipment You’ll Need

A standard air fryer with a basket works best for sliced potatoes. Models between 3-6 quarts provide enough space to cook potatoes in a single layer without overcrowding. Look for units with adjustable temperature controls and a timer for precise cooking.

A sharp knife or mandoline slicer helps create uniform potato slices. Consistent thickness ensures even cooking throughout the batch. If using a mandoline, choose one with adjustable thickness settings and a hand guard for safety.

You’ll also need a large mixing bowl for tossing the potatoes with seasonings, paper towels for drying, and a cutting board with good grip. Some people find silicone tongs helpful for shaking the basket during cooking without scratching the coating.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes

For the potatoes:

• 500g (1lb) potatoes, any variety
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the seasoning blend:

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion granules
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary or thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

Choose potatoes based on your texture preference. Russets create fluffier interiors with crispy edges, while red potatoes hold their shape better and offer a creamier texture. Yukon Gold potatoes provide a middle ground with both qualities.

The seasoning blend creates a savory, herb-forward flavor profile. Paprika adds color and subtle sweetness, while garlic powder and onion granules provide aromatics without burning like fresh versions might. The herbs complement the natural potato flavor without overwhelming it.

Olive oil helps the seasonings adhere and promotes browning. You need just enough to lightly coat the potatoes – too much makes them greasy, while too little results in uneven seasoning distribution and poor browning.

How to Make Sliced Potatoes in the Air Fryer

Step 1: Prepare the potatoes
Wash the potatoes thoroughly under cold running water, scrubbing away any dirt. You can peel them if desired, but leaving the skin on adds nutrients and texture. Pat completely dry with paper towels – excess moisture prevents proper crisping.

Step 2: Slice the potatoes
Cut the potatoes into even slices about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Consistent thickness ensures uniform cooking. Thinner slices become crispier, while thicker slices stay more tender inside.

Step 3: Season the potatoes
Transfer the sliced potatoes to a large mixing bowl. Add the olive oil first, then sprinkle in all the seasonings. Toss everything together until each slice is evenly coated with oil and spices.

Step 4: Arrange in air fryer
Spread the seasoned potato slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overlapping – overcrowding leads to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary to maintain proper spacing.

Step 5: Air fry
Set the air fryer to 380°F (180°C) and cook for 8 minutes. Remove the basket and shake it to redistribute the potatoes, then cook for another 8 minutes. The potatoes should be tender inside and golden brown outside.

Step 6: Serve immediately
Remove the potatoes from the air fryer and serve hot. They taste best fresh out of the basket when the edges are still crispy.

How to Slice Potatoes for Air Frying

The key to even cooking lies in consistent slice thickness. Aim for slices between 1/4 and 1/2 inch thick. Thinner slices (1/4 inch) cook faster and become crispier, similar to chips. Thicker slices (1/2 inch) maintain a tender, fluffy interior with crispy edges.

Use a sharp chef’s knife and cut straight down without sawing motions. This prevents the potato from tearing or creating uneven surfaces that won’t brown properly. If your knife skills aren’t confident, a mandoline slicer creates perfectly uniform slices quickly.

For round potatoes, cut them lengthwise first, then slice each half. This creates flat surfaces that brown beautifully in the air fryer. Long potatoes can be sliced crosswise into rounds or lengthwise into planks, depending on your preference.

Consider the size of your air fryer basket when determining slice size. Larger slices need more space between them, while smaller pieces can fit together more efficiently. Balance between maximizing your batch size and ensuring proper air circulation.

How Long to Cook Sliced Potatoes in Air Fryer

The 380°F temperature and 16-minute total cooking time work well for most potato varieties and slice thicknesses. This temperature is hot enough to create browning and crisping while allowing the interior to cook through properly.

Thinner slices (1/4 inch) may need only 12-14 total minutes, while thicker slices (1/2 inch) might require 18-20 minutes. Start checking at the recommended time and adjust as needed based on your preferences and air fryer model.

Different air fryer brands and sizes can affect cooking times. Smaller units with concentrated heat may cook faster, while larger models might need extra time. Always check for doneness by testing a slice – it should be tender when pierced with a fork and golden brown on the edges.

The mid-cooking shake at the 8-minute mark is crucial for even browning. This redistributes the potatoes and ensures all surfaces get exposure to the hot air circulation. Don’t skip this step, even if your air fryer has good circulation.

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Potatoes

Start with dry potatoes for the crispiest results. After washing, pat them thoroughly with paper towels and let them air dry for a few minutes. Even small amounts of surface moisture can create steam and prevent proper browning.

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. The potatoes need space for air to circulate around each slice. Cooking in batches produces better results than cramming everything in at once. A single layer with minimal overlap works best.

Preheat your air fryer for 2-3 minutes before adding the potatoes. This ensures they start cooking immediately and helps achieve better browning. Most modern air fryers heat up quickly, so don’t skip this step.

Shake or flip the potatoes at least once during cooking. Some people prefer to flip them individually for maximum browning, while others find shaking the whole basket sufficient. Choose the method that works best for your schedule and desired results.

Season generously but not excessively. The potatoes can handle bold flavors, but too much salt can draw out moisture and affect texture. Taste your seasoning blend before using and adjust as needed.

Variations and Substitutions

Try different potato varieties for varied textures and flavors. Sweet potatoes work excellently with the same method but may cook slightly faster. Purple potatoes add visual appeal and slightly different flavor notes.

Experiment with different seasoning combinations. Mediterranean herbs like oregano and basil create an Italian flavor profile. Cajun seasoning adds heat and complexity, while curry powder provides exotic warmth. Ranch seasoning packet mixed with a little oil creates a familiar, crowd-pleasing flavor.

For oil-free versions, use vegetable broth or aquafaba (chickpea water) to help seasonings stick. The results won’t be as crispy, but you’ll still get tender, flavorful potatoes with less fat.

Add parmesan cheese during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking for extra flavor and slight crispiness. Grated cheese melts and adheres to the potato surfaces, creating a delicious coating that complements the herbs.

Try different cuts beyond simple slices. Wedges, chunks, or hasselback-style scored potatoes all work in the air fryer with adjusted cooking times. Each cut provides different textures and surface areas for seasonings.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes

These seasoned potato slices complement grilled meats beautifully. Serve alongside chicken breasts, pork chops, or steaks for a complete meal. The herbs in the seasoning blend pair well with most protein preparations.

For vegetarian meals, serve with roasted vegetables and a protein source like beans or tofu. The potatoes add substance and comfort to lighter vegetable-based dishes.

They work excellently as a side dish for breakfast or brunch. Pair with eggs, bacon, and toast for a hearty morning meal. The herbs add sophistication to traditional breakfast potato preparations.

Consider serving as an appetizer with various dipping sauces. Ranch, aioli, ketchup, or herb butter all complement the seasoned potatoes well. Cut them into smaller pieces for easier snacking.

These potatoes also work well in grain bowls or salads. Let them cool slightly and add to mixed greens with other roasted vegetables for a substantial salad that works as a light meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Potato Slices

Store cooled leftover potatoes in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Let them cool completely before storing to prevent condensation that makes them soggy.

For reheating, the air fryer works best to restore crispiness. Heat at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through and the edges crisp up again. Avoid microwaving, which makes them soggy and ruins the texture.

You can freeze cooked potato slices for longer storage, though the texture changes slightly. Freeze in single layers on baking sheets, then transfer to freezer bags. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the reheating time.

For meal prep, you can slice and season potatoes ahead of time, storing them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking. This saves time during busy weekdays while maintaining quality.

The seasoning blend can be mixed in larger batches and stored in an airtight container for several weeks. Having it pre-made makes it easy to whip up air fryer potatoes on short notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to peel the potatoes? Peeling is optional and comes down to personal preference. Leaving the skin on adds nutrients, fiber, and texture. Just wash thoroughly to remove any dirt before slicing.

Why are my potatoes not getting crispy? Usually caused by excess moisture or overcrowding. Make sure potatoes are completely dry before seasoning, and don’t overlap slices in the basket. Also check that you’re using enough oil for the seasonings to adhere properly.

Can I use frozen potato slices? Fresh potatoes work better for this recipe. Frozen slices often contain excess ice crystals that create steam and prevent proper crisping. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry thoroughly first.

How do I know when they’re done? Look for golden brown edges and tender centers. Pierce a thick slice with a fork – it should go through easily. The edges should be crispy while the centers remain fluffy.

Can I make these without oil? Yes, though they won’t be as crispy. Use vegetable broth or aquafaba to help seasonings stick. The potatoes will still be tender and flavorful, just with a different texture than oil-based versions.

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