Introduction
Alright friends, let’s talk potatoes! Is there anything more comforting than a plate of perfectly cooked potatoes? Whether they’re mashed, roasted, or fried, they just hit the spot every time. But sometimes you want that amazing crispy texture without all the fuss (or the extra oil) of deep frying. That’s where my absolute favorite kitchen gadget, the air fryer, comes in!
I remember the first time I tried making sliced potatoes in my air fryer. I was skeptical. Could it really give me that golden, crispy exterior and tender, fluffy interior without drowning them in oil? Spoiler alert: YES! This recipe is so ridiculously easy, so quick, and the results are just mind-blowing. It’s become my go-to side dish for pretty much everything, from weeknight dinners to weekend brunches. Get ready to fall in love with air fryer sliced potatoes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: Seriously, dinner is on the table in a flash!
- Easy: Minimal ingredients, minimal steps, maximum deliciousness.
- Giftable: (Okay, maybe not literally giftable unless you share dinner!) But they are a gift to your taste buds and your family.
- Crowd-pleasing: Who doesn’t love crispy potatoes? These disappear faster than you can say “seconds”!
Ingredients
- 4 large Potatoes: Any good starchy or all-purpose potato works here, like Russets or Yukon Golds. Just regular, humble potatoes ready for their moment in the sun (or air fryer!).
- 1 tbsp Olive oil: Just a little bit is all you need to help them crisp up and get that beautiful golden color.
- 1 tsp Garlic granules: This is my secret weapon for adding a punch of flavor without fresh garlic burning.
- 1 tsp Dried mixed herbs: Think Italian seasoning, dried parsley, or even just some dried thyme or rosemary. Use your favorite blend!
- 1/2 tsp Salt: Essential for bringing out all that lovely potato flavor.
How to Make It
Okay, let’s get cooking! This is honestly so simple, you’ll barely need to follow these steps after the first time.
Step 1: Prep Those Spuds! First, give your potatoes a good scrub. You can peel them if you like, but I usually leave the skins on for extra nutrients and rustic charm (and let’s be real, less work!). Once they’re clean, pat them dry with a paper towel. This is a small step, but it really helps with crispiness!
Step 2: Slice ‘Em Up. Now, slice the potatoes into rounds. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick. You want them thick enough to have a tender center but thin enough to get nice and crispy. Try to keep the slices as uniform as possible so they cook evenly.
Step 3: Seasoning Time! Toss the sliced potatoes into a medium bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over them. Sprinkle the garlic granules, dried mixed herbs, and salt over the top. Now, get in there with your hands (or use a spoon!) and toss everything together until all the potato slices are nicely coated in the oil and seasonings.
Step 4: Into the Air Fryer They Go. Preheat your air fryer according to your model’s instructions, usually around 380-400°F (190-200°C). Arrange the seasoned potato slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This is key! Don’t overcrowd the basket, or they will steam instead of crisp. You’ll likely need to work in batches.
Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection! Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through. Keep an eye on them towards the end, as air fryers can vary. They’re done when they’re golden brown and wonderfully crispy on the edges and tender when pierced with a fork.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy! Carefully remove the hot potato slices from the air fryer. You can give them another little sprinkle of salt if you like. Serve them immediately as a side dish, snack, or even as a base for something fun like cheese sauce or chili! Prepare for them to disappear fast.
Substitutions & Additions
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper with the other seasonings.
- Different Herbs: Swap the mixed herbs for specific ones like dried rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.
- Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes during the last 2-3 minutes of air frying.
- Onion Power: Add 1/2 tsp of onion powder along with the garlic granules.
- Different Oil: Use avocado oil or grapeseed oil if you prefer.
Tips for Success
- Uniform Slices: Try to slice the potatoes into similar thickness (around 1/4 inch) so they cook at the same rate.
- Don’t Overcrowd: This is the most important tip for crispy air fryer anything! Cook in batches if needed. Air needs to circulate around each slice.
- Pat Dry: Giving your washed potatoes a quick pat dry helps remove surface moisture, which is key for crispiness.
- Shake or Flip: Halfway through cooking, give the basket a good shake or use tongs to flip the slices. This ensures even cooking and browning.
- Adjust Time: All air fryers are different! Start checking for doneness around 12-15 minutes and add more time as needed until they reach your desired crispiness.
How to Store It
Let’s be honest, there usually aren’t many leftovers of these! But if you do happen to have some, let them cool completely before storing.
Place leftover air fryer sliced potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for 3-4 days. They won’t be quite as crispy straight from the fridge, but you can easily reheat them!
To reheat and bring back some crispiness, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and re-crisped.
FAQs
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Nope! You absolutely don’t have to. The skins get nice and crispy and add fiber and nutrients. Just give them a good scrub!
Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
Yes, you can! Sweet potatoes will cook a little faster and might need slightly less oil, but the method is very similar. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
How do I get them extra crispy?
The biggest factors are not overcrowding the basket, making sure the slices aren’t too thick, and patting them dry before seasoning. Also, ensuring your air fryer is properly preheated helps!
What’s the best way to reheat them?
The air fryer is definitely the best way! A few minutes back in the air fryer will bring back that lovely crisp texture.
Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- Medium bowl
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 large Potatoes Russets or Yukon Golds recommended
- 1 tbsp Olive oil or avocado oil, grapeseed oil
- 1 tsp Garlic granules
- 1 tsp Dried mixed herbs Italian seasoning, dried parsley, thyme, or rosemary
- 0.5 tsp Salt plus more for serving
Instructions
- First, give your potatoes a good scrub. You can peel them if you like, but you don't have to. Once they're clean, pat them dry with a paper towel. This small step helps with crispiness!
- Now, slice the potatoes into rounds. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick. You want them thick enough to have a tender center but thin enough to get nice and crispy. Try to keep the slices as uniform as possible so they cook evenly.
- Toss the sliced potatoes into a medium bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over them. Sprinkle the garlic granules, dried mixed herbs, and salt over the top. Toss everything together until all the potato slices are nicely coated in the oil and seasonings.
- Preheat your air fryer according to your model's instructions, usually around 380-400°F (190-200°C). Arrange the seasoned potato slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This is key! Don't overcrowd the basket, or they will steam instead of crisp. You'll likely need to work in batches.
- Air fry for 15-20 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through. Keep an eye on them towards the end, as air fryers can vary. They're done when they're golden brown and wonderfully crispy on the edges and tender when pierced with a fork.
- Carefully remove the hot potato slices from the air fryer. You can give them another little sprinkle of salt if you like. Serve them immediately as a side dish or snack! Prepare for them to disappear fast.
Notes
- Uniform Slices: Slice potatoes around 1/4 inch thick for even cooking.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook in single layers in batches for crispiness.
- Pat Dry: Remove surface moisture from washed potatoes.
- Shake or Flip: Ensure even cooking by shaking the basket or flipping slices halfway.
- Adjust Time: Air fryer cooking times vary; check for doneness around 12-15 minutes. Substitutions & Additions:
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Different Herbs: Use rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika.
- Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle Parmesan during the last 2-3 minutes.
- Onion Power: Add 1/2 tsp onion powder.
- Different Oil: Use avocado or grapeseed oil. Storage:
- Let leftovers cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to re-crisp.