Air Fryer Potato Pancakes: The Crispy Delight You’ve Been Craving

Potato pancakes are a comfort food classic, combining crispy edges with tender centers that make them irresistibly delicious. When made with an air fryer, these pancakes become even better—light, crispy, and a lot less greasy than traditional methods. Air fryer potato pancakes are a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to the deep-fried version, all while delivering that perfect crunch.

In this article, we’ll explore how to make the perfect air fryer potato pancakes, share tips for achieving the best results, and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about air frying these delicious treats. Whether you’re a seasoned air fryer expert or a first-time user, you’ll find everything you need to make crispy, golden potato pancakes right in your kitchen.

What Are Potato Pancakes?

Potato pancakes, known by different names around the world, are a versatile dish that you can enjoy for breakfast, as a snack, or as a side dish. In many cultures, they’re also a staple during holidays like Hanukkah, where the crispy texture symbolizes the miracle of oil. Potato pancakes typically consist of grated raw potatoes, mixed with ingredients like onions, eggs, and flour, then fried until golden and crispy.

The addition of seasoning, like garlic, salt, pepper, or herbs, brings even more flavor to these pancakes. While the traditional method involves pan-frying in oil, using an air fryer for this recipe results in a similar texture but with far less oil.

Why Choose Air Fryer Potato Pancakes?

The air fryer has revolutionized cooking, offering a healthier way to cook many fried foods, including potato pancakes. Here are a few reasons why you should consider making potato pancakes in your air fryer:

Healthier Option: Traditional potato pancakes are deep-fried in oil, which can lead to high calorie and fat content. With the air fryer, you only need a light spritz of oil to get the same crispy results without the added grease.
Crispier Texture: The air fryer uses hot air circulation to cook the pancakes evenly and create a golden, crispy exterior. It’s perfect for achieving the crunch you desire, without the sogginess that can happen with pan-frying.
Faster Cooking: Air fryers cook food quickly due to their efficient design, so you can make a batch of potato pancakes in less time compared to using a stovetop or oven.

How to Make Air Fryer Potato Pancakes

Now that you know why air fryer potato pancakes are a fantastic choice, let’s dive into how to make them. This recipe is simple, and the ingredients are easy to find.

Ingredients:

4 medium-sized russet potatoes, peeled and grated
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 large egg
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or cooking spray for less oil)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Prepare the Potatoes: Peel and grate the potatoes. After grating, place them in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out any excess moisture. This step is crucial to ensure the pancakes hold together and become crispy.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the grated potatoes, chopped onion, egg, flour, baking powder, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3-5 minutes.
Shape the Pancakes: Using your hands or a spoon, form the potato mixture into small patties, about 2-3 inches in diameter. You can make them larger or smaller depending on your preference.
Cook the Pancakes: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or drizzle a small amount of oil. Arrange the potato patties in the basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook the pancakes in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Air Fry: Cook the pancakes for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides. The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so check for a crispy, golden exterior before removing them.
Serve: Once cooked, remove the potato pancakes from the air fryer and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, sour cream, or applesauce.

Tips for the Perfect Air Fryer Potato Pancakes

Squeeze Out the Moisture: One of the most important steps in making crispy air fryer potato pancakes is ensuring the potatoes are dry. Excess moisture can cause the pancakes to become soggy.
Use Russet Potatoes: Russet potatoes work best for this recipe due to their high starch content, which helps the pancakes crisp up nicely. Other varieties, like Yukon Gold, can be used, but they may not be as crispy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the pancakes in a single layer with enough space between each one. This ensures that the hot air can circulate around the pancakes, creating that golden crispy texture.
Season Well: Since air fryer potato pancakes are simple, the seasoning is key to enhancing the flavor. Don’t be afraid to add extra seasoning, like onion powder, smoked paprika, or a pinch of cayenne for some heat.

Can You Put a Pancake in the Air Fryer?

Yes, you can put pancakes in the air fryer! While this article is about potato pancakes, traditional breakfast pancakes can also cook well in the air fryer. However, they require a different method. Air fryer pancakes are typically cooked by placing them on parchment paper or silicone molds to prevent the batter from spilling. You may need to adjust cooking time and temperature based on the thickness of the pancakes.

FAQs About Air Fryer Potato Pancakes

Can I Put Raw Potatoes in the Air Fryer?

Yes, you can put raw potatoes in the air fryer, but you must grate or slice them thinly. For air fryer potato pancakes, make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the grated potatoes to help them crisp up properly.

Is There a Difference Between Potato Pancakes and Latkes?

Potato pancakes and latkes are very similar, but there are slight differences. Latkes are a specific type of potato pancake traditionally associated with Jewish cuisine, especially during Hanukkah. They are typically made with grated potatoes, onions, eggs, and flour, and are fried in oil. While regular potato pancakes may be thinner and softer, latkes are usually crispier on the outside.

Should You Boil Potatoes Before Air Frying?

For this recipe, you do not need to boil the potatoes before air frying. The raw grated potatoes work perfectly when mixed with the other ingredients. Boiling the potatoes beforehand would change the texture and make it harder for them to crisp up in the air fryer.

Conclusion: A Delicious, Crispy Delight

Air fryer potato pancakes are an easy, healthier way to enjoy this classic comfort food. With their crispy edges and soft centers, they make the perfect side dish or snack. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday or just craving something savory, this recipe will become a family favorite. Plus, the air fryer makes it simple and quick, giving you all the flavor without the extra oil. Try these today for a crispy, golden treat!

Must-Try Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, here are some other must-try dishes that you can easily make in the air fryer or with simple ingredients:

Green Bean Casserole Air Fryer: The Quick Holiday Favorite
A holiday classic, this green bean casserole is made healthier and quicker using the air fryer. It’s a great side dish that complements any meal.
Ocean Spray Cranberry Relish Recipe: A Sweet Holiday Favorite
This vibrant cranberry relish recipe brings a burst of freshness to your festive dinners. It’s quick and easy to prepare, and perfect for holiday feasts.
Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole: A Delicious Fall-Inspired Dish
A delicious fall-inspired casserole that combines the sweetness of apples with the richness of sweet potatoes. It’s a comforting dish perfect for the season.