Air Fryer Potato Snack

Crispy, golden air fryer sliced potatoes make the perfect side dish with minimal oil and maximum flavor. These thinly sliced potatoes get wonderfully crispy edges while staying tender inside, seasoned simply with garlic and paprika for a dish that pairs with almost anything.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These air fryer sliced potatoes are a game-changer for busy weeknights. They require minimal prep, cook faster than oven-roasted potatoes, and use significantly less oil than traditional fried potatoes. The air fryer creates that perfect crispy exterior while maintaining a tender inside, giving you the ideal texture combination. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable with different seasonings, making them a versatile side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Potatoes form the foundation of this dish. Russet potatoes work wonderfully because of their high starch content, which helps create that crispy exterior, but Yukon Gold potatoes are excellent too with their naturally buttery flavor.

Olive oil helps the potatoes crisp up in the air fryer and allows the seasonings to adhere. You can substitute with avocado oil if you prefer its higher smoke point.

Garlic powder provides that savory depth of flavor that makes these potatoes irresistible. Using powder instead of fresh garlic prevents burning in the high heat of the air fryer.

Paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color to the potatoes. Regular paprika works great, but smoked paprika can add an extra dimension of flavor.

Salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the natural flavor of the potatoes. Kosher salt works particularly well for even distribution.

Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and fresh flavor as a finishing touch. It’s optional but adds a nice visual appeal and freshness to the finished dish.

Directions

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Toss sliced potatoes in olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Place potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy and golden.
4. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 servings at approximately 200 calories per serving. It’s quick to prepare, taking only 5 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time, for a total of 25 minutes from start to finish. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a tasty side dish without a lot of fuss.

Variations

Spicy Potatoes: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.

Herb-Roasted: Mix in 1 teaspoon of dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or Italian seasoning blend.

Parmesan Potatoes: Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the potatoes during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

Ranch Style: Use 2 teaspoons of ranch seasoning mix instead of the garlic powder and paprika.

Loaded Potatoes: After cooking, top with shredded cheese, and green onions, then return to the air fryer for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: While possible, freezing is not recommended as the texture can become soggy when thawed.

Reheating: For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can use a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it will make the potatoes soft rather than crispy.

FAQs

Why aren’t my potatoes getting crispy in the air fryer?

Overcrowding the air fryer basket prevents proper air circulation. Make sure to arrange the potatoes in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary. Also, pat the potatoes dry before seasoning to remove excess moisture.

Do I need to soak the potatoes before air frying?

Soaking isn’t necessary for this recipe, but if you have time, soaking the sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes helps remove excess starch and can make them crispier. Just be sure to dry them thoroughly afterward.

Can I use other types of potatoes?

Yes! While russet and Yukon Gold work best, red potatoes can also be used. Sweet potatoes are another delicious option, though they may require slightly different cooking times.

How thick should I slice the potatoes?

For optimal results, slice potatoes about 1/4 inch thick. Thinner slices cook faster and get crispier, while thicker slices remain more tender inside.

Can I make these without oil?

Some oil is recommended for crispiness, but you can reduce it to 1-2 teaspoons if desired. Alternatively, try using an oil spray for even lighter coverage.

What can I serve with air fryer sliced potatoes?

These potatoes pair wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted chicken, fish, or as part of a vegetarian meal with a salad. They also make a great base for breakfast dishes topped with eggs.

My air fryer is small. Can I stack the potatoes?

It’s best not to stack them, as this prevents proper air circulation. If you have a small air fryer, work in batches for the crispiest results.

How can I tell when the potatoes are done?

The potatoes should be golden brown on the outside and easily pierced with a fork. If they’re browning too quickly but still firm inside, lower the temperature slightly and continue cooking.

Can I prepare the potatoes ahead of time?

You can slice and season the potatoes up to a few hours ahead, keeping them in cold water to prevent browning. Just drain and dry thoroughly before air frying.

Are these air fryer potatoes healthy?

Yes, they’re healthier than traditional fried potatoes since they use significantly less oil. Potatoes themselves are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.

Conclusion

Air fryer sliced potatoes transform an everyday ingredient into a crave-worthy side dish with minimal effort. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability—perfect as is, or as a canvas for your favorite seasonings and toppings. With their crispy exterior and tender interior, these potatoes deliver restaurant-quality results with far less oil and hassle than traditional methods. Whether you’re serving them alongside your Sunday roast or as a quick weeknight side, these air fryer potatoes are sure to become a regular feature in your meal rotation.

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