Crispy Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes: A Quick & Delicious Side Dish Done Right

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Introduction

There’s something universally comforting about a plate of golden, crispy potatoes. Whether served as a side dish at dinner or enjoyed as a snack straight from the basket, potatoes are one of those ingredients that never go out of style. Among the many ways to prepare them, air frying has emerged as a standout method, delivering the crispiness of deep frying without the heavy oil and added calories.

Enter this recipe for Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes—an irresistibly crispy, tender-on-the-inside snack or side dish that requires minimal ingredients and delivers maximum flavor. Using simple pantry spices and a little olive oil, these potato slices cook up golden brown and addictively crunchy with a fraction of the fat of traditional fried potatoes.

Whether you’re looking for a new weeknight side, a better-for-you party snack, or something to dip into ketchup or aioli on the weekend, these air fryer potatoes are your answer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Healthier than traditional fries – Uses only a couple tablespoons of olive oil

  • Quick cooking – Ready in just 15–20 minutes

  • Perfect texture – Crispy on the outside, tender and fluffy on the inside

  • Customizable – Add your favorite spices, cheese, or herbs

  • Minimal cleanup – No messy deep-frying or oil splatter

Ingredients (US Cups and Measures)

Here’s what you’ll need to make this air fryer classic:

  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt

  • ½ teaspoon paprika

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

Optional Add-ons:

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

  • Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, shredded)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

  • Air fryer

  • Mixing bowl

  • Cutting board

  • Sharp knife or mandoline slicer

  • Spatula or tongs

  • Clean kitchen towel or paper towels

Prep Time & Nutrition

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 15–20 minutes

  • Total Time: ~25–30 minutes

  • Servings: 4

  • Calories per serving: ~244 kcal

How to Make Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes

Step 1: Slice the Potatoes

Start by washing your potatoes thoroughly. Peel them if desired (optional), but leaving the skin on adds flavor and texture.

Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, cut the potatoes into ¼-inch thick slices. Thinner slices will cook faster and get crispier, but make sure they’re consistent to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Soak the Slices

Place the slices in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for 15–30 minutes. This step removes excess starch, which helps prevent the slices from sticking together and makes them crispier when cooked.

After soaking, drain the slices and pat them completely dry using a clean towel or paper towels. This is crucial—moisture leads to steaming instead of crisping.

Step 3: Season the Potatoes

Transfer the dried potato slices to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle them with the olive oil and sprinkle with salt, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Use your hands or a spatula to toss everything together until the potatoes are evenly coated in oil and spices.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

While seasoning, preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps the slices crisp up faster and more evenly.

Step 5: Air Fry the Potatoes

Place the seasoned potato slices into the air fryer basket in a single layer. A little overlap is okay, but for best results, work in batches so they’re not overcrowded.

Air fry at 380°F for 12–15 minutes. Shake the basket or flip the slices halfway through to ensure even browning.

Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes—some slices may cook faster depending on thickness or your specific air fryer model.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Once golden brown and crispy, remove the slices from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.

Garnish with a pinch of flaky sea salt, cracked black pepper, chopped parsley, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Serve hot with your favorite dips—ketchup, ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy mayo are all great options.

Expert Tips for Perfect Potato Slices

  • Consistency is key: Use a mandoline slicer for uniformly thin slices, which ensures even cooking and crispiness.

  • Don’t skip the soak: Soaking the potatoes in cold water is essential for removing starch and achieving crunch.

  • Dry completely: Wet slices will steam, not crisp. Use a towel to remove all moisture before air frying.

  • Preheat your air fryer: A hot fryer equals better texture and quicker cooking.

  • Shake or flip halfway: This prevents one side from browning too much and ensures all sides crisp evenly.

Variations and Flavor Ideas

Once you master the basic recipe, try these tasty variations to change things up:

1. Cheesy Garlic

  • Add grated Parmesan and minced garlic in the last 2 minutes of air frying.

2. Smoky BBQ

  • Use smoked paprika, cayenne, and brown sugar for a barbecue flavor profile.

3. Spicy Cajun

  • Replace seasoning with Cajun spice mix or chili-lime seasoning.

4. Greek Style

  • Add oregano, lemon zest, and feta crumbles after air frying.

5. Loaded Potatoes

  • Top with shredded cheddar, bacon bits, and scallions after air frying.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Potato Slices

These slices are incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving suggestions:

  • With Breakfast: Serve alongside eggs, avocado toast, or breakfast burritos.

  • As a Side Dish: Pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or veggie burgers.

  • As an Appetizer: Arrange with dips like guacamole, sour cream, or spicy cheese sauce.

  • Game Day Snack: Serve with a tray of sliders or buffalo wings.

Storing & Reheating

Refrigeration

  • Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing

  • Not recommended, as they can lose crispiness.

Reheating

  • Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until warm and crisp again.

  • Avoid microwaving—they’ll become soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sweet potatoes?

Absolutely! Sweet potatoes can be sliced and cooked the same way but may need an extra 2–3 minutes.

Can I cook them without soaking?

You can, but they won’t be as crispy. The soaking step helps remove starch and improve texture.

How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking?

Dry them well, toss with oil thoroughly, and preheat your air fryer. Nonstick spray on the basket can also help.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches. Overcrowding the basket will lead to uneven cooking and soggy results.

Final Thoughts

These crispy air fryer sliced potatoes are a game-changer. They deliver all the crunchy satisfaction of fried potatoes but without the grease or guilt. They’re fast, simple, and endlessly customizable—ideal for quick dinners, healthy snacks, or party platters. Once you try them, they’re bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

This recipe is proof that something as humble as a potato, when treated right, can become something extraordinary.

Whether you’re hosting a party, feeding your family, or just craving something crunchy and satisfying, these air fryer potatoes will hit the spot every time.

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