Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes

Air fryer sliced potatoes are a fantastic, healthier alternative to french fries or roasted potatoes. They come out crispy on the edges and tender in the middle with very little oil.

Here are a few ways to make them, from simple salt & pepper to fun seasoned versions.

Basic Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes

This is your go-to, versatile recipe.

Yields: 2-3 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15-20 minutes

Ingredients:

2 medium russet or Yukon Gold potatoes (about 1 lb)
1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Cooking spray

Instructions:

Slice the Potatoes: Wash and scrub the potatoes. You can peel them or leave the skin on for extra nutrients and texture. Slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife or a mandoline for evenness.
Soak (Optional but Recommended): Place the potato slices in a bowl of cold water and let them soak for 20-30 minutes. This removes excess starch, which helps them get crispier. Drain and pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is crucial for crispiness!
Season: In a dry bowl, toss the dried potato slices with oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C) for 3 minutes. Arrange the potato slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. They can be close but shouldn’t overlap much. You may need to cook in batches.
Cook: Air fry for 15-20 minutes, pausing to shake the basket or flip the slices halfway through. Cook until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Serve: Season with an extra pinch of salt right after they come out of the air fryer. Serve immediately.

Flavor Variations:

Garlic Parmesan: Toss the hot, cooked potatoes with 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese and ½ teaspoon of dried parsley.
Spicy Cajun: Replace the paprika with 1 teaspoon of your favorite Cajun seasoning blend.
Rosemary & Garlic: Use 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried) along with the garlic powder.
“Funky” Fries: For a taste similar to a popular chain’s “seasoned fries,” toss with ½ tsp paprika, ¼ tsp onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Pro Tips for the Best Results:

Dryness is Key: The single most important step for crispy potatoes is ensuring they are thoroughly dried after soaking. Any surface moisture will steam them.
Don’t Crowd the Basket: Overcrowding leads to steamed, soggy potatoes. Cook in batches for the best texture.
Size Matters: Try to slice the potatoes uniformly so they cook at the same rate.
Check for Doneness: Cooking time can vary based on your air fryer model and the thickness of the slices. Start checking at the 12-minute mark.
Serve Immediately: Like all fried potatoes, they are best enjoyed hot and crispy right out of the air fryer.

Enjoy your perfectly crispy and healthy sliced potatoes! They’re a perfect side dish for burgers, grilled chicken, or just as a snack with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.