If you’re anything like me, you know the magic that happens when potatoes get that perfect crispy golden edge. These Crispy Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes are simple, satisfying, and ridiculously easy to throw together — even on a crazy weeknight.
I’ve made these more times than I can count, and they’re always a hit with family and friends. Whether it’s a casual dinner or a game-day snack, you’ll love how quickly these come together and how absolutely addictive they are. Plus, the air fryer does all the heavy lifting for you, meaning you get that satisfying crunch without babysitting a hot oven.
Let’s check out!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 3 medium russet potatoes (or Yukon Gold)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (plus more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Pro Tips
- Slice Evenly: Try to slice your potatoes about ⅛ inch thick so they cook evenly. Uneven slices can lead to some burning while others stay soggy.
- Don’t Skip the Soak: If you have time, soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for 20-30 minutes. It pulls out excess starch and makes them even crispier.
- Pat Dry Thoroughly: After soaking (or even if you don’t soak), pat the slices super dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
- Single Layer Only: Avoid overlapping the potatoes in the air fryer. Cook in batches if needed for maximum crunch.
- Kid-Approved Tip: Lightly dust the finished slices with a little parmesan cheese once they’re hot out of the air fryer for a cheesy twist kids love.
Tools You’ll Need
- Air fryer
- Sharp knife or mandoline slicer
- Mixing bowl
- Paper towels
- Tongs or spatula
- Cutting board
Substitutions and Variations
- Potatoes: Swap russets for sweet potatoes for a sweeter take.
- Oil: Avocado oil works great if you want a higher smoke point.
- Seasonings: Try ranch seasoning, Cajun spices, or Italian herbs for a flavor twist.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle finely grated parmesan cheese during the last 2 minutes of air frying.
- Make Them Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
Make Ahead Tips
- You can slice and soak your potatoes up to 24 hours in advance. Just store them submerged in water in the fridge, and dry them well when you’re ready to cook.
Instructions
- Prep the potatoes: Wash and dry the potatoes well. Leave the skins on for extra texture or peel if you prefer. Slice into ⅛ inch rounds using a knife or mandoline.
- Optional soak: Place sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water for 20-30 minutes. Drain and pat completely dry with paper towels.
- Season: In a large bowl, toss potato slices with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, oregano (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Arrange and cook: Lay the potato slices in a single layer in the basket. Work in batches if necessary. Air fry for 10-14 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Keep a close eye near the end — they crisp quickly!
- Serve: Sprinkle with extra sea salt and chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot and crispy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 185
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
Meal Pairing Suggestions
- Main Dishes: These potatoes are perfect with grilled chicken, burgers, or steak.
- Light Side: Serve with a big green salad or roasted veggies.
- Dips: Ranch dressing, spicy aioli, or simple ketchup make great partners.
Cooking Time Efficiency Tips
- Preheat early: Start preheating the air fryer while you season the potatoes.
- Use a mandoline: It cuts slicing time way down and ensures even thickness.
- Batch while you prep: If you have a smaller air fryer, get the next batch ready to go while the first batch cooks.
Tips for Leftovers and Storage
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to bring the crisp back. Avoid the microwave unless you like them soft.
- Creative reuse: Chop leftover slices into smaller pieces and toss into a breakfast scramble or wrap.
FAQs
Can I skip soaking the potatoes?
Yes, but soaking gives you a noticeably crispier result.
What if my potatoes stick together?
Be sure they are fully dry before seasoning. Also, giving them a good toss with oil ensures a light coating that helps prevent sticking.
Can I use frozen sliced potatoes?
Fresh is best for texture, but if using frozen, be sure to thaw and dry them thoroughly first.
How thin should I slice the potatoes?
Aim for about ⅛ inch thick. Too thick and they won’t crisp well, too thin and they may burn fast.
Can I make these oil-free?
You can skip the oil, but expect a slightly less crispy texture. A light spray of cooking spray is a better alternative if you’re cutting oil.
Wrap Up
These Crispy Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes are the ultimate easy side dish — packed with flavor, satisfying crunch, and total kid-approval. If you’ve been looking for a simple, crowd-pleasing potato recipe that doesn’t need a lot of effort, this one is going to be your new favorite.
When you try it, I would absolutely love to hear how it turned out for you. Drop a comment below with your experience, any fun seasoning ideas you tried, or questions you have!
