When the craving for crispy potato latkes hits, it’s hard to resist. These golden pancakes, traditionally fried to perfection, often leave behind that greasy feeling. But what if you could get all the crunch without the heavy oil? That’s where the air fryer steps in, turning humble potatoes into crispy, tender bites without the mess or guilt.
Last weekend, I decided to try these air fryer potato latkes on a whim. The kitchen was already buzzing with the aroma of something else simmering, so I was a little distracted, trying to juggle timing. The grated potatoes and onion mixture sat on the counter while I preheated the air fryer, and I could already imagine the satisfying sizzle. Forming the latkes was a bit messy—some stuck to my fingers more than I expected—but that’s the charm, right? Once in the air fryer, I peeked through the basket’s window, watching the edges turn a perfect golden brown. The first bite was a mix of crispy crunch and soft, tender potato, a little smoky from the air fryer, but just enough to make you want more. I haven’t quite mastered flipping without a little spillover, but hey, that’s part of the fun.
- Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—thanks to air frying, you get the best texture without deep frying.
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably have on hand, so no last-minute grocery runs needed.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just straightforward comfort food.
- Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even a casual dinner side, making it surprisingly versatile.
- Requires patience with batch cooking since the latkes need space in the air fryer to crisp properly.
Don’t worry if your first batch needs a little tweaking—these latkes reheat beautifully in the air fryer, so leftovers won’t go to waste. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try topping them with a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of applesauce for a classic touch.
Print
Air Fryer Potato Latkes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Crispy and golden potato latkes made healthier in the air fryer. Perfectly crunchy on the outside and tender inside, these latkes are a delicious twist on the classic fried treat.
Ingredients
3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and grated
1 small yellow onion, grated
2 large eggs
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
Instructions
Place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Add the grated onion to the bowl with the potatoes.
In a small bowl, beat the eggs. Add the eggs to the potato and onion mixture.
Add the flour, salt, black pepper, and baking powder to the bowl. Mix everything together until well combined.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
Form the potato mixture into 8 equal-sized patties, about 3 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick.
Place the latkes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap. You may need to cook in batches.
Brush the tops of the latkes with the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Cook the latkes in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 7 minutes.
Carefully flip the latkes and cook for an additional 7 to 8 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove the latkes from the air fryer and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Serve hot with sour cream or applesauce if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Using an air fryer makes this recipe less intimidating, even if you’re not a fan of deep frying. I usually just use my regular kitchen tools—nothing fancy—and the latkes still come out great. For serving, a simple side salad or some smoked salmon pairs nicely, but honestly, these latkes can stand on their own. If you want to switch things up, you could try mixing in a bit of grated carrot or swap the yellow onion for a sweet onion; I haven’t tested those myself but they sound promising. You could also experiment with different spices—maybe a pinch of smoked paprika or a hint of garlic powder for a twist.
FAQ
Can I prepare the potato mixture ahead of time? You can grate the potatoes and onions a few hours ahead, but it’s best to keep them in a bowl of cold water to prevent browning. Just make sure to dry them thoroughly before mixing.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store leftover latkes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the air fryer at a moderate temperature for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness.
Can I freeze these latkes? I haven’t tried freezing them, but if you do, flash freeze first and then store in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer, adding a couple of extra minutes.
Ready to put your air fryer to work? Save this recipe and get cooking—crispy, golden latkes are just a few steps away from your next craving.