Why I Love This Recipe
These Air Fryer Potato Cakes are a game-changer for anyone who loves crispy, golden potatoes but wants to avoid deep frying. The best part is that you can control the fat content by using your air fryer, making these cakes both healthier and just as delicious as the traditional version. The potatoes are fully boiled, giving the cakes a tender inside with a crispy exterior. It’s the perfect blend of textures, and the ability to customize them with spices or seasonings means you can tailor them to your taste. Whether served as a side dish or snack, these potato cakes will quickly become a family favorite!
Air Fryer Potato Cakes Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3 large potatoes (boiled, peeled, and grated)
- 2 tablespoons oil (for mixing and brushing)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Variations:
- Peri-Peri Spice: Add a spicy kick by coating the cakes in peri-peri sauce or seasoning.
- Moroccan Twist: Brush the cakes with a mixture of Moroccan spice and 1 tablespoon of oil.
- Cajun Kick: Spice them up with Cajun seasoning for a flavorful twist.
- Sriracha: Mix in a little Sriracha for a spicy, tangy flavor.
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes:
In a large saucepan, boil the potatoes in water until they are fully cooked and tender. Once boiled, let them cool to room temperature. Once cooled, peel the potatoes. - Grate the Potatoes:
Grate the cooled potatoes using a box grater or a food processor. The finer the grate, the smoother your cakes will be. - Season the Potatoes:
In a large bowl, mix the grated potatoes with 2 tablespoons of oil, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir until the ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed. - Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F) for about 5 minutes. - Shape the Potato Cakes:
Use a cookie cutter to form the potato mixture into evenly shaped patties. You can also shape them by hand, but a cookie cutter ensures uniformity. Place the patties on a sheet of parchment paper to prevent sticking, but make sure they don’t overlap. - Air Fry the Potato Cakes:
Once the air fryer is preheated, brush the parchment paper and the patties with a small amount of oil. Place the potato cakes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring that they are not overlapping. Air fry at 190°C (375°F) for 15 minutes, brushing them with oil halfway through. - Flip and Crisp:
After 15 minutes, flip the potato cakes over and brush them with a little more oil. Increase the temperature to 200°C (390°F) and cook for an additional 7-8 minutes or until the cakes are golden brown and crispy. For the last few minutes, you can remove the parchment paper to allow the cakes to crisp up even more. - Serve:
Remove the potato cakes from the air fryer and serve them immediately. They are perfect on their own or served with a dipping sauce, like sour cream, ketchup, or spicy mayo.
Tips & Tricks
- Boil the Potatoes Fully: Unlike hashbrowns, where the potatoes are partially boiled, these potato cakes require fully boiled potatoes for a soft and fluffy interior. This method ensures that the cakes have the perfect texture.
- Customizable Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your preference. Peri-peri, Cajun, and Sriracha offer fantastic heat, while Moroccan seasoning gives a unique aromatic flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the crispiest texture, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. It’s better to cook the cakes in batches if needed to allow the air to circulate properly.
- Grate Evenly: The finer you grate the potatoes, the smoother the texture of the cakes. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can coarsely grate the potatoes for a different mouthfeel.
Recipe Notes
- Texture Variations: The texture of these potato cakes is different from hashbrowns because the potatoes are boiled, which results in a soft interior. If you prefer more of a crunch, you can add some finely chopped onions or a bit of flour to the mix to help bind them together.
- Spice Combinations: Experiment with your favorite spice blends or even cheese to customize the flavor. Parmesan, cheddar, or even a bit of smoked paprika can add extra richness.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular potatoes instead of boiling them first?
No, this recipe calls for fully boiled potatoes, which give the cakes a fluffy texture inside. Using raw potatoes will result in undercooked cakes.
2. Can I freeze the potato cakes?
Yes! After forming the patties, you can freeze them before air frying. Simply arrange the patties on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When ready to cook, air fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
3. Can I use a different kind of oil?
Yes! While the recipe calls for oil, you can use any oil with a high smoking point, such as vegetable oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil.
4. Can I make these potato cakes without the air fryer?
Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can pan-fry these potato cakes in a skillet over medium heat. Just be sure to flip them carefully and cook until golden brown on both sides.
Storage & Reheating
- Storing Leftovers: Store leftover potato cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the potato cakes in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply pop the potato cakes back into the air fryer at 190°C (375°F) for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Serving Suggestions
- Dip It: Serve with a variety of dips like sour cream, ketchup, garlic aioli, or spicy ranch.
- As a Side: These potato cakes are perfect as a side dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Serve them alongside scrambled eggs, grilled chicken, or a fresh salad.
- Snack Time: These also make a great snack or appetizer for parties, game days, or gatherings.
With this Air Fryer Potato Cakes recipe, you can enjoy a crispy, golden treat with far less oil than traditional frying. Whether you’re making them as a snack, side dish, or just a fun family meal, the result will always be satisfying and delicious. Enjoy
