If you’re looking for a quick, crispy, and healthier way to enjoy potatoes, air fryer sliced potatoes are your new best friend. These thinly sliced beauties cook up golden and delicious in minutes—no deep fryer required. Whether you’re craving a crunchy snack, a satisfying side dish, or a fuss-free way to use up extra spuds, this recipe delivers every time.

So, why are air fryer potatoes all over your feed right now? Simple: they combine convenience with crave-worthy results. With just a few pantry staples and an air fryer, you’ll have golden brown slices with perfectly crisp edges and tender centers—every time.

From weeknight dinners to game day snacks, these versatile slices are easy to customize with your favorite seasonings. And the best part? You’ll use a fraction of the oil compared to traditional frying, making them a better-for-you option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Why Use an Air Fryer for Sliced Potatoes?

The air fryer has become a kitchen essential—and sliced potatoes are one of the best reasons to love it. Compared to the oven, the air fryer cooks faster and more evenly, delivering that coveted crispy texture with minimal effort.

Using an air fryer means you can enjoy your favorite fried-style sides with significantly less oil. Instead of submerging potatoes in grease, you just need a light spritz to achieve that golden crunch. Less oil = fewer calories and less mess.

Another bonus? You won’t need to turn on your oven or babysit the stove. Just set it, shake it once halfway, and your sliced potatoes will come out golden and irresistible.

Pro Tip: Always preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding the potatoes. This small step helps lock in crispiness right from the start—so no more soggy edges or uneven browning!

Best Type of Potatoes for Air Frying

Not all potatoes are created equal—especially when it comes to slicing and crisping in the air fryer. For that ideal balance of crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, a few varieties stand out.

Russet potatoes are a go-to favorite. Their high starch content gives them a fluffy interior and super crispy finish. Want a more buttery, rich texture? Go with Yukon Golds—they’re slightly waxier, which helps them hold their shape. If you’re after something bite-sized and tender, red potatoes are a great choice, though they tend to be less crispy.

You can also decide whether to leave the skin on or peel it. Leaving the skin adds texture and nutrients (plus less prep time!), while peeling gives you a smoother bite.

Ultimately, your choice depends on preference—but no matter which you pick, thin slicing and proper prep will give you that irresistible crunch.

How to Slice Potatoes the Right Way

Getting the perfect slice is the secret to air fryer success. You want the potatoes thin enough to crisp, but not so thin that they burn before the centers cook. Aim for slices about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick.

If you have a mandoline slicer, now’s the time to break it out. It gives consistent slices that cook evenly. A food processor with a slicing attachment works too, or you can go old-school with a sharp chef’s knife—just keep the slices uniform.

Avoid slicing too thin, especially if you plan to cook at higher temperatures. Paper-thin slices can quickly turn too brown or even bitter.

If you’re prepping ahead of time, you can slice your potatoes and store them in water to prevent browning—just make sure to dry them really well before air frying.

Even slicing = even cooking. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.

Prepping the Potatoes Before Air Frying

Before your slices ever hit the air fryer basket, a little prep goes a long way. The first step? Soaking the sliced potatoes in cold water. This helps remove excess starch, which is key to achieving that crisp golden texture. Let them soak for at least 15–30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge if you’re planning ahead).

After soaking, make sure to dry them thoroughly using a clean towel or paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so take your time here.

Next, toss the slices in a bit of oil—you only need about 1–2 teaspoons per batch. A light, even coating helps them brown beautifully. Good oil options include avocado oil (great for high heat), extra virgin olive oil, or even a spritz of canola oil spray.

This is also the time to add seasonings—but keep it simple for now. Save delicate toppings and fresh herbs for after cooking.

Seasoning Ideas and Flavor Variations

Here’s where the fun begins—seasoning! Air fryer sliced potatoes are like a blank canvas, ready to take on bold flavors or stay simple and comforting.

Start with the classic combo: sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. It’s simple, satisfying, and lets the potato flavor shine.

Craving something cheesy and savory? Try a garlic parmesan blend—just sprinkle fresh garlic powder and grated Parmesan right after air frying for maximum flavor.

For a smoky kick, toss with paprika and cayenne pepper before cooking. It adds color and heat without overpowering the natural potato taste.

Other great blends to try:

Ranch seasoning: store-bought or homemade
Taco spice mix: chili powder, cumin, onion powder
BBQ rub: brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic

Feeling adventurous? Once the potatoes are done, drizzle with truffle oil, top with feta and chopped herbs, or finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Pro Tip: Avoid adding fresh herbs before air frying—they tend to burn. Instead, add them at the end for vibrant flavor and color.

How to Cook Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes (Step-by-Step)

Once your potatoes are sliced, soaked, and seasoned, it’s time to get cooking! Follow these steps for crispy, golden perfection every time.

Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F–400°F. While it’s technically optional, preheating gives you a head start on crisping and ensures even cooking from the get-go.

Next, arrange the potato slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overlapping—overcrowding traps steam and makes the potatoes soggy instead of crisp.

Set the timer for 12–18 minutes, depending on how thick your slices are and how crispy you like them. Shake the basket halfway through to promote even browning on all sides.

Keep an eye on them near the end of the cook time. You’re looking for golden color, crisp edges, and a tender center. If they need a little more time, go in short bursts—an extra minute or two can make a big difference.

Once they’re done, serve immediately for maximum crunch. You can batch cook and keep earlier rounds warm in a low oven if needed.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Potato Slices Every Time

Want that next-level crunch every time? These quick tips will help you avoid common mistakes and get consistently crispy air fryer sliced potatoes:

Don’t skip the soak! Even 15 minutes in cold water removes excess starch, which helps prevent sogginess.

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Pat dry—really dry. Moisture = steam, and steam kills crisp.
Use just enough oil. You want a light, even coat—not a greasy puddle.
Shake or flip halfway through. This ensures all sides crisp up nicely.
Work in batches if needed. Overcrowding the basket leads to uneven cooking and soggy slices.

Bonus tip: Try different thicknesses to see what you love best. Thicker slices stay tender inside, while thinner ones get chip-like crisp.

Once you dial in your method, you’ll be air frying these on repeat.

Serving Suggestions & What to Pair With Them

Air fryer sliced potatoes are as versatile as they are tasty. Serve them up as a side dish, snack, or even a party appetizer—they play well with just about everything.

For dipping, you can’t go wrong with classics like:

Ketchup
Spicy mayo
Aioli
Sour cream and chive

Pair them with your favorite main dishes:

Grilled steak or chicken
Juicy burgers
Crispy fried eggs for brunch

Hosting a get-together? Add these to an appetizer board with cheese cubes, pickles, and finger-friendly proteins like chicken skewers or meatballs.

They also work great in loaded potato bars where everyone customizes their own plate—just add shredded cheese, bacon bits, chopped scallions, and sauces. Easy, crowd-pleasing, and always delicious.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Don’t worry—air fryer sliced potatoes store and reheat beautifully with just a little care.

Storage: Let the slices cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes. This will help them crisp up again—way better than the microwave, which turns them soft and soggy.
Freezing: You can freeze them if they’re fully cooked first. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer (no thawing needed).

Tip: If you’re meal prepping, slice and soak the potatoes ahead of time. Store them in cold water in the fridge, then drain, dry, and air fry when ready.

Variations and Creative Twists

Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to get creative with your air fryer potato slices. Here are some delicious ideas to mix things up:

Loaded Sliced Potatoes: After air frying, top with shredded cheese, crispy bacon, and chopped green onion. Pop them back in the air fryer for 1–2 minutes to melt the cheese.
Sweet Potato Slices: Swap in sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, nutrient-packed version. Try seasoning with cinnamon, cumin, or smoked paprika.
Mediterranean Style: Toss finished slices with crumbled feta, kalamata olives, chopped parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Buffalo Style: After cooking, toss in buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles and fresh celery bits.

You can also use your favorite seasoning blends to match the mood—Italian herbs, curry powder, or even everything bagel seasoning.

No matter the twist, these potatoes stay endlessly adaptable and absolutely crave-worthy.

FAQs

Can I put raw sliced potatoes in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Just make sure to soak them in water and dry them thoroughly first. This helps them crisp up beautifully and prevents sogginess.

Why do my air fryer potatoes come out soggy?
The most common reasons are too much moisture or overcrowding the basket. Make sure you pat your slices completely dry and cook in a single layer for the best results.

How long does it take to air fry sliced potatoes?
Depending on the thickness, it usually takes 12 to 18 minutes at 375°F–400°F. Thin slices will cook faster, while thicker ones may need a few extra minutes.

Do you have to soak potatoes before air frying?
While not required, soaking is highly recommended. It removes excess starch and gives you crispier, more evenly browned slices.

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can slice and soak the potatoes in water, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just dry and season before air frying.

Can I use frozen sliced potatoes in the air fryer?
You sure can. Just make sure not to overcrowd and adjust the cook time. You may need a couple of extra minutes, and no need to thaw beforehand.