
I've gotta share this no-fail air fryer potato slices trick that's now a regular at our dinner table. These spuds turn out crispy around the edges but stay soft in the middle. What's great? They're done in 20 minutes flat and only need a tiny bit of oil. My crew eats them up so fast I can barely keep up.
An Eye-Opening Technique
Through tons of kitchen trials, I've found that air fryers work wonders with potato slices. They develop this amazing golden outside without being soaked in oil. Even my fussy teens now pick these over standard fries.
Collecting What You Need
- Potatoes: Russets are my pick since they get nice and crisp
- Olive Oil: Just a thin layer works magic
- Garlic Granules: These work better than fresh since fresh can burn
- Herbs: I mix up my own dried herb combo for killer taste
- Salt: I always grab sea salt for that final touch
Cutting It Right
You gotta try this cutting method. I go for slices about as thick as a pencil. My mandoline makes this super easy but a good knife works too. Getting those cuts even means everything cooks at the same time.
Water Bath Trick
Drop your slices in cold water while setting up everything else. This small step gets rid of extra starch and stops the potatoes from turning brown. I let mine sit while getting my spices together.

Don't Skip The Drying
Making sure those potato slices are totally dry really matters. I lay them between two clean dish towels and press them down. Any water left will make steam instead of crispiness in your air fryer.
Flavor Boost
Here's where it gets good. I mix everything in a large bowl with my oil and spices. Get your hands in there to coat each slice properly. Sometimes I throw in a bit of smoked paprika for extra kick.
Air Fryer Time
Put those coated slices in your air fryer basket but don't jam them in. I cook mine at 200°C and shake the basket once halfway. You'll spot when they're ready by their golden color and crispy edges.
Checking If They're Done
Watch for that nice golden shade and crunchy sides. All air fryers work differently so your first try might need a minute or two more. Once you nail the timing, you'll get it right every time.
Turning It Into Dinner
We go crazy for these with homemade garlic mayo or my special hot ketchup. They pair great with hamburgers or grilled chicken but honestly they vanish so quickly they sometimes don't make it to dinner.

Storing What's Left
If by some miracle we have extras, they keep well in a sealed container. A quick run through the air fryer brings back that perfect crunch. Just 3 minutes at 375°F does it.
Good For The Freezer
I often make a huge batch and freeze them after cooking once. Lay them on a cookie sheet until frozen then dump into a freezer bag. They crisp up wonderfully straight from frozen.
Watching The Calories
My sis counts her calories so I showed her how to make these with just a spray of cooking oil. They still come out tasty and she can enjoy them without worry.
Adding Some Heat
My guy loves spicy food so I often add cayenne or chili powder to his portion. The heat pairs really well with the crunchy potatoes. Start small, you can always add more.
Fresh Herbs Work Too
During summer when my garden's full of herbs I love tossing fresh rosemary or thyme on these right after cooking. The herbs get slightly soft from the heat and taste amazing.

Try With Cheese
Sometimes I throw some parmesan on the potatoes during the last few minutes of cooking. It makes this awesome crispy cheese layer that nobody can turn down.
Sweet Potato Option
This method works great with sweet potatoes too. Just keep an eye on them since they cook faster. The natural sweetness with savory spices is really something special.
Great Companions
We love having these with grilled steak or chicken. They're also fantastic for snacking on movie nights. My kids actually ask for these instead of popcorn now.
Nailing The Process
Don't try to rush by stuffing your air fryer basket too full. It's better to cook in smaller batches and get perfectly crispy potatoes than end up with steamed ones. Taking your time pays off.
Family Favorite
These air fryer potatoes have become such a go-to at our house. They're easy enough for weeknights but fancy enough for guests. Plus my kitchen smells incredible while they're cooking.
Summary
These crispy air-fryer potato slices are a fast, delicious option for any meal. Customize them with your flavor preferences and enjoy golden, tender bites that are easy and satisfying!
Recipe FAQs
- → What does soaking the potatoes do?
When you soak the slices, excess starch is removed. This lets them crisp up during cooking instead of staying soft or sticking together.
- → Can I change up the seasonings?
Absolutely! You can go for paprika, onion powder, Italian herbs, or your own favorite spices. Just keep the oil amount about the same for a crispy result.
- → Is preheating the air fryer necessary?
Not always, but giving the air fryer 2-3 minutes to heat up can help the slices cook more evenly and crisp up better.
- → Can these be prepped ahead?
Fresh is best, but you can slice the potatoes ahead, store them in water in the fridge, and then dry and season right before cooking.
- → Which type of potatoes should I use?
Russets or Yukon Golds are top picks. They’re just right for getting crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.