Crispy Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes with Irresistible Creamy Herb Sauce

Discover how to make perfectly seasoned, deliciously tender, and irresistibly golden-brown sliced potatoes right in your air fryer. This quick and easy recipe transforms a humble potato into an extraordinary side dish, ready to complement any meal. Elevate your potato game by serving them with a generous side of our easy-to-make, super creamy herb sauce for dipping. You’ll quickly find these air-fried potatoes become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire!

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Potato Recipe

This recipe isn’t just another way to cook potatoes; it’s a revelation! Here’s why these air fryer sliced potatoes are destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

1. Unbeatable Texture & Flavor: The air fryer works magic, delivering potatoes that are incredibly tender on the inside with an exquisite golden, crispy “shell” on the outside. This perfect contrast is achieved with minimal oil, making it a healthier alternative to deep-frying. The simple act of air frying also locks in moisture, preventing dry, dull potatoes.
2. Quick and Effortless Preparation: Say goodbye to lengthy oven baking or messy pan-frying. This recipe is designed for speed and convenience, allowing you to whip up a gourmet-quality side dish in a fraction of the time. The hands-on prep is minimal, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
3. Bursting with Savory Spices: Every thin slice of potato is generously coated in a robust blend of garlic powder, onion powder, freshly ground black pepper, salt, rich paprika, and a pinch of fiery cayenne. This ensures a flavor explosion with every bite, perfectly balancing earthy, pungent, and subtly spicy notes. You can easily customize this seasoning blend to match your preference or the main course you’re serving.
4. The Perfect Pairing: Our Creamy Herb Sauce: What truly sets this dish apart is the accompanying creamy herb sauce. Made with just four simple ingredients, it’s remarkably fresh, tangy, and complements the crispy potatoes beautifully. Its cool, herbaceous notes cut through the richness of the potatoes, creating a harmonious and utterly addictive flavor combination.

Mastering Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes: Essential Tips from Cheryl

Achieving potato perfection in your air fryer is simple with a few key techniques. Follow these expert tips for consistently delicious results every time:

• Shake, Shake, Shake That Basket: This is arguably the most crucial step! To ensure uniform cooking and prevent any one side from burning, you absolutely MUST shake the air fryer basket every few minutes. This redistributes the potato slices, allowing hot air to circulate evenly around each piece, guaranteeing that coveted all-around crispiness and even golden-brown finish.
• Proper Soaking and Drying are Key: Don’t skip the soaking step! Soaking the potato slices in cold water for 15-30 minutes helps remove excess starch, which is vital for achieving that desirable crispy texture. More importantly, after soaking, ensure the potatoes are completely dry before tossing them with oil and seasonings. Any residual moisture will steam the potatoes rather than crisp them, leading to a soggy outcome. Use several layers of paper towels and pat them thoroughly.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air fryers work by circulating hot air. If the basket is too full, the air cannot circulate effectively, leading to steamed instead of crispy potatoes. Cook the potatoes in batches if necessary, ensuring a single layer or at least not densely packed. This also helps to achieve the ideal golden-brown color on all sides.
• Uniform Slices for Even Cooking: Use a sharp chef’s knife or, even better, a mandoline slicer to achieve consistent ¼-inch thick potato slices. This uniformity ensures all potatoes cook at the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked while others burn. Inconsistent slices lead to inconsistent results.
• Seasoning Strategy: Tossing the potatoes well with oil and seasoning before placing them in the air fryer ensures every surface is coated for maximum flavor and crispiness. The oil also helps achieve that beautiful golden color and ensures the spices adhere properly.
• Storage & Reheating: These potatoes are best enjoyed fresh, straight from the air fryer. However, if you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the preheated air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, shaking halfway through, until they crisp up again. Be careful not to overdo it, or you’ll lose their tender insides.

Ingredient Spotlight: Crafting the Perfect Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its core ingredients. Let’s delve into what makes them shine:

For the Potatoes:

• Baking Potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold): These varieties are ideal for slicing and air frying. Russets, with their high starch content, yield a fluffy interior and crisp exterior, while Yukon Golds offer a creamier texture and a slightly sweeter flavor. Both hold their shape well and develop that coveted golden-brown crust. Using fresh, firm potatoes is always best for texture.
• Cold Water: Essential for soaking. Soaking helps draw out excess starch from the potatoes, which is key to preventing them from sticking together and achieving that desired crispy texture. It also helps to prevent browning too quickly and encourages a more even cook.
• High-Quality Oil (Avocado Oil, Olive Oil, etc.): A good oil is crucial for achieving crispiness and carrying the flavors of the seasonings. Avocado oil is excellent due to its high smoke point, making it suitable for air frying temperatures without smoking. Olive oil also works well, adding a pleasant flavor, but use extra virgin olive oil only if you’re keeping the temperature below its smoke point.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These pantry staples provide a foundational savory base, imparting a deep, aromatic flavor that permeates every slice. They distribute more evenly than fresh garlic or onion in this application, ensuring consistent flavor throughout.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a sharp, pungent kick that enhances the overall spice blend. Always opt for freshly ground for the best, most vibrant flavor compared to pre-ground pepper.
• Paprika (or Smoked Paprika): Contributes a beautiful reddish hue and a mild, sweet pepper flavor. Smoked paprika will add an extra layer of smoky depth, highly recommended if you enjoy that profile and want to add another dimension to your potatoes.
• Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch adds a subtle warmth and a touch of heat, elevating the flavor without overpowering it. Adjust to your heat preference – add a bit more if you like a spicier kick!
• Salt: Essential for seasoning. It brings out all the other flavors and is critical for delicious potatoes. Start with the recommended amount and adjust to your taste at the end. Kosher salt or fine sea salt works wonderfully.

For the Irresistible Creamy Herb Sauce:

This simple yet impactful sauce takes these air fryer potatoes from great to absolutely outstanding. It’s incredibly versatile, and you can easily customize the herbs to your liking, making it a perfect accompaniment for a variety of dishes.

• Full-Fat Sour Cream: Forms the rich, creamy base of the sauce. Its natural tanginess provides a wonderful contrast to the savory potatoes, cutting through their richness. For a lighter option, you could experiment with plain Greek yogurt, which offers similar creaminess and tang.
• Dried Onion Flakes: Offer a concentrated onion flavor that hydrates beautifully in the sour cream, adding texture and sweetness without the sharp pungency of raw onion. They provide a deeper, more mellow onion taste.
• Garlic Powder: A touch more garlic powder for a consistent, mellow garlic flavor throughout the sauce. It blends seamlessly without any raw garlic bite.
• Chopped Fresh Herbs (Chives, Parsley, Dill, etc.): This is where the sauce truly shines! Fresh herbs provide brightness, aroma, and a vibrant flavor that makes the sauce feel gourmet. Chives offer a mild oniony note, parsley is fresh and verdant, and dill brings a unique, slightly tangy anise-like flavor. Feel free to use a single herb or a delightful combination.
• Salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the freshness of the herbs and the tang of the sour cream. A small amount is all it takes to bring everything together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What kind of potatoes are best for air frying?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are highly recommended for air frying. Russets tend to yield a crispier exterior with a fluffy interior, while Yukon Golds offer a creamier texture. Both varieties hold up well to slicing and air frying and absorb seasonings beautifully.

Do I need to soak the potatoes?

Yes, soaking the potato slices in cold water for 15-30 minutes is a crucial step. It helps remove excess starch, which prevents the potatoes from sticking together during cooking and ensures a much crispier, more evenly cooked result. Don’t skip it for the best possible texture!

Why are my air fryer potatoes not crispy?

There are a few common reasons:

• Not drying them properly: Ensure the potato slices are thoroughly patted dry after soaking. Any residual moisture creates steam during air frying, leading to soggy rather than crispy potatoes.
• Overcrowding the basket: Air fryers need ample space for hot air to circulate efficiently. If the basket is too full, the potatoes will steam instead of crisp. Always cook in batches, ensuring potatoes are arranged in a single layer or are not densely packed.
• Not shaking the basket: Shaking the basket every few minutes is essential for even cooking, browning, and crisping on all sides. Neglecting this step can lead to unevenly cooked or burnt spots.
• Insufficient oil: While air frying uses less oil than deep frying, a small amount of oil is still necessary for achieving that desirable golden crispiness and helping the seasonings adhere.
• Temperature too low: Ensure your air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature. A low temperature will result in potatoes that cook too slowly and don’t crisp up properly.

Can I use other seasonings?

Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile and encourages customization. Feel free to experiment with your favorite spice blends. Popular options include Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, ranch seasoning, a blend of rosemary and thyme, or even just salt and pepper for a classic, simple touch. Lemon pepper or chili-lime seasoning could also add an exciting twist!

Can I make these with sweet potatoes?

Yes, you can! Sweet potato slices also cook beautifully in the air fryer, offering a naturally sweeter alternative. The cooking time might vary slightly, typically a bit less than white potatoes, so keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

What meals pair well with these air fryer potatoes?

These versatile potatoes make an excellent side for almost any meal. They pair wonderfully with grilled chicken or steak, roasted fish, burgers, sandwiches, or even as part of a hearty brunch spread with eggs and bacon. They’re also fantastic as a snack on their own with the creamy herb sauce.

Can’t-Miss Air Fryer Recipes for Every Occasion

If you’re loving the convenience and delicious results of air frying, you’re in luck! We have a treasure trove of other fantastic air fryer recipes that are just as easy and satisfying. Expand your air fryer repertoire with these highly recommended dishes:

• Air Fryer Squash
• Air Fryer Chicken Cordon Bleu
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Frozen French Fries
• Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes
• Trader Joe’s Orange Chicken in the Air Fryer
• Sausage in the Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes
• Perfect Air Fryer Steak with Homemade Herb Butter
• Air Fryer Flank Steak
• Chicken Fries in the Air Fryer

The Ultimate Guide: Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes (with Creamy Herb Sauce)

Sliced Potatoes in the Air Fryer (with an Irresistible Creamy Herb Sauce)

Tender sliced potatoes cooked quickly and easily in the air fryer and served with an unbelievable creamy sauce – a perfect side dish for any meal!

By Cheryl Malik

Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 50 minutes

Print Recipe

Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Potatoes:

• 2 pounds baking potatoes (Russet or Yukon Gold)
• Cold water (enough to cover potatoes)
• 2 tablespoons high-quality oil (avocado oil, olive oil, etc.)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika)
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)

For the Creamy Herb Sauce:

• 1 cup full-fat sour cream
• 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs of choice (chives, parsley, dill, etc.)
• ¼ teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)

Equipment

• Potato peeler
• Cutting board
• Sharp chef’s knife or mandoline slicer
• Medium bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Paper towels
• Air Fryer (7-quart or larger recommended)
• Tongs
• Large plate or baking sheet

Instructions

1. Prepare Potatoes: Peel 2 pounds of baking potatoes completely. Carefully slice the peeled potatoes into uniform ¼-inch thick discs using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for best results. Consistency in thickness is key for even cooking.
2. Soak Potatoes: Place the sliced potatoes in a medium bowl. Fill the bowl with cold water, ensuring the potatoes are completely submerged. Let them soak for 15 to 30 minutes. This step helps remove excess starch, leading to crispier results.
3. Prepare Herb Sauce: While the potatoes are soaking, combine 1 cup full-fat sour cream, 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs of choice (such as chives, parsley, or dill), and ¼ teaspoon salt in a small mixing bowl. Whisk all ingredients together until thoroughly combined and smooth.
4. Chill Sauce: Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as desired. Once you’re satisfied with the flavor, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill until you’re ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Dry Potatoes: After the potatoes have soaked for 15-30 minutes, drain the water. Cover a flat work surface with 2 to 3 layers of paper towels. Arrange the soaked potato slices in a single layer on top of the paper towels. Gently but thoroughly pat the potatoes completely dry with additional paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving crispiness.
6. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Allowing the air fryer to come to temperature ensures immediate crisping when the potatoes are added.
7. Season Potatoes: Wipe the medium bowl completely dry, then return the dried potato slices to the bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of high-quality oil (like avocado or olive oil), ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon paprika, 1 pinch of cayenne pepper, and ½ teaspoon salt to the bowl. Toss or stir until all potato slices are evenly coated in the oil and spices. Ensure no dry spots remain.
8. First Batch: Arrange approximately 50% of the seasoned potato slices in the bottom of the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Return the basket to the air fryer.
9. Air Fry First Batch: Air fry the potatoes for 5 minutes. Then, remove the basket from the air fryer and give it a good shake to toss the potatoes, ensuring even cooking. Return the basket to the air fryer. Repeat this process, shaking the basket every 3 to 5 minutes, until the potatoes are beautifully golden brown and crispy. This typically takes approximately 12 to 15 minutes total for each batch, depending on your air fryer model and potato thickness.
10. Remove First Batch: When the first batch of potatoes reaches your desired level of crispiness, transfer them to a large plate or baking sheet. Set them aside to keep warm while you cook the second batch.
11. Second Batch: Add the remaining 50% of the seasoned potato slices to the air fryer basket. Repeat the air frying process as described in step 9, shaking the basket every 3 to 5 minutes until they are golden and crispy.
12. Serve Immediately: Once all potato slices have been air-fried, gather them together. Serve the perfectly crispy potato slices immediately with the prepared creamy herb sauce (or any other dipping sauce of your choice). Enjoy!

Nutrition Information

(Approximate values per serving, based on 6 servings. Values may vary based on specific brands and ingredient types.)

• Serving Size: 1 serving (potatoes with sauce)
• Calories: 243 kcal
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Total Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Net Carbs: 29g
• Vitamin C: 11mg
• Cholesterol: 23mg
• Sodium: 311mg
• Potassium: 710mg
• Calcium: 64mg
• Iron: 1mg

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes. Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used. To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

© Author: Cheryl Malik

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