If you’re looking for a side dish that checks all the boxes—crispy, quick, healthy, and incredibly satisfying—these Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes deserve a permanent place in your weekly rotation. With minimal oil, simple pantry ingredients, and a cooking method that delivers golden perfection every time, this recipe transforms humble potatoes into something truly crave-worthy.

Unlike deep-fried potatoes or oven-roasted versions that take forever to cook, air fryer potato slices come together in under 25 minutes and require almost no cleanup. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, a side dish, or even a base for loaded toppings, this recipe proves that healthy food can still be indulgent.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know: the best potatoes to use, slicing tips, seasoning ideas, air fryer settings, variations, and expert tricks to get that perfect crunch every single time.

Why Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes Are So Popular

The air fryer has completely changed how we cook potatoes. Traditional frying uses large amounts of oil, while baking can leave potatoes dry or unevenly cooked. Air frying, however, circulates hot air around the food, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.

Key benefits of air fryer potato slices include:

Up to 80% less oil than deep frying
Faster cooking time than oven roasting
Perfect crisp-to-soft texture balance
Easy cleanup and minimal prep
Naturally gluten-free and vegan

No wonder “air fryer sliced potatoes” has become one of the most searched potato recipes online.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes

Simple ingredients are the secret to this recipe’s success. Each one plays a role in flavor and texture.

Potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet recommended)
Olive oil or avocado oil
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder
Paprika (smoked or sweet)
Optional fresh herbs (parsley, rosemary, or thyme)

That’s it. No fancy ingredients, no complicated steps.

How to Slice Potatoes for the Air Fryer

The thickness of your slices is critical. Too thin, and they burn. Too thick, and they won’t crisp.

Ideal thickness:

⅛ to ¼ inch (about 3–5 mm)

Use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for even cuts. Uniform slices ensure that every potato cooks at the same rate, giving you consistent crispiness.

Instructions: How to Make Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes

Wash and dry the potatoes thoroughly. You can peel them if you prefer, but keeping the skin adds texture and nutrients.
Slice the potatoes into even rounds, about ⅛–¼ inch thick.
Soak the slices (optional but recommended) in cold water for 20–30 minutes to remove excess starch. This step helps achieve extra crispiness.
Drain and dry completely using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crisp potatoes.
Season the potatoes in a bowl with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss until evenly coated.
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes.
Arrange the potato slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd. Cook in batches if necessary.
Air fry for 14–18 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh herbs or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for Extra Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes

Always dry the potatoes completely after soaking
Avoid overcrowding the basket
Use just enough oil to coat, not drench
Shake the basket halfway through cooking
Serve immediately for maximum crunch

Best Potatoes to Use

Different potatoes yield slightly different results:

Yukon Gold: Creamy inside, crispy outside, best overall
Russet: Very crispy but slightly drier
Red potatoes: Less crispy but great flavor

For classic crispy air fryer potato slices, Yukon Gold is the top choice.

Healthy Air Fryer Potato Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is.

Spicy Version
Add chili powder, cayenne, or hot smoked paprika.

Herb & Garlic
Toss with rosemary, thyme, and minced garlic after cooking.

Cheesy Style
Sprinkle with grated Parmesan during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Mediterranean
Finish with olive oil, oregano, and a squeeze of lemon.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer sliced potatoes pair beautifully with:

Grilled chicken or steak
Burgers and sandwiches
Eggs for breakfast or brunch
Dipping sauces like garlic aioli, ketchup, or yogurt dip

They’re also great on their own as a healthy snack.

Are Air Fryer Potatoes Really Healthy?

Yes—especially compared to traditional fried potatoes.

Air fryer potato slices are:

Lower in calories
Lower in saturated fat
Rich in potassium and fiber
Free from processed oils

Using olive or avocado oil further boosts their nutritional value.

Fun Potato Facts

Potatoes are the world’s fourth most consumed crop
One medium potato contains more potassium than a banana
Air frying potatoes became popular after 2015 with the rise of countertop air fryers

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Sliced Potatoes prove that simple ingredients and smart cooking methods can create incredible results. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and endlessly customizable, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or guilt-free snacking.

Once you try them, you’ll never look at plain potatoes the same way again.