Crispy Air Fryer Latkes: Perfectly Golden Potato Pancakes, Healthier & Easier

Craving perfectly crispy potato latkes without the mess and oil of deep frying? Look no further! These delicious Air Fryer Latkes are cooked to golden perfection, offering all the traditional flavor and texture you love, but in a much healthier and simpler way. Whether you’re celebrating Hanukkah, hosting a gathering, or simply want a satisfying side dish, these air-fried potato pancakes are a fantastic choice. Serve them warm with a dollop of sour cream, a spoonful of applesauce, or your favorite savory toppings for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Latkes

Making crispy potato dishes in the air fryer has become one of my favorite kitchen hacks, and these air fryer latkes truly shine. If you appreciate the golden-brown crispness of traditional potato pancakes but dread the deep-frying process, this recipe is a game-changer. The air fryer circulates hot air to achieve that irresistible crunch without submerging your latkes in excessive oil, making them a healthier alternative.

Beyond the health benefits, the air fryer offers unparalleled convenience. You avoid the greasy splatter that typically comes with pan-frying or deep-frying, meaning less cleanup and a safer cooking experience. The consistent heat ensures evenly cooked latkes every time, so you can achieve that perfect balance of tender interior and delightfully crisp exterior. These latkes are not just a holiday treat; they make a fantastic appetizer, brunch item, or side dish year-round. If you’re a fan of air-fried potatoes, you’ll also adore Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes, Air Fryer Potato Wedges, and Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes.

What Exactly Are Latkes?

Latkes are traditional potato pancakes, deeply rooted in Jewish cuisine and particularly symbolic during the Hanukkah holiday. While they are a staple for the Festival of Lights, celebrating the miracle of oil, their deliciousness means they’re enjoyed by many throughout the year. At their core, latkes are simple: a mixture of grated potatoes, often combined with eggs, finely chopped onions, a binder like flour or matzo meal, and savory seasonings. This mixture is traditionally fried until beautifully golden and crispy.

What sets latkes apart is their unique texture and rich history. The process of grating potatoes and frying them creates a distinct crispness on the outside while keeping the inside tender and flavorful. They are traditionally served with complementary toppings such as cool sour cream or sweet applesauce, which provide a delightful contrast to the savory potato. The act of making and sharing latkes carries cultural significance, connecting generations and embodying a cherished culinary tradition. This air fryer method allows you to honor that tradition with a modern, healthier twist, achieving incredible crispiness with just a fraction of the oil.

Essential Ingredients for Crispy Latkes:

Making these crispy air fryer potato latkes requires just a handful of simple, accessible ingredients. The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the final flavor and texture, so choose fresh whenever possible.

• Russet Potatoes: These are ideal for latkes due to their high starch content, which helps them crisp up beautifully and bind together. You can also use Yukon Golds for a slightly creamier texture.
• Egg: Acts as a crucial binder, holding the grated potato mixture together so your latkes don’t fall apart during cooking.
• All-Purpose Flour: Another binder that helps absorb moisture and ensures a good structure. For a traditional Hanukkah latke, matzo meal can be used as a substitute.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the potato.
• Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle peppery kick. Adjust to your taste preference.
• Green Onions (Scallions): Finely chopped green onions add a mild, fresh onion flavor that complements the potatoes perfectly. You can also use grated yellow onion if preferred, but ensure it’s finely minced and excess moisture is squeezed out.
• Olive Oil Spray (or Avocado Oil Spray): Crucial for achieving that golden, crispy exterior in the air fryer without excessive oil. A good spray ensures even coating.
• Sour Cream (optional topping): A classic and beloved topping that adds a cool, tangy contrast.
• Applesauce (optional topping): Another traditional topping, offering a sweet and fruity balance to the savory latkes.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Potato Latkes in the Air Fryer

Achieving perfectly crispy latkes in your air fryer is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for golden-brown deliciousness every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Begin by peeling your Russet potatoes. Using the large holes of a box grater, shred the potatoes into thin strands. Alternatively, you can use a food processor with a shredding disc for quicker preparation. Once shredded, immediately place them into a bowl of water to prevent oxidation and discoloration.

Step 2: Remove Excess Starch (The Crispy Secret!)
Transfer the shredded potatoes to a small bowl of cold water. Allow them to soak for approximately 30 minutes. This crucial step helps to remove excess potato starch, which is key to achieving that desirable crispy texture in your finished latkes. Don’t skip this! The water will turn cloudy as the starch is released.

Step 3: Squeeze Out All Liquid
After soaking, drain the potatoes thoroughly. Then, place the shredded potatoes into a cheesecloth, a clean kitchen towel, or several layers of strong paper towels. Twist and squeeze with all your might to remove as much excess water as possible. This step is critical for crispy latkes – the drier the potatoes, the crispier they will become in the air fryer. You’ll be surprised how much liquid comes out!

Step 4: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thoroughly dried grated potatoes with the whisked egg, all-purpose flour, chopped green onion, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is evenly seasoned. The egg and flour will act as binders to help form the latkes.

Step 5: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) if your model requires it. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray, olive oil spray, or avocado oil spray. This prevents sticking and contributes to the golden crust. Ensure an even coating without over-spraying.

Step 6: Form and Load Latkes
Using a cookie scoop (about 2 tablespoons) or your hands, scoop portions of the latke mixture and gently flatten them into disc shapes. Arrange the latkes in a single layer in the prepared air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd it. Air circulation is key for crispiness, so cook in batches if necessary. Lightly spray the tops of the latkes with olive oil or avocado oil spray for extra crispness.

Step 7: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Air fry the potato latkes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. For even cooking and maximum crispiness, flip the latkes halfway through the cooking time. Continue cooking until both sides are beautifully golden brown and the latkes are crisp to your liking. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your latkes.

Step 8: Cool and Serve Immediately
Once cooked, allow the latkes to cool for just a minute in the air fryer basket before carefully transferring them to a serving platter. This brief cooling period helps them firm up and maintain their crispness. Serve your homemade air fryer latkes immediately with your favorite dipping sauces and toppings. Enjoy the satisfying crunch!

Storage and Reheating Tips

While latkes are best enjoyed fresh and hot from the air fryer, you can certainly store and reheat them to enjoy later. Proper storage ensures they remain safe to eat, and careful reheating can bring back a good portion of their original crispness.

• Storage: Allow any leftover latkes to cool completely to room temperature. Then, place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheating: The best way to revive leftover latkes and restore their crispiness is by reheating them in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Place the latkes in a single layer in the basket and air fry for 3-5 minutes, or until they are heated through and crispy again. Avoid reheating in a microwave, as this will make them soft and soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Latkes

What’s the difference between Latkes and potato pancakes?

While often used interchangeably, there can be subtle distinctions. Generally, “potato pancakes” is a broader term encompassing various cultures’ savory fried potato dishes. Latkes specifically refer to the Jewish version, traditionally made for Hanukkah, often with grated potatoes (giving them a more rustic, non-uniform edge) and served with sour cream or applesauce. Other potato pancakes might be smoother or include different binders and seasonings.

Can I use Matzo Meal in place of flour?

Absolutely! Matzo meal, which is finely ground matzo (unleavened bread), is a traditional binder for latkes, particularly during Passover. It can be used as a direct 1:1 substitute for all-purpose flour in this recipe, maintaining the binding properties and adding a subtly different flavor.

Can I make Air Fryer Latkes ahead of time?

You can prepare the potato mixture a few hours in advance, but it’s best to cook the latkes just before serving for optimal crispiness. If preparing the mixture ahead, ensure it’s tightly covered and refrigerated. Squeeze out any additional moisture that may accumulate before shaping and air frying.

What kind of potatoes are best for latkes?

Russet potatoes (also known as Idaho potatoes) are generally considered the best for latkes because their high starch content leads to a wonderfully crispy texture. Yukon Gold potatoes are also a good choice, offering a slightly richer, creamier interior.

Why aren’t my latkes getting crispy in the air fryer?

The most common reasons for soggy latkes are insufficient moisture removal from the grated potatoes and overcrowding the air fryer basket. Ensure you squeeze out every last drop of water after soaking the potatoes. Also, make sure to cook in single layers and in batches to allow the hot air to circulate effectively around each latke. A light spray of oil before cooking and flipping halfway also helps immensely.

Can I make these latkes gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend or use matzo meal if it fits your dietary needs (matzo meal is made from wheat, so it is not gluten-free, but a specific gluten-free matzo meal might exist). Always check ingredient labels for hidden gluten.

This is seriously one of the easiest air fryer pancake recipes you’ll ever try. If you’re looking for more recipes to make in the air fryer, you might also enjoy these other potato-centric delights below.

More Delicious Air Fryer Potato Recipes

4.80 from 5 votes

Servings:
4

Easy Air Fryer Latkes

By
Jen

Ever made Air Fryer Latkes? These crispy potato latkes are cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Serve with sour cream and your favorite toppings for a delicious appetizer or side dish.

Prep:
35 mins

Cook:
12 mins

Total:
47 mins

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Equipment

• Air Fryer

Ingredients

• 2 potatoes, Russet
• 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup green onions, sliced thin
• 1 egg, whisked
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon olive oil, to spray the tops

Instructions

1. Shred the potatoes using the large holes of a box grater and set them aside.
2. Add the shredded potatoes to a small bowl of water and then soak the potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove the potato starch.
3. Drain the potatoes and then use a cheesecloth, clean kitchen towel, or strong paper towels to squeeze out and remove the remaining excess water.
4. In a large bowl add the grated potatoes, egg, flour, chopped green onion, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
5. Prepare the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray or spray air fryer basket with a little olive oil or avocado oil spray.
6. Use a cookie scoop (or about 2 Tbsp) of latke mixture and scoop into a single layer onto the prepared air fryer basket. Spray the tops of the latkes with olive oil spray.
7. Air Fry Potato Latkes at 350 degrees F for 10-12 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
8. Allow the latkes to cool for a minute before carefully removing them from the basket of the air fryer and then serve with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauces and toppings.

What’s the difference between a potato pancake and a latke?

Potato pancakes are more uniform and round, while a latke is not as uniform.

Nutrition

Calories: 132kcal
,

Carbohydrates: 25g
,

Protein: 5g
,

Fat: 2g
,

Saturated Fat: 1g
,

Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
,

Monounsaturated Fat: 1g
,

Trans Fat: 1g
,

Cholesterol: 41mg
,

Sodium: 608mg
,

Potassium: 545mg
,

Fiber: 3g
,

Sugar: 1g
,

Vitamin A: 314IU
,

Vitamin C: 26mg
,

Calcium: 40mg
,

Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.