
Crispy air fryer sliced potatoes are the fastest way I have ever found to get that perfect balance of golden crunch and tender inside with almost zero cleanup. Whether you are serving them alongside dinner or need an easy snack that disappears fast these potato slices come out just right every time. With only a handful of ingredients you likely already have this is a low fuss recipe I make again and again especially when family is coming over and I still want a fresh batch straight from the air fryer.
Every time I have served these air fryer potato slices people beg for the recipe and ask how they get so crispy. I started making them during busy weeknights but now they are a lazy Sunday must have.
Ingredients
- Large potatoes: go for starchy varieties like russet for fluffier centers or Yukon gold for buttery flavor select firm potatoes without green spots
- Olive oil: coats each slice so the outsides get beautifully crisp extra virgin has a richer taste
- Garlic granules: pack in aromatic punch and cling better than fresh garlic look for fresh smelling powder that is not clumpy
- Dried mixed herbs: give hints of herby flavor Italian or Provence blends work best choose one with a good balance of thyme and oregano
- Salt: brings everything together and heightens flavor use a flaky sea salt for an extra crunchy finish if you have it
Instructions
- Prepare the Potatoes:
- Wash potatoes thoroughly under cool running water scrub well to get rid of all grit. Cut each potato into rounds about half a centimeter thick. This ensures they cook evenly and crisp up at the edges.
- Rinse and Dry:
- Drop sliced potatoes straight into a bowl of cold water as you cut. This draws out extra starch which helps with crispiness. After all slices are cut drain the potatoes and pat every piece completely dry using kitchen towels. Taking your time here makes a big difference to avoid soggy potatoes.
- Season the Slices:
- Place the thoroughly dried potato rounds in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle over the olive oil sprinkle in the garlic granules dried herbs and salt. Toss really well with clean hands or a large spoon so each side of every slice is coated in the seasoning mix.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer:
- Layer the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Try not to overcrowd them or they will steam instead of crisping. Set air fryer to two hundred degrees Celsius or three hundred ninety degrees Fahrenheit.
- Air Fry to Crisp Golden Perfection:
- Cook the potato slices for eighteen minutes. Pause at the nine minute mark and shake the basket well to move the slices around. This helps each piece brown evenly. If you love extra crunch let them cook an extra two to three minutes watching closely so they do not overbrown.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once golden and crisp remove the slices immediately onto a plate. Eat while hot for the best crunch. These go perfectly with just about any dip or as a stand alone snack.

Potatoes are hands down my favorite canvas in the kitchen. You can toss them with nearly any seasoning and they transform instantly. I remember making these with my niece and nephew who loved arranging the slices and waiting for that first sizzle.
Storage Tips
Let any leftovers cool then keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They reheat directly in the air fryer for about three or four minutes at two hundred degrees Celsius and regain nearly all their crunch. Never microwave or they will turn chewy.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try avocado or canola oil if you need an olive oil alternative. For different flavors smoked paprika or chili powder are great and so is fresh rosemary. Use sweet potatoes for a new take adjusting air fryer time a few minutes longer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with grilled chicken fish or steak for a full meal. These slices are fantastic dunked in homemade ranch sauce or served as a finger food at parties. I even use them as the base for loaded nacho style potatoes with cheese peppers and herbs.
Cultural and Seasonal Notes
Potatoes are beloved around the world but air frying gives them a thoroughly modern feel that fits every season. I especially love making these in summer as a barbecue side or in winter for game day snacking.
Seasonal Adaptations
Try adding fresh minced rosemary or thyme in spring. Use a little lemon zest for a summer burst of brightness. In autumn dust with smoked paprika and serve with a creamy dip.
Success Stories
Friends have made this recipe and brought it along to picnics the slices always disappear so fast. One family report was their toddler asked for these over store bought fries which speaks volumes. If someone who does not like vegetables will devour potatoes made this way you can consider it a triumph.
Freezer Meal Conversion
Slice and par cook the potatoes in the air fryer for about eight minutes let cool then freeze flat in a single layer. Once frozen bag up and stash. When needed air fry straight from frozen at two hundred degrees Celsius for about twelve minutes or until crisp and piping hot.

Once you have made these, they will become your go to potato snack. You will want to keep experimenting with different seasonings all year long.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How thick should the potato slices be?
Slicing potatoes about 1/2 cm thick ensures even cooking and crispiness in the air fryer.
- → Do I need to soak potatoes before cooking?
Yes, soaking sliced potatoes in water helps remove excess starch, making them crispier when air fried.
- → Can I use other seasonings?
Absolutely! Try smoked paprika, black pepper, or your favorite dried herbs for extra flavor.
- → How do I get potatoes extra crispy?
Patting the slices dry thoroughly and spacing them out in a single layer are key for crisp results.
- → What potatoes are best for air frying?
Large all-purpose potatoes, like Yukon Gold or russet, yield the best texture and taste for air-fried slices.