Discover the secret to perfectly crispy Air Fryer Shredded Potato Pancakes with this incredibly simple and economical recipe. Crafted from humble shredded potatoes and a few pantry staples, these golden delights are quick to prepare and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re planning a hearty breakfast, a satisfying dinner, a fun “breakfast for dinner” meal, a delightful side dish, or a tasty snack, these potato pancakes are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

While often associated with festive gatherings around December, these shredded potato pancakes are a fantastic culinary choice any time of the year. Preparing them in your air fryer offers distinct advantages: it prevents your kitchen from overheating during warmer months, and it yields beautifully crispy results using significantly less oil than traditional stovetop frying, making them a much healthier alternative. This adaptation of my grandmother’s cherished recipe from our family cookbook has been thoughtfully modified for the air fryer, ensuring a perfect crisp every time. They pair exceptionally well with Air Fryer Turkey Sausage and a refreshing Fruit Salad, creating a balanced and flavorful meal.

Ingredient Notes

Crafting these delicious Air Fryer Potato Pancakes requires only a handful of readily available ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips for each:

• Potatoes: For the ultimate crispy texture, Russet potatoes are highly recommended. Their higher starch content and lower moisture level are ideal for frying, helping the pancakes hold their shape and achieve that desired golden crunch. However, don’t let a lack of Russets deter you! You can certainly use any potato variety you have on hand. For example, I used red potatoes for this particular recipe, and while they can be a bit more watery, adequately draining them (as described in the instructions) will ensure excellent results.
• Onion: Finely grated onion is key to distributing its aromatic flavor evenly throughout the potato mixture without introducing large, raw chunks. Using the small holes of a box grater is perfect for this, preventing the onion pieces from separating from the pancakes during cooking. The subtle sweetness and sharp flavor of grated onion elevate the overall taste profile of these savory pancakes.
• Flour: All-purpose flour acts as a binding agent, helping to absorb excess moisture from the potatoes and hold the patties together. This is crucial for preventing crumbly pancakes and ensuring a sturdy, cohesive structure. For those with gluten sensitivities, a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be used as a direct substitute.
• Eggs: Eggs are another essential binder in this recipe. They contribute to the structure and richness of the pancakes, helping them to brown beautifully and maintain their form during air frying. The protein in the eggs also adds a touch of tender chewiness to the crispy exterior.
• Salt: A simple seasoning, salt is vital for enhancing the natural flavors of the potatoes and onions. It brings out the savory notes and ensures the pancakes are well-balanced and delicious. Adjust the quantity to your personal preference, but the recommended amount provides a perfect baseline.
• Spray Cooking Oil: A light mist of cooking oil is essential for achieving that irresistible crispiness in the air fryer without excessive fat. I typically use canola or avocado oil because both have high smoke points, meaning they can withstand the air fryer’s heat without burning or producing unwanted flavors. When selecting a spray oil, opt for aerosol-free pump bottles or check labels to ensure there are no propellants, which can degrade your air fryer’s non-stick coating over time. You can learn more about smoke points here, if you’re not yet familiar with their importance in cooking.

*For a complete list of ingredients and precise quantities, please refer to the detailed recipe card below.

Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with your Air Fryer Shredded Potato Pancakes! Here are some ideas to customize them to your taste:

• Gluten-Free: Easily make this recipe gluten-free by swapping out the regular all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure your chosen blend is suitable for baking and has a good binding quality.
• Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, add chili pepper flakes directly into the potato mixture before forming the patties. You can also sprinkle them on top of the cooked pancakes as a garnish, or serve with a spicy dipping sauce.
• Onion Choices: While the recipe calls for a standard onion, you have options! White, red, or green onions all work beautifully. If you prefer a more rustic texture or simply don’t have a grater handy, you can finely chop the onions instead of mincing or grating them. Green onions can also be added at the end as a fresh, mild garnish.
• Oil Alternatives: As mentioned, canola or avocado oil with high smoke points are recommended for air frying. However, if you prefer or only have olive oil, it can also be used. Just be mindful of its slightly lower smoke point; if using olive oil, ensure your air fryer isn’t set to an excessively high temperature to prevent it from smoking. Always prioritize non-aerosol spray bottles without propellants to protect your air fryer’s coating.
• Add Cheese: Mix in a handful of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere cheese into the potato mixture for cheesy potato pancakes. The cheese will melt and become wonderfully gooey, adding another layer of flavor and richness.
• Herbs & Spices: Incorporate fresh or dried herbs like chives, parsley, dill, or a pinch of garlic powder and black pepper into the mixture for an enhanced flavor profile. Experiment to find your favorite combination!

Step-by-Step: How to Make Air Fryer Potato Pancakes

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly crispy Air Fryer Shredded Potato Pancakes. The process is straightforward, ensuring delicious results every time!

1. Step 1: Grate the Potatoes. Using the large holes of a box grater, shred your potatoes. For an even quicker method, a food processor with a grating disc works wonderfully. After grating, ensure you drain off any excess liquid by pressing the shredded potatoes through a fine-mesh sieve or squeezing them firmly in a clean kitchen towel. This step is crucial for crispy pancakes!

2. Step 2: Combine Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the shredded potatoes with the flour, beaten eggs, grated onion, and salt. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Don’t be alarmed if your potatoes start to turn a slight pinkish hue; this is a normal oxidation reaction and won’t affect the final taste or appearance of your delicious pancakes (see FAQ for more details).

3. Step 3: Prepare Air Fryer. Lightly spray the bottom of your air fryer basket or drawer with a few pumps of your preferred spray oil. This prevents sticking and helps ensure the pancakes achieve an even crisp.

4. Step 4: Form Patties. Divide the potato mixture into 8 equal portions and shape them into flat, round patties. The exact size might vary based on your air fryer. Depending on its capacity, you may only be able to cook about 4 pancakes at a time, ensuring proper air circulation for maximum crispiness.

5. Step 5: Load Air Fryer. Carefully place the potato pancakes in a single layer within the air fryer drawer or basket. Ensure there is enough space between each pancake for hot air to circulate freely.

6. Step 6: Initial Air Fry. Cook the potato pancakes on Air Fry mode at 390°F (198°C) for 10 minutes. By the end of this period, they should be beautifully golden brown and crispy on one side. If you’re using a dual-drawer air fryer like the Ninja Foodi, remember to set ‘match cook’ for synchronized cooking.

7. Step 7: Flip and Respray. Gently flip each potato pancake using a silicone spatula. Then, give the newly exposed side another light spray with cooking oil. This second application of oil ensures the other side also becomes wonderfully crisp.

8. Step 8: Finish Cooking and Serve. Continue air frying for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the pancakes reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, transfer them to a plate and serve immediately with your favorite toppings like salsa, ketchup, or a dollop of sour cream (more topping ideas below!).

Expert Recipe Tips

Achieve potato pancake perfection every time with these valuable tips:

• Choose the Right Potato: For the crispiest results, opt for high-starch, low-moisture potatoes like Russets (also known as Idaho potatoes). Their composition helps them crisp up beautifully and hold together well.
• Thoroughly Drain Grated Potatoes: This is arguably the most critical step for crispness! After grating, squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible from the potatoes. You can use a clean kitchen towel, cheesecloth, or a strong paper towel. Excessive moisture is the enemy of crispy potato pancakes, leading to soggy results.
• Fine Grate Your Onion: Grate the onion using the smallest holes on your box grater. This ensures the onion flavor is evenly distributed without large chunks, which can fall out during cooking and prevent the pancakes from binding correctly.
• Allow Mixture to Rest: After mixing all ingredients, let the potato mixture sit for 2-3 minutes. This brief rest period allows the flour to fully absorb some of the potato’s remaining moisture, strengthening the binding and improving the patty’s structure.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: For optimal browning and an initial crisp, preheating your air fryer is generally recommended. However, if you own a Ninja Foodi, this step is often unnecessary as these models tend to heat up very quickly.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the potato pancakes in a single layer, ensuring there’s ample space between each one. Overcrowding impedes proper air circulation, which is essential for even cooking and achieving that desirable all-around crisp texture.
• Flip Gently: When it’s time to flip, use a thin, flexible silicone spatula. The pancakes can be delicate, especially while still soft in the middle, so a gentle touch prevents them from breaking apart.
• Check Internal Temperature: For food safety and assurance of doneness, use an instant-read food thermometer. Potato pancakes should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Use the Correct Oil Spray: Always use an oil spray without propellants (like those found in many aerosol cans). Propellants can leave a residue that damages the nonstick coating of your air fryer over time. Opt for a refillable oil mister or an aerosol spray specifically labeled as propellant-free. Canola or avocado oil are excellent choices due to their high smoke points.
• Serve Immediately: For the best eating experience, serve your air fryer potato pancakes as soon as they are ready. They are at their crispiest and most flavorful straight out of the air fryer and tend to soften as they cool.

What to Serve with Air Fryer Potato Pancakes

These versatile Air Fryer Potato Pancakes, similar to homemade shredded hash brown patties, can elevate almost any meal. They are perfect as a savory addition to breakfast or brunch, or even as a delightful “breakfast for dinner” option. Consider pairing them with classics like Healthy Eggs Benedict (as pictured below), Air Fryer Turkey Sausage, and a refreshing Old-fashioned Fruit Salad for a complete and satisfying spread.

Beyond breakfast, the possibilities are endless! These shredded potato pancakes make an excellent side dish for lunch or dinner. They complement a variety of meaty main dishes such as chicken, beef, or pork, and even hearty soups. Here are some of my other favorite main course dishes that pair wonderfully with these crispy potato delights:

• Air Fryer Kielbasa (Kovbasa): The savory, smoky flavor of kielbasa is a perfect match for the crispy potatoes.
• Old-fashioned Meatloaf (No Egg or Milk): A comforting and classic pairing, where the potatoes serve as a lighter, crispier alternative to mashed potatoes.
• Ninja Air Fryer Roast Chicken with Lemon, Rosemary, and Garlic: The zesty and aromatic chicken provides a delightful contrast to the simple, starchy pancakes.
• Grilled Salmon or White Fish: For a lighter, yet flavorful meal, serve them alongside perfectly grilled or baked fish.
• Steak or Pork Chops: Treat them like a gourmet hash brown and serve them under a juicy steak or tender pork chop.
• Hearty Soups or Chili: Dunk these crispy pancakes into a bowl of your favorite soup or chili for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Toppings for Shredded Potato Pancakes

Elevate your Air Fryer Shredded Potato Pancakes with a variety of delicious toppings:

• Classic Ketchup: The tangy sweetness of ketchup is a timeless pairing that appeals to all ages.
• Garlic Mayo Sauce: A creamy, savory sauce with a hint of garlic adds a gourmet touch and rich flavor.
• Fresh Salsa or Pico de Gallo: The vibrant, fresh flavors of salsa provide a zesty contrast, especially with a hint of spice.
• Avocado Cream Sauce: A smooth, creamy, and healthy option that adds a touch of richness and herbaceousness.
• Cool Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream offers a refreshing tang and creamy texture, balancing the crispiness of the pancakes.
• Sweet Apple Sauce: A traditional topping that provides a wonderful sweet and savory contrast.
• Melted Cheese: Sprinkle your favorite cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend) on top immediately after cooking so it melts into gooey perfection.
• Loaded Potato Style: Transform them into loaded potato pancakes by adding crumbled bacon bits, melted cheese, thinly sliced green onions or chives, and a generous spoonful of sour cream.
• Tzatziki Sauce: The refreshing cucumber and dill notes of tzatziki offer a unique and bright flavor profile.
• Rich Mushroom Gravy/Sauce: For a heartier, more decadent option, serve with a warm, savory mushroom gravy or sauce.

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 8 small potato pancakes. The exact number can vary depending on the size of your potatoes and how large you make each patty. When cooking in an air fryer, you’ll typically be able to fit about 4 pancakes at a time, requiring you to cook in batches. Should you need more or fewer, you can easily adjust the recipe. By clicking on the serving number in the recipe card, you can select your desired number of servings, and the ingredient quantities will automatically adjust for your convenience.

Weight Watchers Points

This recipe is Weight Watchers friendly, coming in at approximately 1 WW point per pancake, making it a healthy and satisfying option for those managing their intake.

Top Air Fryer Oil Tip

When using your air fryer, it’s crucial to be mindful of the type of cooking spray you use. Always spray your potato pancakes (and any other items you place in the air fryer) with a light coating of cooking oil using either an aerosol-free pump spray bottle filled with your chosen oil or an aerosol spray specifically labeled as having NO propellants.

Crucially, avoid using aerosol cooking sprays that contain propellants (such as many brands of Pam). These propellants can leave a sticky residue on the non-stick surface of your air fryer basket or drawer over time. This residue can lead to permanent damage, causing the coating to chip or flake off, potentially contaminating your food. Always check the label of your cooking spray to confirm whether it contains propellants.

For best results and to protect your appliance, avocado oil and canola oil are excellent choices. They both have high smoke points, meaning they can withstand the higher temperatures of the air fryer without burning or smoking, ensuring your food cooks beautifully and safely. You can delve deeper into the science of smoke points here, if you’re interested in understanding their impact on cooking.

Recipe FAQs

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