Air Fryer Potato Cakes Recipe

Air Fryer Potato Cakes Recipe

Air Fryer Potato Cakes Recipe

This recipe is simple, and you can make these potato cakes in just about 20 minutes with only a few ingredients.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups leftover mashed potatoes (or freshly made mashed potatoes)
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crunch)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions (or chives)
  • 1 egg (to bind the mixture together)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil spray (for crisping the cakes)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Potato Mixture:
    • If you’re using freshly mashed potatoes, let them cool slightly before starting. In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), green onions, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture holds together.
  2. Form the Potato Cakes:
    • Using your hands, take about 2-3 tablespoons of the potato mixture and form it into small, round patties. Press gently to flatten them out into cakes. Repeat until all the mixture is used. You should end up with around 8-10 cakes depending on the size.
  3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
    • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures the potato cakes cook evenly and get crispy on the outside.
  4. Air Fry the Potato Cakes:
    • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the potato cakes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded (you may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer).
    • Spray the tops of the cakes lightly with olive oil for a golden, crispy finish.
    • Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping the cakes halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and crispy on both sides when done.
  5. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Once the potato cakes are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. They are delicious on their own or served with a side of sour cream, ketchup, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Potato Cakes:

  • Quick and Easy: With only 20 minutes of prep and cooking time, these potato cakes are a fast and easy way to turn simple mashed potatoes into a crispy, delicious treat. It’s a great way to repurpose leftovers or make something special from scratch.
  • Healthier than Fried: Air frying uses little to no oil compared to traditional frying methods, which means these potato cakes are lighter but still crisp and delicious. You’ll get all the crispy goodness with far less oil.
  • Customizable: These potato cakes can be easily customized to your taste. Add herbs like rosemary, parsley, or thyme for an extra burst of flavor. For a richer flavor, you can mix in some cheddar cheese or bacon bits. The possibilities are endless!
  • Great for Meal Prep: You can make a large batch of these potato cakes ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. They also reheat beautifully in the air fryer, making them perfect for meal prepping or quick lunches and dinners throughout the week.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Potato Cakes:

  • Don’t Overwork the Mixture: When mixing the mashed potatoes and seasonings, avoid over-mixing. This will keep the cakes light and fluffy, instead of dense.
  • Make Them Even: Try to make the cakes the same size and thickness so they cook evenly. If you make them too thick, they may take longer to cook through.
  • Use Cold Mashed Potatoes: If you’re making these from scratch, it’s best to use cold mashed potatoes because they hold their shape better when formed into patties. Fresh mashed potatoes might be a little too soft, making it harder to form cakes that don’t fall apart.
  • Double the Recipe: If you’re making these as a side for a family meal, feel free to double the recipe! These cakes are a crowd-pleaser, and they also make great appetizers.

Nutritional Information (per potato cake, makes 8 cakes):

  • Calories: 95 kcal
  • Protein: 3g
  • Fat: 4g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
    • Fiber: 1g
    • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Potassium: 240mg

Note: Nutritional values will vary based on the specific ingredients used (such as the type of oil or cheese).


Serving Suggestions:

These air fryer potato cakes are perfect as a side dish for any main meal. Serve them with grilled chicken, steak, or even a fresh salad for a light lunch or dinner. They also make a great appetizer for parties or gatherings. You can serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like garlic aioli, ranch dressing, or a tangy sriracha mayo for extra flavor.