01 -
Alright, first up, grab those russet potatoes. I give them a good scrub under cool water; no need to peel them unless you absolutely can't stand the skin – but honestly, the skin gets so wonderfully crispy in the air fryer! Slice them into roughly 1/4-inch thick rounds. This is where I sometimes get a little uneven, but don't stress too much; it all evens out. Just aim for pretty consistent slices so they cook evenly, thin enough to crisp but thick enough to stay tender.
02 -
Now for the fun part! Dump all your beautiful potato slices into a big mixing bowl. Drizzle them generously with olive oil, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Get your hands in there and really toss everything around! You want every single potato slice coated in that glorious seasoning. This is where you can already smell the deliciousness starting to happen; I always make sure there are no naked spots!
03 -
Time for the air fryer! Carefully arrange the potato slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket. This is super important, so resist the urge to overcrowd it, even if you’re starving! If you pile them up, they'll just steam instead of getting that incredible crispiness we're after. I usually have to do this in two or three batches, depending on how many potatoes I’m making. Patience, my friend, patience!
04 -
Close that air fryer basket and set the temperature to 375°F (190°C). Let them cook for about 15-20 minutes. But here’s the crucial part: every 5-7 minutes, give that basket a really good shake! This ensures all sides get exposed to the hot air, leading to even browning and crispiness. You’ll hear them sizzling and smell that amazing aroma wafting through your kitchen – that's when you know you're on the right track!
05 -
After about 15 minutes, pull out the basket and check a few slices. Are they beautifully golden-brown and crispy on the outside? And when you poke them with a fork, are they tender on the inside? If they need a little more time, pop them back in for another 3-5 minutes, shaking again. Every air fryer is a little different, and slice thickness varies, so don’t be afraid to trust your gut here!
06 -
Once they’ve reached that perfect crispy, golden-brown stage, carefully transfer your easy air fryer sliced potatoes to a serving dish. If you're using those optional fresh herbs or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, now's the time to add them. They look so inviting, and the smell is just pure comfort! Serve them immediately while they’re hot and at their peak crispiness. Honestly, they rarely make it to the table without me sneaking a few first.