15 Air Fryer Potato Ideas That Go Beyond Fries

If your air fryer thinks its entire purpose is frozen fries, it’s about to have a serious identity crisis. Potatoes go in humble and come out crispy, golden, and suspiciously restaurant-level with almost no effort from you.

No deep frying, no oil splatters, no dramatic cleanup montage. Just perfectly cooked spuds doing the absolute most while you stand there taking credit.

These ideas finally give your air fryer the career upgrade it’s been waiting for.

1. Baked Potato (Air-Fryer Jacket Potato)

Six o’clock arrives, hunger kicks in, and a few humble potatoes suddenly feel like a brilliant plan. Forty minutes later, a jacket potato opens to reveal skin so crisp it shatters while the inside turns impossibly fluffy.

An air fryer delivers that perfect contrast without heating the entire kitchen or demanding a long oven wait.

Weeknight dinners gain an instant upgrade with almost no effort required. Simple prep like a quick scrub, a fork poke, a light oil rub, and a sprinkle of salt sets the stage for the magic.

2. Hasselback Potatoes

Thin slices fan out like an accordion, each edge turning golden and crunchy while the center stays tender. You get crisp in every single bite, not just on the outside.

The air fryer circulates heat into all those little crevices, so butter, garlic, and herbs seep right in.

Perfect for a Sunday roast or any dinner where you want to look like you tried really hard. Slice three-quarters through, brush with olive oil, season generously, and let the machine work its magic.

3. Potato Pancakes (Latke-Style)

Shredded potatoes meet onion, egg, and just enough flour to hold everything together. The air fryer crisps up the edges without the splatter and oil puddles of a stovetop skillet.

Brunch suddenly feels doable on a weekday.

Serve them with sour cream, applesauce, or a fried egg on top for maximum comfort. Squeeze out the moisture from the shreds first, or you will end up with soggy centers and disappointment.

4. Patatas Bravas

Crispy potato chunks arrive with a spicy, smoky flavor inspired by a Barcelona tapas bar. Air fryer cooking turns every side golden and crunchy without any deep-fry mess.

Cubed potatoes tossed with paprika, garlic powder, and olive oil cook until crackling and perfectly crisp.

Drizzling spicy tomato sauce or aioli after cooking adds a bold finishing touch. Weekend snacking suddenly feels far more exciting and flavorful.

5. Potato Skins

Scoop out the fluffy insides, brush the shells with oil, and air-fry until they crackle.

Then load them up with cheese, bacon, sour cream, and any favorite toppings that fit your vibe.

Game day just got easier. The air fryer crisps the skins without turning them leathery, so every bite has that perfect crunch-to-topping ratio.

Save the scooped potato for mashed potatoes tomorrow.

6. Potato Croquettes

Mashed potatoes combine with breadcrumbs and roll into little logs of pure comfort. Air fryer heat turns each piece golden and crunchy on the outside while keeping the inside soft and creamy.

No deep fryer is needed, no splattering oil appears, and absolutely no regrets follow. Leftover mash from last night finds a perfect second life in this easy upgrade.

Dipping them into ketchup, aioli, or hot sauce makes a quiet Tuesday evening feel like a visit to a fancy bistro.

7. Potato Gnocchi (Air-Fried Gnocchi Bites)

Store-bought or homemade gnocchi gets tossed in olive oil and air-fried until the outside crisps up like little golden pillows.

Chewy on the inside, lightly crunchy outside.

Toss them with pesto, marinara, or just butter and Parmesan for an easy weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-fancy. The air fryer saves you from boiling water and gives you texture you did not know gnocchi could have.

8. Tortilla De Patatas (Spanish Omelette)

Sliced potatoes, eggs, onions, and a drizzle of olive oil come together in a thick, sliceable omelette.

Air fryer cooking handles smaller portions beautifully by crisping the edges while keeping the center tender and custardy. A small heat-safe dish that fits neatly inside the basket helps everything cook evenly.

Breakfast, lunch, or even a midnight snack works perfectly with a chilled slice straight from the fridge.

One wedge instantly brings the feeling of a sunny Spanish plaza to the table.

9. Potato Gratin (Mini Portions)

Thinly sliced potatoes layered with cream, cheese, and garlic in a small ramekin.

The air fryer bubbles the top into golden, cheesy perfection while the potatoes turn tender underneath.

Portion control has never tasted this indulgent. Use heat-safe dishes that fit your basket, and dinner suddenly feels like a French countryside moment.

Serve it alongside roasted chicken or eat the whole thing with a spoon.

10. Pommes Duchesse (Duchess Potatoes)

Mashed potatoes combine with egg yolks and butter before being piped into elegant swirls that brown beautifully in the air fryer. Golden peaks form with crisp edges while the centers remain soft and rich.

Dinner guests feel impressed, and even an ordinary Tuesday suddenly seems more special.

Piped portions rest on parchment and can freeze ahead of time for easy preparation. Air fryer cooking works perfectly straight from frozen whenever a craving appears.

11. Fondant Potatoes

Thick potato rounds get seared until golden, then finished with butter and stock until they turn rich and almost creamy inside.

Air-fryer heat can build a nicely browned crust, especially if the rounds get a quick sear first.

Cut cylinders from large potatoes, season well, and let the heat work its magic. Serve them next to steak or roasted vegetables for a dinner that feels like you hired a chef.

12. Potato Chips (Homemade Air-Fryer Chips)

Paper-thin potato slices tossed with a hint of oil and salt turn into curled, crackly chips in the air fryer. Grease puddles stay out of the equation, so crunch is the only thing left behind.

Total control over thickness, seasoning, and snap makes every batch feel custom.

Seasoning can lean smoky with paprika, savory with garlic powder, or tangy with a touch of vinegar powder for that salt-and-vinegar kick.

13. Poutine-Style Potato Bowl

Chunky potatoes crisp beautifully in an air fryer before being piled into a bowl and topped with gravy and cheese curds. Golden exteriors stay crunchy while warm toppings melt into gooey, savory perfection.

Late-night comfort arrives without a deep fryer and without the heavy cleanup.

Final assembly works best just before serving so every fry keeps its texture. One bite brings the feeling of sitting inside a Montreal diner at midnight.

14. Pommes Dauphines

Mashed potatoes meet choux pastry dough, then get shaped into little puffs that air-fry into crispy, airy bites.

They puff up like magic, with a crunchy shell and a soft, almost cloud-like center.

French bistro energy without leaving your kitchen. Serve them as a side dish or snack them straight from the basket while they are still hot and crackling.

15. Rösti

Shredded potatoes pressed into a flat cake cook in the air fryer until the exterior turns deeply golden and crunchy. Tender texture remains inside while every bite delivers a satisfying crackle.

Swiss breakfast magic arrives without needing to flip a giant pancake in a skillet.

Brunch shines with a fried egg on top, while dinner pairs perfectly with sausages on the side.

Even heat from air fryer cooking creates a crisp crust all the way around without added stress.

Note: Cooking times and results can vary based on air fryer brand, wattage, basket size, ingredient moisture, and portion thickness, so adjust timing and temperature to match your appliance and check doneness before serving.