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Easy Air Fryer Potato Pancakes

Name: Easy Air Fryer Potato Pancakes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 cups mashed potatoes (cold); 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar); 1/4 cup bacon bits; 1 stalk green scallion; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 large egg; 1 cup panko bread crumbs

Author: Laurie Fleming
Published: February 17, 2021

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These Easy Air Fryer Potato Pancakes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, perfect for a quick breakfast, snack, or side dish. Ready in minutes, they’re a fuss-free way to enjoy a classic comfort food with less oil and mess.

Golden-brown air fryer potato pancakes, crispy on the outside and soft inside, served on a plate.

If you love the crispy, comforting taste of traditional potato pancakes but dread the mess of frying, this Easy Air Fryer Potato Pancakes recipe is your new go-to.

Ready in minutes, they come out perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside while staying tender inside—without the extra oil or cleanup.

Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick snack, these pancakes are simple, delicious, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

Golden air fryer potato pancakes, crispy on the outside and soft inside, served on a plate.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

Crispy without the mess: Get that golden, crunchy exterior without deep frying in oil.
Tender inside: Soft, fluffy potato centers make every bite irresistible.
Quick and easy: Ready in minutes, perfect for busy mornings or last-minute snacks.
Less oil, healthier: Enjoy the classic flavor with fewer calories and less grease.
Versatile: Serve for breakfast, brunch, or as a savory side for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients Needed

Mashed potatoes: Creamy, chilled potatoes ready for frying or baking.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty cheese to add rich, cheesy flavor.
Bacon bits: Crispy, smoky bacon pieces for a savory crunch.
Green scallion: Fresh green onion adding mild, zesty flavor.
All-purpose flour: Light flour to help bind ingredients together smoothly.
Large egg: Egg to hold the potato mixture together firmly.
Panko bread crumbs: Crunchy Japanese-style crumbs for a crisp exterior coating.

Recipe Variations

Cheese Lovers: Add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan to the potato mixture for extra cheesy pancakes.
Herb & Garlic: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill, and a dash of garlic powder for more flavor.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a subtle kick.
Vegetable Boost: Fold in finely grated carrots, zucchini, or sweet potato for a colorful, nutritious version.
Bacon & Onion: Mix in crispy bacon bits and caramelized onions for a savory, indulgent treat.
Sweet Option: For a unique twist, try adding a small amount of cinnamon and nutmeg, serve with a drizzle of maple syrup.

How To Make Easy Air Fryer Potato Pancakes

Mixing mashed potatoes, egg, flour, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and sliced green onions together in a medium bowl.

Step One: Mix the mashed potatoes, egg, flour, shredded cheddar cheese, bacon bits, and sliced green onions in a medium-sized bowl. Mix well.

Step Two: In another bowl, pour your panko bread crumbs.

Potato pancake formed, coated in panko breadcrumbs, placed on parchment-lined tray ready for freezing.

Step Three: Form a potato pancake, then coat it with the panko bread crumbs. Place your coated potato pancakes on a parchment-lined dish. Place the potato pancakes into the freezer for about 10-15 minutes until frozen solid.

Frozen potato pancake placed on parchment paper in the air fryer, ready to cook at 380°F, flipped halfway through.

Step Four; Lay a piece of parchment paper down, and then place the frozen potato pancake on top. Ensure that the parchment paper is correctly balanced, so it does not have any chance of hitting the heating element. Set cook time for 12-15 minutes, at air fryer temperature to 380 degrees F, air fryer setting, flipping halfway.

Golden-brown air fryer potato pancakes, crispy outside and soft inside, served on a plate.

Easy Air Fryer Mashed Potato Pancakes Recipe Tips

Use cold mashed potatoes: This helps the pancakes hold their shape and prevents them from falling apart.
Don’t skip the panko coating: It ensures a golden, crispy exterior that contrasts nicely with the soft interior.
Freeze before air frying: A short freeze makes flipping easier and prevents sticking.
Preheat your air fryer: This gives an even crisp and reduces cooking time.
Flip halfway through: Ensures both sides are golden and evenly cooked.
Customize mix-ins: Add herbs, spices, or different cheeses to suit your taste.
Serve immediately: Potato pancakes are best hot for maximum crispiness.

Storing Instructions

Refrigerator: Store cooked potato pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to restore crispiness.

Freezer: Freeze uncooked, breaded pancakes on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen in the air fryer for best results.

Golden-brown air fryer potato pancakes, crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy inside, served on a plate.

Easy Air Fryer Mashed Potato Pancakes Recipe Faqs

Can I use leftover mashed potatoes? Yes! Leftover mashed potatoes work perfectly for these pancakes, just make sure they’re cold so the pancakes hold their shape.

Can I make these gluten-free? Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs to keep them crispy and safe for gluten-free diets.

Do I have to freeze the pancakes before air frying? Freezing helps the pancakes hold their shape and cook evenly, but if you’re in a rush, you can cook them fresh—just handle them gently.

Can I add other ingredients to the mix? Yes! Try adding herbs, spices, or different cheeses to customize flavor to your liking.

How do I store leftover pancakes? Refrigerate cooked pancakes in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days or freeze uncooked pancakes for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to restore crispiness.

Can I cook these in the oven instead of an air fryer? Yes, bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

Serving Suggestions

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