
Crispy and Fluffy Mashed Potato Pancakes (Air Fryer Recipe)
Crispy and Fluffy Mashed Potato Pancakes (Air Fryer Recipe)
Make Crispy Mashed Potato Pancakes with Leftover Potatoes! Tips for Boiling Potatoes and Air Fryer Cooking
My kids always look for snacks after school, especially my energetic boys! So, I try to make homemade snacks for them as often as possible. Today, I’m sharing a recipe for ‘mashed potato pancakes,’ also known as ‘flattened potatoes,’ using the potatoes I always have on hand. I saw this recipe by chance and thought it would be perfect for my kids. They raved that this is the best potato pancake they’ve ever tasted! Let’s start making crispy potato pancakes using the air fryer!
Ingredients- 5 potatoes (small, about the size of a baby’s fist)
- Salt to taste
- Olive oil
- Parsley flakes
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Wash the potatoes thoroughly, as we’ll be using them with the skin on. Using small potatoes, about the size of a baby’s fist, is recommended for this recipe.
Step 2
Place the potatoes in a pot, ensuring they are fully submerged in water. Add about 0.5 teaspoon of salt. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and continue to boil the potatoes.
Step 3
For small potatoes, boiling for approximately 15 minutes should be sufficient. You can check for doneness by inserting a chopstick; it should slide in easily when the potatoes are cooked through.
Step 4
Once the potatoes are boiled and tender, drain them well. Use a flat utensil, like the bottom of a cup, to press and flatten the potatoes. Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper. Place the flattened potatoes on the parchment paper, cover with another sheet of parchment paper, and press down firmly with a cup or your hand to create a uniform thickness.
Step 5
Carefully remove the top layer of parchment paper to reveal the wonderfully flattened mashed potatoes. This is the ‘mashed potato pancake’ base.
Step 6
To achieve a crispy texture, lightly sprinkle salt over the mashed potatoes. Then, brush a thin layer of olive oil over the surface. Finish by sprinkling some parsley flakes for added flavor and color. (Note: About 0.3 teaspoon of seasoned salt can be used.) If you plan to serve with a dipping sauce, adjust the amount of salt accordingly.
Step 7
Your flattened potato pancakes are now ready to be cooked in the air fryer. They’re looking great already!
Step 8
Place the potato pancakes into the air fryer. For an extra crispy finish, I cooked mine at 200°C (392°F) for 10 to 15 minutes. (Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model.)
Step 9
During the cooking process, periodically check the color of the potato pancakes by opening the air fryer door to ensure they are turning a beautiful golden brown.
Step 10
Once your potato pancakes have reached your desired golden color and crispiness, they are perfectly done! You’ve successfully made crispy mashed potato pancakes using the air fryer.
Step 11
These crispy potato pancakes are delicious even without a special sauce; a simple dip in ketchup is wonderfully satisfying. The natural sweetness and savory flavor of the baked potatoes shine through.
Step 12
The sound of ‘crisp!’ when you bite into these is pure joy. My son, who hadn’t tried this type of potato pancake before, declared it the ‘best potato pancake ever!’ 🙂
Step 13
Honestly, if I had made these for dinner, they would have been the perfect accompaniment to a cold beer! They make a fantastic appetizer or snack for adults too.

