Air Fryer German Potato Pancakes Recipe
German potato pancakes, also known as Reibekuchen, are crispy and savory treats that are perfect as a side dish or snack. Using an air fryer makes these pancakes healthier, cutting down on oil while still achieving a golden, crispy texture. Here’s the complete recipe with some useful Q&A for you to try!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb russet potatoes
- 1 small yellow onion
- Pinch of salt (plus more for seasoning)
- Pinch of black pepper (for savory pancakes)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes and Onion
- Wash and peel the potatoes: Start by peeling the russet potatoes. Rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt.
- Grate the potatoes: Using the large grating side of a box grater, grate the potatoes into a bowl.
- Grate the onion: Grate the onion into the same bowl as the potatoes. The onion will add flavor and moisture to the pancakes.
Step 2: Drain the Excess Liquid
- If there is excess liquid pooling in the potato mixture, use a clean dish towel or cheesecloth to wring out as much liquid as possible. This helps the pancakes become crispy and not soggy.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
- Add the salt, pepper (if making savory pancakes), flour, and egg to the potato-onion mixture. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together into a thick batter.
Step 4: Cook the Pancakes
- Heat the oil: Heat 1-2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Form the pancakes: Scoop about 2 tbsp of the potato mixture and form a small, slightly flattened pancake. Place it into the hot oil.
- Cook in the skillet: Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon or spatula. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook the pancakes in batches if needed.
Step 5: Air Fry the Pancakes
- Preheat your air fryer to 300°F / 160°C.
- Transfer the cooked pancakes to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they are deeply golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Final Crunch
- For extra crunch, once all the pancakes are cooked, return them to the air fryer and reheat for 30-60 seconds per side.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve the potato pancakes immediately while hot and crispy. Add any desired toppings such as applesauce, brown sugar, sour cream, or a yogurt sauce.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 150 kcal (Note: This is an estimate and can vary based on exact ingredients and portion size)
- Carbohydrates: 21.5 g
- Protein: 2.5 g
- Fat: 3.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 69 mg
- Sodium: 426.5 mg
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Sugar: 1.5 g
Q&A:
Q: Can I use a different type of potato?
A: While russet potatoes work best for their starchy texture, you can also use Yukon gold or red potatoes, but the pancakes may be slightly less crispy.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or even potato flour for a gluten-free version.
Q: How can I store the leftovers?
A: If you have leftover pancakes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or skillet for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
Q: Can I make these pancakes ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the potato mixture and store it in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to fry them fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.
Q: Can I freeze the pancakes?
A: Absolutely! Let the pancakes cool completely, then place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. Reheat them in the air fryer at 300°F for about 5 minutes when ready to serve.
Q: What toppings work best with these potato pancakes?
A: Traditional toppings include applesauce, sour cream, or brown sugar. You can also try a yogurt-based sauce for a savory twist, or even a side of smoked salmon or chives for extra flavor.
Q: Can I use the air fryer instead of frying in oil?
A: Yes! This recipe uses an air fryer to get the pancakes extra crispy without needing much oil. You can still achieve great results by air frying them instead of frying in a skillet, though you may need to spray them lightly with cooking oil for that perfect crisp.
Enjoy your Air Fryer German Potato Pancakes with your favorite toppings and a side of creativity! Whether you’re serving them as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, they’re sure to be a hit at any table.