There’s something quietly satisfying about the sound of potatoes grating against the coarse side of a box grater. I remember one chilly afternoon when the kitchen was filled with that soft scraping noise, the faint scent of raw potato and onion mingling in the air. I wasn’t in a rush, though I was a little distracted by a half-simmering pot on the stove—forgot to stir it once or twice. The anticipation of biting into those crispy edges and tender centers was enough to keep me coming back to the counter. The air fryer hums softly nearby, a promise of golden results without the fuss of oil splatters. When the latkes finally came out, steaming and crisp, the first bite was a quiet celebration — a little imperfect, a little messy, but exactly what I needed that day.
- Enjoy a crispy texture that doesn’t require deep frying — it’s simple, and that’s kind of the point.
- Made with wholesome, plant-based ingredients that feel surprisingly indulgent.
- Quick to prep and cook, so you can satisfy cravings without hours in the kitchen.
- Great as a snack or a side dish, fitting easily into breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- It’s forgiving if you’re a bit impatient or distracted, like me — the air fryer does much of the work.
If you’re new to air frying or vegan cooking, don’t worry. This recipe is straightforward, and the equipment is pretty forgiving. Plus, leftovers reheat well, so you don’t have to eat them all at once (though, fair warning, they rarely last long). The balance of crispy exteriors and tender interiors means you can enjoy that satisfying crunch without overthinking the oil or mess.
PrintVegan Potato Latkes Air Fryer
Crispy and golden vegan potato latkes made effortlessly in the air fryer. These latkes are perfect as a snack or side dish, using simple ingredients and no oil frying required.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
4 medium russet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and grated
1 medium yellow onion, grated
1/4 cup chickpea flour
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
6 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Place the grated potatoes and grated onion in a large bowl. Using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible from the mixture.
In a small bowl, combine the ground flaxseed and water. Stir well and let sit for 5 minutes to thicken, creating a flax egg.
Add the chickpea flour, flax egg, salt, black pepper, and baking powder to the grated potato and onion mixture. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Form the mixture into 8 equal-sized patties, about 3 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick.
Place the latkes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary.
Air fry the latkes for 7 minutes. Carefully flip each latke and air fry for an additional 7 to 8 minutes, or until both sides are golden brown and crispy.
Remove the latkes from the air fryer and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess moisture.
Serve immediately with your favorite vegan sour cream or applesauce.
Air fryers can feel a bit intimidating at first, but with this recipe, it’s just about timing and a little patience flipping the latkes. I usually use a simple basket-style air fryer — no fancy attachments needed. Serving these with a vegan sour cream or a sweet applesauce can elevate the experience, but honestly, they’re great just on their own, especially when fresh and hot. Sometimes I experiment by adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of fresh herbs, though I haven’t tested these variations extensively. Another time, I tried swapping chickpea flour for a bit of oat flour, but the texture changed more than I liked.
FAQ
Can I make these latkes oil-free? Yes, the air fryer cooks them to a crispy finish without any added oil, making them lighter and less messy.
How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer to revive that crispiness.
Can I freeze them? I haven’t tried freezing these latkes yet, so I can’t say for sure, but they might lose some texture once thawed.
What if I don’t have chickpea flour? You could try another flour, but chickpea flour helps bind and adds a subtle nutty flavor that works well here.
Give these Vegan Potato Latkes Air Fryer a try when you want something comforting yet light. Save this recipe, print it out, and maybe start grating some potatoes — your kitchen might just become your favorite spot today.