Crispy air fryer potato salad

45 min Side dish
Crispy air fryer potato salad

This crispy air fryer potato salad is a fresh rendition of a favourite classic. Enjoy the mix of crunch and creaminess, with a crème fraiche dressing and air-fried potatoes. Add smoky bacon, fresh vegetables, and plenty of herbs, and you have the kind of dish that works for barbecues, picnics, and dinners.

New recipe

Ingredients

600 g Small potatoes, cooked
25 g Butter, melted
½ tsp Flaky salt
½ tsp Freshly ground pepper
150 g Bacon, cooked
150 g Celery or cucumber, finely chopped
½ Small red onion, finely chopped
40 g Herbs, finely chopped, for example, parsley and chives
250 ml Creme fraiche
2 tbsp Mayonnaise
½ tsp Coarse salt

Instructions

  • Place the cooked potatoes on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Press them gently with the bottom of a glass so they break open but still hold together.
  • Brush the potatoes with butter and season with salt and pepper.
  • Cook them in an air fryer for 15–18 minutes at 185 °C. Leave the potatoes to cool slightly.
  • Roughly chop the crispy potatoes and place them in a bowl with the remaining ingredients.
  • Mix everything well, adjust the seasoning, and serve.

Recipe tips

It’s often the small details that make the biggest impact in the kitchen, so we’re sharing the tips we rely on when cooking and creating recipes

Small waxy potatoes like gold, fingerling, or honey gold varieties are ideal for an air fryer potato salad. They maintain their shape, get crispy on the outside, and stay creamy inside. Their thin skins add extra texture and flavour. Avoid starchy potatoes such as Russets, which can turn mealy. If you cannot find gold or fingerling potatoes, other small waxy types like red-skinned baby potatoes are good alternatives.

Keep the skins on for extra flavour. It helps the potatoes stay together in the air fryer while adding an earthy note and a bit more crunch. If you prefer a smoother salad, you can peel them, but just know you will lose some crispiness.

FAQ: Questions about crispy air fryer potato salad

Check out our answers to common questions about the crispy air fryer potato salad. You will learn whether you can make the recipe ahead of time and how to store and serve it.

Can I make the crispy air fryer potato salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this crispy air fryer potato salad ahead of time, but keep the ingredients separate until just before serving. Cook and crisp the potatoes, then let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container. If you are making them a day ahead, refrigerate and re-crisp them in the oven or air fryer before serving. The dressing can be made in advance and kept in the fridge. Mix the potatoes with the dressing at the last minute; otherwise, they will turn soft.

How do I store leftovers of the crispy air fryer potato salad?

To store leftovers of your crispy air fryer potato salad, let it cool completely first. Then, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. For the best taste, eat within 2 days, but it is safe for up to 5. Just know the potatoes will soften over time.

Nutritional values

Nutritional value, per

2136 Kcal

Fibre - 13.8 gram fibers
Protein 7.9 41.3 gram
Fat 69.8 168.8 gram
Carbohydrates 22.3 117.1 gram

Recommended information

Serving suggestion

Make a delicious and crispy air fryer potato salad

Make a crispy potato salad with the help of your air fryer. Instead of the soft, uniform texture you usually find in potato salad, these smashed potatoes develop crisp edges and a rich, buttery bite. That crunch contrasts beautifully with the creamy crème fraiche dressing that envelops the whole salad.

It gives the salad more flavour and texture. The air fryer’s even heat works its magic, offering consistent cooking without the need to turn or check on the potatoes.

Salty, smoky bacon in a creamy dressing

Bacon brings depth and savoury richness, turning this crispy air fryer potato salad into something far more indulgent. Its salty, smoky flavour adds richness and contrast to every mouthful. The crisp bacon pieces mix with the tangy crème fraiche and smooth mayonnaise, creating a dressing that is not only creamy but also very flavourful.

Filled with fresh herbs and crunchy vegetables

Each ingredient in this salad complements the others perfectly. Fresh vegetables and herbs bring balance to the richness of the bacon and dressing. Depending on what you choose, celery or cucumber will add a cool, crisp crunch, while red onion brings sharpness that cuts through the creaminess. Chopped parsley and chives scatter brightness throughout the salad, keeping it fresh and colourful.

A standout side for barbecues, picnics, and summer dinners

This crispy air fryer potato salad is made for sharing. It works alongside grilled meats, burgers, or even fish, where its mix of creamy, smoky, and fresh flavours rounds out the meal. Take it to a picnic, serve it at a family gathering, or enjoy it as part of a relaxed summer dinner.

If you enjoyed this crispy potato salad, there are plenty of other potato recipes you can make in the air fryer. Try air fryer roast potatoes for a classic side that works with almost any main course, or air fryer jacket potatoes for a comforting option with endless topping possibilities. For something more playful, air fryer smashed potatoes deliver extra crunch, while air fryer sweet potato fries bring a sweet and spicy alternative.

Make it your own with simple swaps and additions

This recipe is easy to adapt depending on your taste. Swap bacon for smoked salmon or grilled chicken if you want a different meat, or leave it out entirely for a meat-free version. Use dill instead of parsley for a more aromatic taste, or add capers for a salty bite. With a few small changes, this potato salad can be customised for any table.

You can also try using Greek yoghurt or sour cream instead of crème fraiche. For a sweet contrast, throw in some dried cranberries or raisins. If you love a smoky flavour, consider adding smoked paprika or smoked sausage to the mix.

https://www.arlafoods.co.uk/recipes/crispy-air-fryer-potato-salad/