Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside—German Potato Pancakes (or Kartoffelpuffer) are a comfort food classic that never goes out of style. Traditionally pan-fried in oil until golden brown, these savory pancakes have found a new home in the air fryer—where they get just as crisp with a fraction of the mess and oil. Whether served for breakfast, lunch, or a cozy snack, these potato pancakes are a flavorful nod to old-world German cooking, now made easier and healthier.
Growing up, Sunday mornings in our home meant one thing: the smell of sizzling potatoes filling the kitchen. My grandmother, who learned the recipe from her own mother in Germany, would stand by the stove flipping potato pancakes while we waited—impatiently—for our plates to be filled. She never measured a single ingredient, yet they came out perfect every time: golden brown, crackling at the edges, and soft in the center.
Now, years later, I wanted to bring that same tradition into my kitchen—but with a modern twist. Instead of standing over a hot skillet and dealing with oil splatter, I decided to try them in the air fryer. The result? A game-changer. Same crispy texture, same nostalgic flavor—just less hassle and guilt.
These Air Fryer German Potato Pancakes are more than just a recipe—they’re a piece of my heritage made easier for busy days, and a reminder that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
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