Air Fryer Rösti
A lighter, crispy Swiss potato cake made in the air fryer for an even golden crust without excess butter. Parboiled potatoes are grated with onion, bound with egg whites, and air-fried at 390°F for a crunchy exterior and tender center. Great as a breakfast side or base for savory toppings.
Equipment
- Air fryer (6-quart or larger)
- Box grater
- Mixing bowl
- Clean kitchen towel
Ingredients
- 6 medium potatoes about 2 lbs; Yukon Gold or Russet
- 3 medium brown onions
- 2 medium egg whites
- 1 tablespoon reduced-salt butter melted
- 3 teaspoons dried herbs rosemary, thyme, or Italian blend
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 2 sprays oil spray about 3 seconds each
Instructions
- Parboil whole potatoes in salted water for 10 minutes until just tender when pierced. Drain and let cool completely.
- Peel cooled potatoes and grate using the large holes of a box grater into a large bowl.
- Grate onions on the same grater and add to the potato mixture.
- Place grated potato and onion in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible.
- Return the mixture to the bowl and add egg whites, melted butter, dried herbs, and paprika. Mix until evenly combined.
- Shape into a round patty about 8 inches wide and 1 inch thick, pressing firmly so it holds together.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F for 3 minutes.
- Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil and place the rösti patty in the basket.
- Lightly spray the top of the patty with oil (about 3 seconds).
- Cook at 390°F for 25 minutes, checking at 20 minutes if your air fryer runs hot.
- Remove when the crust is deep golden brown. Rest 3 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- For best crispiness, thoroughly squeeze out liquid from the grated potatoes and onions.
- Preheating the air fryer for 3 minutes helps set the crust quickly.
- If your air fryer runs hot, reduce temperature to 380°F and start checking at 20 minutes.
- Optional crosshatch cuts on top create more surface area for extra crisping.
- Variation ideas: add 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese; mix in 1 grated apple; or use extra herbs like fresh rosemary and thyme.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F for about 8 minutes; oven at 400°F for ~12 minutes. Avoid the microwave.
- Can cook from frozen; add about 10 minutes and use a bit more oil spray.