Air Fryer Potato Apple Latkes: A Crispy, Healthy Twist on a Classic
Latkes are a beloved Hanukkah tradition, but their deep-fried nature can be a deterrent for those seeking healthier options. This recipe reimagines the classic potato latke with a delightful twist: the addition of apples! And, most importantly, these latkes are cooked in an air fryer, resulting in a crispy, golden-brown exterior with a tender, flavorful interior – all without the excess oil. Get ready to enjoy a guilt-free and incredibly delicious version of this holiday favorite.
Why Air Fryer Latkes?
Air frying offers several advantages over traditional pan-frying:
* **Less Oil:** Air fryers use significantly less oil, making the latkes healthier and lower in calories.
* **Crispier Texture:** The hot air circulation ensures even cooking and a beautifully crisp exterior.
* **Easier Cleanup:** No more splattering oil and greasy pans! Air fryer cleanup is a breeze.
* **Consistent Results:** Air fryers maintain a consistent temperature, leading to more predictable and even cooking.
The Magic of Apple and Potato Latkes
The addition of apples to potato latkes adds a touch of sweetness and moisture that complements the savory potato flavor perfectly. The apples also contribute a delightful textural element, creating a more complex and interesting latke.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* 2 large russet potatoes, peeled
* 1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and cored
* 1 small onion, peeled
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
* 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil, divided
* Optional toppings: sour cream, applesauce, Greek yogurt, chopped chives
Equipment
* Air Fryer
* Box Grater or Food Processor with shredding attachment
* Large Mixing Bowl
* Clean Kitchen Towel or Cheesecloth
* Measuring Cups and Spoons
* Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes and Apples
1. **Grate the Potatoes and Apples:** Using a box grater or a food processor with a shredding attachment, shred the potatoes and apples. It’s best to shred them coarsely for a better texture.
2. **Shred the Onion:** Grate the onion using the box grater or food processor. Alternatively, you can finely chop it.
3. **Remove Excess Moisture:** This is a crucial step for crispy latkes. Place the shredded potatoes, apples, and onion in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Gather the edges of the towel and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This may require some effort, but it’s essential for preventing soggy latkes. Discard the excess liquid.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
1. **Transfer to a Bowl:** Transfer the squeezed-out potato, apple, and onion mixture to a large mixing bowl.
2. **Add the Egg:** Add the lightly beaten egg to the bowl. The egg acts as a binder, helping the latkes hold their shape.
3. **Add Flour, Salt, Pepper, and Baking Powder:** Add the flour (or gluten-free flour blend), salt, pepper, and baking powder to the bowl. The flour helps bind the mixture together, the salt and pepper enhance the flavor, and the baking powder adds a little lift and helps with the crispiness.
4. **Mix Well:** Use a spatula or your hands to thoroughly mix all the ingredients until they are well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the latkes tough.
Step 3: Form the Latkes
1. **Prepare a Plate:** Line a plate with parchment paper. This will prevent the latkes from sticking to the plate before they go into the air fryer.
2. **Form the Latkes:** Take approximately 2-3 tablespoons of the potato-apple mixture and form it into a patty about 3 inches in diameter and 1/2 inch thick. Gently flatten the patty with your hands.
3. **Place on the Plate:** Place the formed latke on the prepared plate. Repeat this process with the remaining mixture, leaving some space between the latkes on the plate.
Step 4: Air Fry the Latkes
1. **Preheat the Air Fryer:** Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures that the air fryer is at the optimal temperature for even cooking.
2. **Brush with Oil:** Brush the basket of the air fryer with 1 tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil. This will prevent the latkes from sticking to the basket.
3. **Place Latkes in the Air Fryer:** Carefully place the latkes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Overcrowding will result in steamed, rather than crispy, latkes.
4. **Brush with Oil:** Brush the tops of the latkes with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil or avocado oil. This helps them achieve a golden-brown color and crispy texture.
5. **Air Fry:** Air fry the latkes for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer, so keep an eye on them and adjust accordingly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
1. **Remove from Air Fryer:** Carefully remove the air-fried latkes from the air fryer basket using a spatula.
2. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the latkes immediately while they are still hot and crispy.
3. **Add Toppings:** Serve with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, applesauce, Greek yogurt, or chopped chives. A dollop of unsweetened applesauce and a sprinkle of fresh chives are a classic and delicious combination.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Potato Apple Latkes
* **Don’t Skip Squeezing:** Removing excess moisture from the shredded potatoes and apples is the key to crispy latkes. Don’t skip this step!
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer:** Cook the latkes in batches to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. Overcrowding will lead to steamed latkes.
* **Use the Right Oil:** Olive oil or avocado oil are good choices for air frying due to their high smoke points. Avoid using oils with low smoke points, as they can burn and produce an unpleasant flavor.
* **Adjust Cooking Time:** The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer. Keep an eye on the latkes and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* **Serve Immediately:** Latkes are best served immediately while they are hot and crispy. They tend to soften as they sit.
* **Experiment with Toppings:** Get creative with your toppings! Try different combinations of sweet and savory toppings to find your favorite.
* **Use a Food Processor:** For quicker prep, use a food processor with a shredding attachment to shred the potatoes, apples, and onion.
* **Keep Warm in the Oven:** If you need to cook the latkes in batches and want to keep them warm while you finish, preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) and place the cooked latkes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will help them stay warm and crispy.
* **Add Spices:** Experiment with adding different spices to the latke mixture, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or garlic powder.
* **Use Different Apples:** While Granny Smith apples are a good choice for their tartness and firm texture, you can also experiment with other apple varieties, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji.
Variations and Substitutions
* **Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour.
* **Vegan:** Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken).
* **Sweet Potato Latkes:** Substitute half of the russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a sweeter and more colorful latke.
* **Zucchini Latkes:** Add shredded zucchini to the mixture for a lighter and more flavorful latke. Be sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the zucchini before adding it to the mixture.
* **Spicy Latkes:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeno to the mixture for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer potato apple latkes are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
* **As a Side Dish:** Serve them as a side dish with roasted chicken, fish, or vegetables.
* **As an Appetizer:** Serve them as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.
* **As a Light Meal:** Enjoy them as a light meal with a salad.
* **For Breakfast or Brunch:** Top them with a fried egg for a delicious breakfast or brunch.
* **During Hanukkah:** Serve them as part of your Hanukkah celebration.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately 3 latkes)
* Calories: 200-250
* Fat: 8-12g
* Saturated Fat: 1-2g
* Cholesterol: 30-40mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 3-5g
* Sugar: 5-8g
* Protein: 3-5g
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and cooking methods used.)
Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerate:** Leftover air fryer potato apple latkes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** To reheat, air fry the latkes at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. For crispier results, avoid microwaving them.
* **Freezing is NOT recommended**: Latkes tend to become soggy when thawed so freezing is not recommended.
Conclusion
These air fryer potato apple latkes are a delicious and healthy twist on a classic Hanukkah favorite. They are easy to make, crispy, and full of flavor. With their delightful combination of savory potato and sweet apple, they are sure to be a hit with everyone. So, this Hanukkah (or any time of year!), ditch the deep fryer and give this air fryer recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!