Crispy Air Fryer Hanukkah Latkes You’ll Love to Make

Why Make This Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Hanukkah Latkes are a delightful twist on a traditional dish that’s enjoyed by many during the festival of lights. Making latkes is not just about food; it’s about family, celebration, and joy. Hanukkah is a time to gather with loved ones, light the menorah, and enjoy delicious treats. Latkes, made from potatoes and often served with sour cream or applesauce, have become a staple of Hanukkah celebrations. This air fryer version allows you to create a healthier, crispy latke without all the oil traditionally used in frying. This means you can enjoy all the flavor and crunch with a lot less guilt. It’s a win-win!

Not only are air fryer latkes quick and easy to prepare, but they also save time during the busy Hanukkah season. With the air fryer, you get that crunchy texture on the outside while keeping the inside soft and tender. Making these latkes can also bring back fond memories of cooking with family, creating a sense of togetherness and warmth. Plus, they make a fantastic appetizer or side dish, perfect for any holiday gathering. Whether you’re already a latke lover or trying them for the first time, these air-fried versions are likely to become a new favorite.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Hanukkah Latkes

Making crispy air fryer Hanukkah latkes is a straightforward process. Just gather your ingredients and follow these simple steps. The aroma of fresh potatoes and onions frying in your air fryer will fill your kitchen with a delightful scent, perfect for setting the mood for your Hanukkah celebration.

Ingredients:

• 4 medium Russet potatoes (peeled and grated)
• 0.5 medium Yellow onion (peeled and grated)
• 2 large eggs
• 0.25 cup Matzo meal (can substitute with breadcrumbs)
• 2 teaspoons Kosher salt (adjust based on preference)
• 0.5 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
• as needed spray Cooking spray (for air fryer)
• 1 cup Sour cream (can substitute with Greek yogurt)
• 1 cup Applesauce (homemade is best)

Directions:

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare the Potatoes and Onion: Start by peeling and grating the Russet potatoes. You can use a box grater or food processor to do this quickly. Grating them creates that ideal texture for latkes. Once grated, place the potatoes in a large bowl.

2. Remove Excess Water: Potatoes can hold a lot of moisture, which can make latkes soggy. To remove excess water, place the grated potatoes in a clean kitchen towel or cheese cloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial for achieving crispy latkes.

3. Grate the Onion: Next, peel and grate the yellow onion. This adds flavor and moisture to the latkes. Add the grated onion to the bowl with the potatoes.

4. Mix Ingredients: In the same bowl, add the eggs, Matzo meal (or breadcrumbs), Kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating helps ensure the latkes cook evenly and become crispy.

6. Form Latkes: Take a spoonful of the potato mixture and form it into a patty, about 1/2 inch thick. You can make them larger or smaller depending on your preference. Place the formed latkes on a plate.

7. Spray the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Be generous enough to cover the basket, ensuring that the latkes do not stick.

8. Place Latkes in the Air Fryer: Carefully place the formed latkes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if necessary. Spray the tops of the latkes lightly with cooking spray as well.

9. Cook: Close the air fryer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, flipping the latkes halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and crispy on both sides.

10. Serve Warm: Once cooked, remove the latkes from the air fryer and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve warm with sour cream and applesauce on the side.

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Hanukkah Latkes

Crispy Air Fryer Hanukkah Latkes are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer while they’re still warm. Serve them on a large platter for everyone to share. Latkes are traditionally served with sour cream and applesauce. You can place small bowls of these condiments beside the latkes, allowing guests to dip as they prefer.

For a fun twist, consider adding toppings like chives or even a sprinkle of smoked salmon for a gourmet flavor. You can also serve them with a side salad, as the freshness balances the richness of the latkes.

Making a latke bar can also be an enjoyable experience for guests, allowing them to assemble their own creations. With all the delicious toppings, everyone can personalize their latke plate to their liking.

How to Store Crispy Air Fryer Hanukkah Latkes

If you have any leftover latkes, storing them properly is key to keeping them crispy. Here’s how you can store your latkes:

1. Cool the Latkes: Allow the latkes to cool completely at room temperature. This prevents excess moisture from building up, which can make them soggy.

2. Store in an Airtight Container: Place the cooled latkes in a single layer in an airtight container. You may want to place parchment paper between layers if you have many to prevent them from sticking together.

3. Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator, where the latkes can last for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes, which will help restore their original crispiness. Alternatively, you can also reheat them in a conventional oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Tips to Make Crispy Air Fryer Hanukkah Latkes

Making crispy latkes in the air fryer can be simple, but a few tips can enhance your culinary experience and the final outcome.

1. Dry Potatoes Thoroughly: Removing excess moisture from the grated potatoes is one of the most important steps. The drier the potatoes, the crispier your latkes will be.

2. Don’t Skip the Matzo Meal: Using Matzo meal helps bind the ingredients together while absorbing moisture. This contributes directly to the texture that makes latkes delightful.

3. Flip for Even Cooking: Flipping the latkes halfway through the cooking process ensures they brown evenly on both sides, resulting in a perfect crunch.

4. Adjust Salt and Pepper to Taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of Kosher salt and pepper depending on your taste preferences.

5. Experiment with Spices: If you want to add a little twist, try adding spices such as garlic powder or paprika to the mixture for added flavor.

Variation

While the classic version is always a hit, you can always play with the recipe. Here are a few variations you might enjoy:

• Sweet Potato Latkes: Substitute half of the Russet potatoes with grated sweet potatoes for a sweeter flavor profile and a touch of color in your dish.

• Zucchini Latkes: For a lighter version, consider mixing in grated zucchini. Just be sure to squeeze out the moisture, similar to the potatoes.

• Add Herbs: Adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill can brighten the flavor and make the latkes more vibrant.

FAQs

Q: Can I make latkes ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours. However, for the best texture, it is advisable to fry them fresh.

Q: Can I freeze latkes?

A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked latkes. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, cook them straight from frozen in the air fryer.

Q: What can I serve with latkes besides sour cream and applesauce?

A: Latkes can be served with a variety of toppings, including Greek yogurt, smoked salmon, or even a dollop of guacamole for a fun twist. Fresh herbs like chives or dill also make a delightful addition.

Enjoy your crispy air fryer Hanukkah latkes! Each bite will not only satisfy your taste buds but also bring joy and warmth to your holiday table. Happy cooking!

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