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german potato pancakes recipe

Potato Pancakes Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 3 Servings

Ingredients
  

  • 4 medium  russet potatoes peeled
  • 1 small  onion
  • 2 large  eggs
  • ¼ cup  all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon  salt
  • ½ teaspoon  black pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Method
 

  1. Peel your potatoes and use the large holes on a box grater (or a food processor if you want to save time). Grate the onion the same way
  2. Once grated, wrap the mixture in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial.
  3. Transfer the grated potatoes and onion to a mixing bowl. Stir in the eggs, flour, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined. The batter should hold together when pressed but still look a little rough
  4. Heat a thin layer of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, drop spoonfuls of batter into the pan and flatten them gently with the back of the spoon. Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Work in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Place the cooked pancakes on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.

Air fryer method

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil. Form the batter into small patties and place them in a single layer in the basket (don’t overcrowd). 
  2. Spray the tops lightly with oil, then air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp and golden.

Notes

  • Squeeze the potatoes well: Less water means crispier edges.
  • Keep the oil hot: Medium-high heat gives you golden crusts without burning.
  • Don’t overcrowd: Too many pancakes at once lower the oil temperature.
  • Serve immediately: Potato pancakes are best eaten hot and fresh.