How To Make Golden and Crispy Vegan Latkes in the Air Fryer

Jess Miller

Latkes are a beloved comfort food, especially during the holidays, but there’s no need to save them for special occasions.

These golden, crispy vegan latkes come together easily in the air fryer with just a few pantry staples and a bit of time.

Made with shredded potatoes and onions, then crisped to perfection without deep frying, this plant-based version keeps all the classic flavor while being lighter and less messy to make.

Whether you’re celebrating, meal-prepping, or just craving something savory, these air fryer latkes are ready to become a family favorite.

Contents hide

1 Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Latkes

2 Ingredients You’ll Need For Air Fryer Latkes

3 How to Make Vegan Latkes in the Air Fryer

4 Tips for Crispy Latkes Every Time

5 Vegan Latke Variations to Try

6 Serving Ideas For These Air Fryer Vegan Latkes

7 How to Store and Reheat Vegan Latkes

8 Final Thoughts

9 How To Make Golden and Crispy Vegan Latkes in the Air Fryer

9.1 Ingredients

9.2 Directions

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Latkes

Traditional latkes are usually fried in oil, which can leave your kitchen smoky and greasy.

The air fryer offers a simple, cleaner way to make them, just as crisp, with less fuss.

Here’s what makes this recipe a keeper:

No deep frying
Crispy edges with a tender center
Budget-friendly ingredients
Fully vegan and egg-free
Perfect for small batches or big gatherings

Ingredients You’ll Need For Air Fryer Latkes

These vegan latkes use ingredients you probably already have on hand:

3 medium potatoes (russet or Yukon gold work well)
½ medium onion
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
5 tablespoons water
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Spray oil for air frying

Tip: The flaxseed and water act as the binder in place of egg. Let them sit for a few minutes to gel before mixing in.

How to Make Vegan Latkes in the Air Fryer

Prep the flaxseed mixture
In a small bowl, combine ground flaxseed and water. Set aside to thicken for at least 5 minutes.
Grate the potatoes and onion
Peel and grate the potatoes and onion using a box grater or food processor. Place the mixture in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This helps the latkes get nice and crisp.
Mix the batter
In a large bowl, combine the shredded vegetables, flaxseed mixture, flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.
Shape the latkes
Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and form into a small patty. Repeat until all the batter is used. You should get 8 to 10 small latkes.
Preheat and prepare the air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray the basket with oil, then place the latkes in a single layer without crowding. Spray the tops lightly with oil.
Air fry until crispy
Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The latkes should be golden and crisp on both sides. Work in batches if needed.

Tips for Crispy Latkes Every Time

Follow our top tips for making perfect crispy vegan latkes:

Squeeze out the moisture: Removing excess liquid from the potatoes and onions is key to getting a crisp texture.
Don’t skip the flaxseed: It helps hold everything together without using eggs.
Flatten evenly: Try to keep all the latkes about the same size so they cook at the same rate.
Use just enough oil spray: A light mist is all you need to help the edges crisp without overdoing it.

Vegan Latke Variations to Try

Once you’ve got the base recipe down, try one of these fun twists:

Add shredded zucchini or carrots for extra color and flavor
Use sweet potatoes in place of regular potatoes for a slightly sweeter take
Mix in fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a fresh finish
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin for a little kick

Serving Ideas For These Air Fryer Vegan Latkes

Latkes are delicious on their own, but here are some family-friendly ways to serve them:

With a dollop of vegan sour cream or cashew cream
Topped with applesauce for a traditional touch
On a plate with roasted veggies and salad for a light meal
As a side to soup or stew for a cozy dinner
In a wrap or sandwich with fresh greens and mustard

How to Store and Reheat Vegan Latkes

These latkes store and reheat well, making them perfect for meal prep or leftovers:

To store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days
To reheat: Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 4 to 5 minutes until warm and crispy
To freeze: Let the cooked latkes cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, transfer to a container or freezer bag. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer

Final Thoughts

Crispy on the outside, soft in the middle, and full of flavor – these vegan air fryer latkes are everything you want in a homemade comfort food.

They’re easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Whether you’re enjoying them during a celebration or just on a regular weeknight, these latkes bring a little bit of joy to the table every time.