Honestly, Iβve never been a huge fan of mayonnaise-based dishes. While I do like a cold potato salad with a cookout sometimes, once fall hits Iβm totally over it. Thatβs why I love this air fryer German potato salad so much. Itβs a great alternative anytime, but I think itβs absolutely perfect for cool weather!

What Is German Potato Salad?
German potato salad, or hot potato salad, is made with a vinegar-based dressing and bacon, and is usually served hot or warm.
Unlike a traditional cold potato salad, it contains no mayonnaise, and usually no eggs, either. Itβs a tangier alternative that pairs well with hearty dishes.
Like most potato salads, there are of course a variety of different options you can add to tweak the dish to your personal tastes. Plus, while its origins are European, this salad has become popular in many places around the world, each with their own spin on the classic.
If you are looking for the American style, mayonnaise based version, though, make sure to check out my recipe for creamy Air Fryer Potato Salad instead!

Why Youβll Love This Recipe
German potato salad is simple to make, and even more so thanks to your air fryer! It perfectly roasts the potatoes for an interesting twist on the classic dish.
Not only that, though, but you can also cook the bacon and any vegetables you want in there as well, meaning less dishes to clean up!
Throw on some tangy dressing at the end, and serve up a beautiful side dish that pairs with classic fare like pretzels, schnitzel, and a good beer!
Itβs the perfect choice for the cooler weather of fall, but itβs a great alternative year round for anyone who doesnβt like the mayonnaise-based American style potato salad.
Ingredients List

- 4 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1β chunks
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste (I use ΒΌ tsp of each)
- 4 slices bacon
- Β½ small yellow onion, diced
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- Β½ tsp salt (or more to taste)
- ΒΌ tsp black pepper (or more to taste)
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You can swap in halved baby potatoes or red potatoes instead of the Yukon gold if preferred
- Red onion is another good option instead of the yellow onion
- White vinegar or red wine vinegar are good alternatives to apple cider vinegar if preferred
- The Dijon mustard can be swapped for any whole grain or German-style mustard you like
- Chives are a good alternative to parsley
- Feel free to add other herbs or green onions as well for some different variations
Step-By-Step Recipe
- Toss the potato cubes with the olive oil and salt and pepper as desired

- Add potato cubes and bacon to your air fryer basket (no need to preheat)

- Cook on the air fry setting at 400Β°F for 10 minutes, pausing halfway through to stir
- Add the diced onion, and cook for an additional 10 minutes at 400Β°F, or until potatoes, bacon, and onions are cooked to your desired level of browning

- While thatβs cooking, combine the vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, pepper, and parsley in a medium bowl and stir to combine (the bowl you used to toss the potatoes in oil is fine)

- Dump the potato mixture from the air fryer (including any runoff bacon grease) into the dressing bowl, and toss to coat. You can break up the bacon into whatever size pieces you like as well

- Serve hot or warm

What to Serve With German Potato Salad
- Pork chops
- Chicken schnitzel
- Pork schnitzel
- Beef schnitzel
- Roasted chicken
- Crispy pork belly
- Barbecue ribs
- Brisket
- Pulled pork
- Bratwurst
- Kielbasa
- Burgers
- Pretzels
- Corn on the cob
- Sauerkraut
- Braised cabbage
- Beet salad
- Garlic bread
- Applesauce
- Watermelon
- Cold beer (Oktoberfest varieties recommended)
There are a lot of great dishes to serve with German potato salad, from traditional fare to newer pairings, and of course you canβt forget a great beer to wash it down!
Try air fryer German potato salad with my quick Air Fryer Aldi Pork Schnitzel, Air Fryer Chicken Schnitzel, Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Brats, homemade Microwave Applesauce, Air Fryer Beets and Brussels Sprouts, or some Air Fryer Red Cabbage!
Recipe FAQs
Can I Use Sweet Potatoes Instead of Regular Potatoes?
Yes, you can substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes in this recipe. Sweet potatoes will add a slightly different flavor profile but will work well with the dressing and other ingredients.
Just be aware that sweet potatoes may cook a bit faster in the air fryer, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, omit the bacon or use a vegan substitute. Make sure that your mustard is vegan, as sometimes Dijon is not. Additionally, swap the granulated sugar for a vegan safe option, such as agave.
As always, make sure to check each individual ingredient before use, just to be safe. Different processing facilities may result in common vegan items becoming non-certified.
Whatβs the Best Way to Store Leftover German Potato Salad?
Leftover German potato salad should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It is generally good for up to 5 days.
It is normal for the potatoes to continue to absorb dressing during storage, though, so you may want to make and add more when you reheat if the salad seems dry.
Can I Prepare the Dressing in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the refrigerator. In fact, making the dressing ahead of time can allow the flavors to meld, resulting in a tastier potato salad.
Just give it a good stir before using it on the salad.
Is it Possible to Make This Potato Salad Ahead of Time For a Picnic or Potluck?
Absolutely! Making this potato salad ahead of time is a great idea for picnics or potlucks. Prepare the salad as instructed, and then refrigerate it for up to 48 hours in advance.
It can be served cold or at room temperature, making it a convenient and delicious option for outdoor gatherings. Unlike mayonnaise based dressing, this salad holds up well in the summer heat too.
Can I Use Turkey Bacon For a Lower-Fat Option?
Yes, you can certainly substitute turkey bacon instead of the regular bacon for a lower fat option. However, you may need to add some additional olive oil to the dressing to replace the bacon fat.
This also applies if youβd like to use a vegetarian or vegan bacon alternative for the recipe.
What is the Difference Between American and German Potato Salad?
American potato salad has a mayonnaise based dressing and is typically served cold, whereas German potato salad features a vinegar based dressing and is usually served warm.
Of course, there are some different seasonings and herbs between the two as well, but that is very adjustable to taste.
Recipe Pro Tips
- You can also slice the potatoes if preferred, into about ΒΌβ thick slices
- Make sure your air fryer baskets are clean, or that a clean drip tray is inserted if you have an oven style unit, as you want to use the bacon grease in your sauce!
- This recipe was tested in a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer. Other makes and models of air fryer may vary slightly in terms of time

Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftover German potato salad in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. It will absorb the dressing as it sits, though, so you may want to make extra to add later
- To reheat, microwave on high for about 1 minute, or you can also air fry it at 350Β°F for 3-5 minutes, until warmed through
More Air Fryer Potato Recipes to Love
- Lemony Air Fryer Greek Potatoes
- Creamy Air Fryer Leek and Potato Soup
- Air Fryer Accordion Potatoes
Final Thoughts
This air fryer German potato salad is so easy to make, and delicious too! It cuts down on the number of pans required over the traditional preparation, and even adds additional depth of flavor with the roasted potatoes.
Itβs the perfect fall side dish, which I love to serve with my Air Fryer Pretzel Crusted Chicken, but itβs equally delicious at the summer cookout as an alternative to mayo-based salads in the heat.
Like most potato salads, you can tweak and adjust any way you like to create your own perfect version. No matter what, itβs going to be tangy, satisfying, and delicious!

Easy Air Fryer German Potato Salad
Equipment
- Vegetable peeler
- Paring knife (or similar for cutting vegetables)
- Spoon or spatula (for mixing)
IngredientsΒ Β
- 4 Medium Yukon gold potatoes (peeled and cut into 1" chunks)
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste (I use ΒΌ tsp of each)
- 4 Slices bacon
- Β½ Small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 Tsp granulated sugar
- Β½ Tsp salt (or more to taste)
- ΒΌ Tsp black pepper (or more to taste)
- 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
InstructionsΒ
- Toss the potato cubes with the olive oil and salt and pepper as desired4 Medium Yukon gold potatoes, 1 Tbsp olive oil, Salt and pepper to taste
- Add potato cubes and bacon to your air fryer basket (no need to preheat)4 Slices bacon
- Cook on the air fry setting at 400Β°F for 10 minutes, pausing halfway through to stir
- Add the diced onion, and cook for an additional 10 minutes at 400Β°F, or until potatoes, bacon, and onions are cooked to your desired level of browningΒ½ Small yellow onion
- While thatβs cooking, combine the vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, pepper, and parsley in a medium bowl and stir to combine (the bowl you used to toss the potatoes in oil is fine)2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 Tsp granulated sugar, Β½ Tsp salt, ΒΌ Tsp black pepper, 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Dump the potato mixture from the air fryer (including any runoff bacon grease) into the dressing bowl, and toss to coat. You can break up the bacon into whatever size pieces you like as well
- Serve hot or warm
Notes
- You can swap in halved baby potatoes or red potatoes instead of the Yukon gold
- Red onion is another good option instead of the yellow onion
- White vinegar or red wine vinegar are good alternatives to apple cider vinegar
- The Dijon mustard can be swapped for any whole grain or German-style mustard
- Chives are a good alternative to parsley
- Feel free to add other herbs or green onions as well for some different variations
- You can also slice the potatoes if preferred, into about ΒΌβ thick slices
- Make sure your air fryer baskets are clean, or that a clean drip tray is inserted if you have an oven style unit, as you want to use the bacon grease in your sauce!
- This recipe was tested in a Ninja Dual Zone air fryer. Other makes and models of air fryer may vary slightly in terms of time
- Store leftover German potato salad in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days. It will absorb the dressing as it sits, though, so you may want to make extra to add later
- To reheat, microwave on high for about 1 minute, or you can also air fry it at 350Β°F for 3-5 minutes, until warmed through
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on size and brand of ingredients, any swaps or additions, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition

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