Honestly, I’ve never been a huge fan of mayonnaise-based dishes. While I do like a cold potato salad with a cookout sometimes, once fall hits I’m totally over it. That’s why I love this air fryer German potato salad so much. It’s a great alternative anytime, but I think it’s absolutely perfect for cool weather!
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. It’s 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 You’ll 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!
It’s the perfect choice for the cooler weather of fall, but it’s a great alternative year round for anyone who doesn’t like the mayonnaise-based American style potato salad.
Ingredients List
4 medium Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into 1” chunks
1 Tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste (I use ¼ tsp of each)
4 slices bacon
½ small yellow onion, diced
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp granulated sugar
½ tsp salt (or more to taste)
¼ 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 400°F for 10 minutes, pausing halfway through to stir
Add the diced onion, and cook for an additional 10 minutes at 400°F, or until potatoes, bacon, and onions are cooked to your desired level of browning
While that’s 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 can’t forget a great beer to wash it down!
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.
What’s 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 you’d 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 ¼” 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 350°F for 3-5 minutes, until warmed through
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.
It’s the perfect fall side dish, which I love to serve with my Air Fryer Pretzel Crusted Chicken, but it’s 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, it’s going to be tangy, satisfying, and delicious!
Easy Air Fryer German Potato Salad
This air fryer German potato salad whips up a perfect side dish with just one bowl and your air fryer. It’s perfect for summer cookouts and fall meals alike!
4MediumYukon gold potatoes(peeled and cut into 1" chunks)
1Tbspolive oil
Salt and pepper to taste(I use ¼ tsp of each)
4Slicesbacon
½Smallyellow onion(diced)
2Tbspapple cider vinegar
1TbspDijon mustard
1Tspgranulated sugar
½Tspsalt(or more to taste)
¼Tspblack pepper(or more to taste)
1Tbspchopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Toss the potato cubes with the olive oil and salt and pepper as desired
4 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 400°F for 10 minutes, pausing halfway through to stir
Add the diced onion, and cook for an additional 10 minutes at 400°F, or until potatoes, bacon, and onions are cooked to your desired level of browning
½ Small yellow onion
While that’s 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, ½ Tsp salt, ¼ 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 ¼” 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 350°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
Keyword air fried potato salad, air fryer german potato salad, air fryer potato salad recipe, german potato salad recipe, hot potato salad, oktoberfest, picnic recipes
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
