Set 3 quarts of water on high heat to boil, add ½ teaspoon of baking soda, a tablespoon of salt and the olive oil. As the water heats up, peel the potatoes and slice into ½ inch rounds. Once the water is boiling, add the potatoes and lower the heat slightly to a simmer. Cook for about 8-10 minutes. The potatoes should be soft enough that a fork can pierce through them, but not so soft that they fall apart. Then remove from the heat. Since stove top temperatures can vary, start checking the potatoes around minute 8.

Drain the potatoes on paper towels.

Three Ways To “Fry” The Potatoes

These potato slices are at their best when you pan-fry them. But it’s definitely easier to air fry or roast. So, below are all three methods. If I’ve got the time and the extra help in the kitchen, I pan fry. But if I’m cooking solo I would air fry or roast. 

Pan Frying Method

Add enough oil to a skillet to generously coat the bottom, about ¼ – ½ cup. Set on medium-high heat. While the  pan is heating, season the potatoes with salt, pepper and Italian seasoning. Once the oil is shimmering in the fry pan, add the potato slices — enough to cover the pan in one layer, don’t crowd them. As the bottom cooks, tilt the pan and spoon the hot oil over the top, to begin cooking the top of the potatoes as well. Once the bottoms are golden brown, flip them and cook the other side. This should take roughly five minutes per side. Once done, remove from heat, drain on paper towels and garnish with parsley.Repeat until all the potatoes are done. You may need to add more oil as you go along, and slightly reduce the heat as you’re cooking to ensure the last potatoes don’t burn.

Air Fryer Method

Place the slices on a cutting board, serving platter or sheet tray in one layer. Brush oil on each slice and sprinkle salt, pepper and Italian seasoning on each slice. Turn the slices over and repeat. Add the slices in one layer to the air fryer and roast using the preset temperature and time on your air fryer. Check in on them and turn over to ensure even browning. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to do this step in batches.

Sheet Pan Method

Preheat the oven to 425ºF with the sheet pan inside. While the oven preheats, place the slices on a cutting board, serving platter or sheet tray in one layer. Brush oil on each slice and sprinkle salt, pepper and Italian seasoning on each slice. Turn the slices over and repeat. Once the oven is preheated, add the slices to the hot pan in one layer and roast for 10 minutes on one side, flip and roast on the other side. Depending on your oven, you may need to give it a little more time, just check in to make sure they are evenly browning. Once browned on both sides, the potatoes are done. This should take about 20-25 minutes.