Air Fryer Potatoes And Onions: A Quick, Easy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to cook potatoes and onions, creating a tasty, crispy, and healthy dish in less than 30 minutes. This simple recipe is a versatile side dish that can be served with a variety of meals, from breakfast to dinner. The potatoes and onions can be seasoned to your preference, with popular choices including salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. The air fryer's ability to cook with minimal oil makes it a mess-free and healthier alternative to pan-frying, delivering delicious results without the excess oil splatters.

Potato and onion preparation

Preparing potatoes and onions for air frying is a simple process. First, decide whether to peel the potatoes and onions or leave the skins on, which is entirely a matter of personal preference. If you do peel them, be sure to scrub the potatoes before chopping. Next, chop the potatoes and onions into uniform, evenly sized cubes or slices. The potatoes should be cut into approximately 1-inch cubes, while the onions should be sliced slightly thicker to prevent them from burning or falling through the holes of the air fryer basket.

Once your potatoes and onions are chopped, you can toss them with your chosen seasonings. Popular seasoning options include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, and chili powder. You can also add melted butter for extra flavour. Use your hands or a large spoon to ensure that the potatoes and onions are evenly coated in the seasoning.

After seasoning, place the potatoes and onions into the air fryer basket in a single layer. It's important not to overcrowd the basket, as this can affect how evenly the vegetables cook. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the potatoes and onions in batches. A light coating of cooking spray or oil can be applied to the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.

Finally, set the temperature and timer on your air fryer according to your chosen recipe, and you're ready to start cooking!

Seasoning and oil

When it comes to seasoning, you can use a blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, rosemary, thyme, and smoked paprika. You can also add a pinch of red chilli, oregano, Italian seasoning, or brown sugar for more taste and texture. If you want to add a richer taste, you can add a teaspoon of butter or plant-based butter. You can also try adding Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to make the dish spicy.

For oil, you can use avocado, olive, canola, or vegetable oil. A light spray or about 1-2 teaspoons is sufficient for most air fryers. You can also use vegetable broth or lemon juice if you want to skip the oil.

Air fryer temperature and timing

The ideal temperature and timing for cooking potatoes and onions in an air fryer depend on the type of potatoes and onions used, the size of the pieces, and the desired level of crispiness. Here are some general guidelines:

Temperature:

• Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer between 375°F and 400°F (190°C to 200°C).
• For even caramelization and cooking, a temperature setting of 360°F (180°C) is suggested by one source.
• Reheating can be done at 380°F to 400°F for 2-3 minutes.

Timing:

• The cooking time varies, but on average, it takes around 12 to 20 minutes for potatoes to cook in an air fryer.
• For even cooking, it is recommended to shake or flip the potatoes halfway through the cooking time.
• If cooking potatoes and onions together, it is suggested to add the onions halfway through the cooking time to prevent overcooking.
• Onions should be sliced thicker than potatoes to prevent burning.
• When doubling or tripling the recipe, increase the cooking time by a minute or two to ensure even cooking.
• For crispy potatoes, it is recommended to soak the potato pieces in cold water for 15-30 minutes before air frying to remove excess starch.

Serving suggestions

Air-fried potatoes and onions can be served as a side dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They can be paired with a variety of main dishes, such as:

• Fried cabbage and sausage
• Pork chops
• Brown sugar chicken
• Fried eggs, toast, and breakfast meat
• Fried eggs, cheese, sour cream, and green onion
• Burgers
• Steaks
• Curries
• Pierogies
• Shrimp
• Tofu scramble
• Vegan beef Wellington
• Marinated tofu
• Crispy eggplant cutlets
• Garlic rosemary pork chops
• Roasted chicken leg quarters
• Barbecue pork ribs
• Chicken
• Beef
• Tofu
• Sandwiches
• Quick southwest veggie wrap
• Lentil sliders
• Grilled or air-fried mains
• A meaty main dish and another vegetable

They can also be served as an appetizer, topped with guacamole, hummus, salsa, or cheese. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days and reheated in the air fryer.

Storage and reheating

Air fryer potatoes and onions are best enjoyed fresh out of the fryer. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container or zip-lock bag and refrigerate for up to 3 to 5 days.

To reheat, simply place the desired amount of potatoes and onions on the air fryer tray and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in a pan or skillet over medium heat for about 3 minutes at 380°F.

If you wish to freeze your air-fried potatoes and onions, spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container and store for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy.

It's worth noting that while reheating, the onions may not retain their crispy texture, but they will still taste delicious.

Frequently asked questions