Air-Fryer Potatoes And Onions: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make fried potatoes and onions without using a lot of oil. The air fryer gives the potatoes a crispy exterior and keeps the insides soft and fluffy, while the onions are perfectly browned and tender. This dish can be served as a side for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and pairs well with a variety of proteins. Making fried potatoes and onions in an air fryer is also less messy and healthier than traditional pan-frying methods.

How to cut potatoes and onions for air frying

First, wash the potatoes in cold water. If you want to keep the potato skins on, make sure to scrub the potatoes well. If you prefer to peel the potatoes, use a peeler to remove the skins before washing.

Next, cut the potatoes into uniform pieces. The size of the pieces will depend on your preference and the type of air fryer you have. For potatoes, a common size is to cut them into 1-inch cubes or chunks. However, you can also cut them into smaller pieces, such as 1/4-inch slices or thicker pieces up to 2 inches. Just make sure that the pieces are evenly sized to ensure they cook evenly.

Similarly, for onions, the size of the pieces can vary. Cut the onions into large chunks or slices, about 1/4 to 1 inch thick. Avoid cutting the onions too small, as they may fall through the cracks of your air fryer basket.

When cutting the potatoes and onions, you can also season them with your choice of spices and herbs. Common seasonings include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, rosemary, thyme, and smoked paprika. You can also try other combinations such as curry powder, Italian seasoning, or a pinch of red chilli.

After cutting and seasoning the potatoes and onions, follow your chosen air fryer recipe for cooking instructions. Enjoy your delicious and crispy air-fried potatoes and onions!

How long to air fry potatoes and onions for

Air fryer potatoes and onions are a tasty, versatile side dish that can be served at any meal. The air fryer is perfect for cooking onions and potatoes together, and the results are just as delicious as pan-fried.

The cooking time for air fryer potatoes and onions can vary depending on the type and size of potatoes used, the size of the air fryer, and personal preferences for crispiness. On average, the cooking time ranges from 12 to 20 minutes.

Step 1: Preparation

First, prepare your potatoes and onions by cutting them into uniform pieces. For potatoes, a recommended size is to cut them into 1-inch cubes or chunks. For onions, a similar size will work, but be careful not to cut them too small, as they may fall through the cracks of the air fryer basket.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature range for air frying potatoes and onions is between 380-400° Fahrenheit (190-204° Celsius).

Step 3: Season the Potatoes

Place the potatoes in a medium bowl and drizzle them with oil. You can use a variety of oils such as avocado, olive, or vegetable oil. Use just enough oil to coat the potatoes lightly, as too much oil can make them soggy.

Add your choice of seasonings to the potatoes and toss to coat them evenly. Popular seasonings include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.

Step 4: Air Fry the Potatoes

Place the seasoned potatoes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, if possible, to ensure even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the basket, as this can affect the crispiness of the potatoes.

Cook the potatoes for 6-7 minutes initially, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Add the Onions

While the potatoes are cooking, add the onions to the same bowl used for the potatoes and toss them with the leftover spices and oil. You can add a little more seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Air Fry Together

After the initial cooking time for the potatoes, add the onions to the air fryer basket and give it a good shake to mix everything together. Spray a little more cooking oil if needed.

Cook the potatoes and onions together for an additional 12-14 minutes, shaking the basket every 5 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the onions have crispy edges.

Step 7: Serve

Once the desired level of doneness is achieved, remove the potatoes and onions from the air fryer and sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley, if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy edges.

Storage and Reheating

Air fryer potatoes and onions are best enjoyed right after cooking, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, preheat the air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit and heat for 2-3 minutes until crispy.

What oil to use for air frying potatoes and onions

When it comes to air-frying potatoes and onions, the type of oil you use can vary depending on your preferences and dietary requirements. Here are some options to consider:

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a popular choice for air frying due to its accessibility and versatility. It has a relatively high smoke point, which means it can withstand the high temperatures of air frying without smoking or burning. However, extra virgin olive oil is not recommended for this purpose because of its lower smoke point.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil is another excellent option for air frying potatoes and onions. It has an even higher smoke point than olive oil, making it ideal for high-temperature cooking. Avocado oil also has a neutral flavour that won't overpower the taste of your ingredients.

Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is a common choice for air frying and can include oils such as canola, peanut, or grapeseed oil. These oils have high smoke points and are suitable for various cooking methods, including air frying.

Other Options

If you're looking for something different or have specific dietary needs, there are a few other oils to consider:

• Coconut oil: This oil has a high smoke point and adds a subtle sweetness to your dish.
• Sesame oil: A combination of regular sesame oil and toasted sesame oil can provide a unique flavour to your potatoes and onions.
• Ghee: If you're unable to consume butter, ghee is a great alternative. It has a higher smoke point than butter and adds a delicious buttery flavour.

Amount of Oil to Use

When air frying potatoes and onions, it's important not to use too much oil. A light coating or spray of oil is usually sufficient. Overusing oil can make your potatoes soggy instead of crispy.

What seasonings to use for air frying potatoes and onions

Air fryer potatoes and onions are a versatile side dish that can be served at breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The great thing about this dish is that it can be seasoned to your personal taste.

A blend of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika is a popular choice for seasoning air fryer potatoes and onions. You can also add onion powder and smoked paprika to the mix. If you want to add a little heat, include some red chili. Alternatively, you can use Italian seasoning, or a pinch of brown sugar for a touch of sweetness.

For an Indian twist, try using curry powder, sambhar masala, or garam masala. Or, for a sweet and spicy flavour, combine gochujang and honey. You can swap the gochujang for harissa or another chilli paste.

If you want to keep it simple, just stick to salt and pepper.

How to store and reheat air-fried potatoes and onions

Storing and reheating air-fried potatoes and onions is simple and can be done in a few different ways. Here is a detailed guide:

Storing Air-Fried Potatoes and Onions:

Once your potatoes and onions are cooked and cooled, you can store them in an airtight container or a zip lock bag. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days.

Reheating Air-Fried Potatoes and Onions:

The best way to reheat your air-fried potatoes and onions is by using an air fryer. This method helps retain the crispy texture and delicious taste. Here are the steps:

• Preheat your air fryer to 375°F to 400°F.
• Place the leftover potatoes and onions in a single layer on the crisper tray or basket of your air fryer.
• Heat for 3 to 4 minutes or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy.
• If needed, toss or shake the potatoes and onions and continue heating for another 2 to 3 minutes.

You can also reheat your air-fried potatoes and onions in the oven or on the stovetop, but the texture may change slightly.

Reheating in the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Arrange the leftover potatoes and onions in a single layer on a sheet pan.
• Cover the potatoes and onions with parchment paper and then aluminum foil.
• Heat for 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through.
• Remove the foil and bake for an additional 4 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Reheating on the Stovetop:

• Heat a tablespoon of butter or olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the potatoes and onions and stir to coat them with the fat.
• Cover the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until warmed through.
• Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until crispy.

Enjoy your delicious and crispy air-fried potatoes and onions!

Frequently asked questions