Easy Southern Home Fries with Peppers and Onions in Air Fryer

Quick Overview

If you’re searching for a crispy and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare, look no further than Southern Home Fries with Peppers and Onions (Air Fryer). This delightful recipe combines tender potatoes with vibrant bell peppers and sweet onions, all cooked to perfection in your air fryer. Perfect as a side or main dish for breakfast or brunch, these home fries will satisfy your cravings while keeping the preparation simple. Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need to whip up this delicious meal.

Ingredient Breakdown

Potatoes

For this recipe, you will need 4 medium-sized russet potatoes. Russets are best for frying due to their high starch content which yields crispy results. Wash them thoroughly before cutting them into small cubes for even cooking.

Bell Peppers

Use 1 red bell pepper and 1 green bell pepper. These add fantastic color and sweetness to the dish. Chop them into bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly alongside the potatoes.

Onion

You will need 1 medium onion, preferably yellow for its natural sweetness. Slice the onion thinly so that it caramelizes nicely while cooking in the air fryer.

Olive Oil

Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This oil helps achieve crispiness on the exterior of the home fries without making them greasy. It also enhances flavor while keeping things healthier than traditional frying methods.

Spices

Gather 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. These spices elevate the flavor profile of your home fries without overwhelming them. You can adjust the seasonings based on your preference for heat or flavor intensity.

Step By Step Recipe: Southern Home Fries with Peppers and Onions (Air Fryer)

Prepare the Potatoes

Begin by washing and peeling the russet potatoes. Cut them into small cubes about half an inch thick for uniform cooking. The smaller sizes ensure that they become crispy all around without burning.

Season the Potatoes

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until each piece is well-coated in oil and spices. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Add Vegetables

Next, add in the chopped bell peppers and sliced onions to the bowl with seasoned potatoes. Gently mix everything together again so that the veggies are evenly distributed throughout the potato mixture.

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating ensures that your home fries start cooking immediately upon being placed inside, leading to better texture.

Cook the Mixture

Transfer the potato mixture into your air fryer basket in a single layer for optimal crispiness. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes; shake halfway through to ensure even cooking on all sides. The goal is golden brown exteriors that promise crunchiness.

Check Doneness

After 15 minutes of cooking time, check if your home fries are cooked through by piercing a cube with a fork; it should be tender but also maintain its shape. If necessary, you can cook them for an additional 5 minutes for extra crispness.

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Serving and Storing Tips

Serve Hot

Serve your Southern Home Fries immediately from the air fryer while they’re hot and crispy! Pair them with eggs or bacon for a classic breakfast experience or enjoy as a snack on their own.

Store Leftovers Properly

If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator where they will last up to 3 days without losing too much quality.

Reheat Before Serving

To reheat leftover home fries while retaining their crispiness, place them back into the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps revive their original texture instead of using a microwave which can make them soggy.

Enjoy this comforting dish that brings a taste of southern flavors right into your kitchen.

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Tips and tricks

To make perfect Southern Home Fries with Peppers and Onions (Air Fryer), start by selecting the right type of potato. Russet potatoes work best due to their starchy content, resulting in a fluffy inside and crispy outside. Cut them into even cubes or wedges to ensure they cook uniformly.

Next, soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This removes excess starch and helps achieve that desired crispiness once cooked in the air fryer. After soaking, dry them thoroughly with a kitchen towel.

When seasoning your fries, consider using garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder alongside salt and pepper. These spices not only enhance flavor but also contribute to a beautiful color as they cook.

Preheat your air fryer before adding any ingredients. This step ensures that your fries begin cooking at the right temperature right away; otherwise, they may turn out soggy instead of crispy.

Finally, shake or toss your fries halfway through cooking to promote even browning and crispiness on all sides. This simple step can make a significant difference in achieving that perfect texture everyone loves.

Suggestions for Southern Home Fries with Peppers and Onions (Air Fryer)

For an extra kick of flavor in your Southern Home Fries with Peppers and Onions (Air Fryer), try adding diced jalapeños or green chilies during the last few minutes of cooking. This addition gives a spicy twist that complements the sweetness of the bell peppers beautifully.

Consider pairing your fries with a homemade dipping sauce like ranch or chipotle mayo for added flavor. These sauces provide creaminess that balances the crispy texture of your fries.

If you want to boost nutrition without sacrificing taste, incorporate other vegetables such as zucchini or mushrooms alongside your peppers and onions. These additions not only add color but also increase fiber content for a healthier dish.

Lastly, top your finished fries with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro just before serving. This final touch adds freshness and brightness while enhancing the overall presentation of your dish.

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Summary

Southern Home Fries with Peppers and Onions (Air Fryer) offer a delightful combination of flavors when prepared correctly. Avoid common mistakes such as using excess oil or overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure perfect results every time. Implement tips like preheating your air fryer and seasoning generously for enhanced taste while considering useful suggestions like incorporating additional vegetables or dips. Enjoy this dish as part of breakfast or dinner alongside various accompaniments!