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

Try Our Flavorful Southern Home Fries with Peppers and Onions Air Fryer Recipe

Southern comfort meets crispy magic in these delectable air fryer home fries packed with zesty peppers and caramelized onions.

Crunchy exterior gives way to a soft, pillowy center that screams pure southern hospitality.

Peppers add a vibrant kick while sweet onions mellow the overall flavor profile.

Minimal oil ensures guilt-free indulgence without sacrificing that irresistible golden-brown crunch.

Each bite transports you to a cozy kitchen where traditional recipes meet modern cooking techniques.

Forget complicated side dishes, these home fries come together quickly and deliver maximum satisfaction.

Prepare to be amazed by how simple ingredients can create such a memorable dish.

Store Air-Fried Home Fries With Texture in Mind

  • Store leftover home fries in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping them fresh and ready for quick reheating.
  • Warm refrigerated home fries at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway through to restore their crispy texture and even heat distribution.
  • Quickly revive leftover home fries in a hot skillet with a touch of olive oil, cooking for 3-4 minutes until they're heated through and regain their crunch.
  • Skip microwave reheating, as it can make the potatoes soggy and diminish their delightful crispy exterior.

Great Bites With Home Fries

  • Pair with Smoky BBQ Protein: Grill some juicy pulled pork or barbecue chicken that complements the crispy, seasoned home fries with its rich, smoky flavors.
  • Refresh with Tangy Beverage: Serve alongside a cold glass of homemade sweet tea or a zesty lemonade to balance the savory and slightly spicy notes of the potatoes.
  • Enhance with Cool Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick ranch or chipotle mayo for dipping, adding a creamy contrast to the crisp, golden-brown home fries from the air fryer.
  • Match with Hearty Breakfast Combo: Add scrambled eggs and crispy bacon to create a complete Southern-style breakfast platter that celebrates comfort food flavors.

Home Fries Veggie Pairings

  • Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace potatoes with sweet potatoes and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Toss with plant-based oil and use smoked paprika for depth.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Swap potatoes for cauliflower florets, reducing carbohydrate content. Season with garlic powder and herbs for a lighter alternative.
  • Spicy Southwestern Style: Add diced jalapeños, sprinkle chili powder, and include corn kernels for a southwestern kick. Use red and green bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
  • Herb-Infused Mediterranean Version: Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, and oregano. Use red onions and add crumbled feta cheese after air frying for a Mediterranean touch.

FAQs

  • What type of potatoes work best for home fries?

Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are ideal because they’re starchy and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, creating that perfect golden exterior and tender interior.

  • Can I use frozen peppers and onions instead of fresh?

While fresh vegetables provide the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen peppers and onions. Just ensure they’re thawed and patted dry to prevent excess moisture that could make the home fries soggy.

  • How do I prevent my home fries from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray before adding the potato mixture, or use a light coating of olive oil to help prevent sticking and promote even browning.

  • Are these home fries suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted for vegetarian or vegan diets by using plant-based oil and checking seasoning ingredients.

Southern Home Fries With Peppers And Onions Made Easy

  • Customize with Ease: Swap bell peppers or add your favorite spices to make this recipe uniquely yours, creating a personalized side dish that matches your taste preferences.
  • Quick Cooking Hack: Air fryer technology delivers perfectly crispy home fries in just 35 minutes, saving time and energy compared to traditional oven or stovetop methods.
  • Family-Friendly Comfort: This Southern-style side dish appeals to all ages, offering a delicious blend of crispy potatoes, sweet onions, and colorful bell peppers that everyone will enjoy.
  • Healthy Twist: Using minimal olive oil and an air fryer reduces excess calories while maintaining the satisfying crunch and flavor of classic home fries, making it a nutritious alternative to deep-fried versions.

Potatoes and Peppers in Southern Home Fries

Starchy Base:
  • Potatoes: Hearty foundation for home fries, russet works best for crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
  • Sweet Potatoes (Optional): Adds nutritional variety and subtle sweetness.
Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Onions, Bell Peppers: Create flavor depth and provide color contrast with potatoes, yellow or white onions recommended for mild sweetness.
Seasoning and Fat:
  • Olive Oil: Helps crisp potatoes and provides healthy fat for air frying.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing natural potato and vegetable flavors.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds savory undertone without fresh garlic texture.
  • Paprika: Provides warm color and mild smoky note.
  • Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Introduces gentle heat for those who enjoy spiciness.

Southern Home Fries with Peppers and Onions Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Chop and Prep Vegetables

Grab your cutting board and sharp knife.

Dice potatoes into bite-sized cubes, making sure they’re roughly similar in size so they cook evenly.

Slice onions into thin half-moons and chop bell peppers into small, colorful pieces.

Step 2: Season the Veggie Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, toss together:
  • Diced potatoes
  • Sliced onions
  • Chopped bell peppers
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir everything until the vegetables are completely coated and seasoning is distributed evenly.

Step 3: Arrange in Air Fryer

Transfer the seasoned vegetable mixture into the air fryer basket.

Spread them out in a single layer to ensure maximum crispiness.

Avoid overcrowding the basket, which can lead to soggy home fries.

Step 4: Cook to Crispy Perfection

Set your air fryer to 375°F.

Cook for 25-35 minutes, giving the basket a good shake halfway through cooking.

This helps each potato cube get golden and crisp on all sides.

Check doneness by piercing a potato cube with a fork – it should be tender inside and crunchy outside.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once done, carefully remove the home fries from the air fryer.

Transfer to a serving plate.

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or green onions for extra flavor and freshness.

Enjoy hot as a delicious side dish or breakfast accompaniment.

Air Fryer Home Frying Advice

  • Dice potatoes into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and crispy texture throughout.
  • Use just enough olive oil to lightly coat ingredients, preventing sogginess while promoting golden-brown crispiness.
  • Halfway through cooking, shake the air fryer basket to redistribute potatoes and achieve uniform browning on all sides.
  • Don't be shy with seasonings – they add depth and enhance the natural flavors of potatoes, peppers, and onions.
  • Maintain consistent 375°F heat to create crispy exterior while keeping potato interiors soft and tender.
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Southern Home Fries with Peppers and Onions (Air Fryer) Recipe

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


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4.6 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy Southern home fries dance with sizzling peppers and onions in this irresistible air fryer recipe. Golden potato cubes embrace bold flavors, promising a delightful side dish you’ll crave at every meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) baby potatoes, quartered
  • 0.5 red bell pepper, diced
  • 0.5 yellow onion, diced

Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
  • Salt, to taste

Cooking Ingredient:

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients and prepare a clean workspace, ensuring potatoes are thoroughly washed and dried.
  2. Dice potatoes into uniform bite-sized cubes to promote consistent cooking and optimal texture.
  3. Slice onions and bell peppers into thin, even strips that will complement the potato pieces.
  4. Drizzle olive oil over the vegetable mixture, ensuring each piece gets a light, even coating.
  5. Sprinkle seasonings across the vegetables, gently tossing with a spatula to distribute spices uniformly.
  6. Transfer the seasoned vegetable medley into the air fryer basket, spreading ingredients in a single layer to maximize crispiness.
  7. Set air fryer temperature to 375°F and cook for approximately 35 minutes, pausing midway to shake the basket and promote even browning.
  8. Check potatoes for golden-brown edges and tender interior, adjusting cooking time if needed for desired crispness.
  9. Once fully cooked, carefully remove the home fries from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes to set the crispy exterior.
  10. Serve hot as a delectable side dish, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Achieve maximum crispiness by cutting potatoes into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and golden-brown edges.
  • Soak potato pieces in cold water for 15 minutes before cooking to remove excess starch, resulting in crunchier home fries with a lighter texture.
  • Customize seasoning by experimenting with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or garlic powder to add personal flair and complex flavor profiles to the dish.
  • For a low-carb alternative, substitute potatoes with diced cauliflower or turnips, maintaining the same cooking technique and spice blend.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Side Dish
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 27 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Daniel Bruns

Daniel Bruns

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Recipe development for home cooks, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and food writing

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations
Focus: Classical and contemporary cooking techniques, Culinary entrepreneurship and kitchen management, Menu development and food cost analysis


Daniel’s story started with flour on his face and a pie in the oven at his grandma’s house. He later sharpened his skills at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts.
His goal? Recipes so simple you’ll want to cook every night. When he’s not whipping up one-pan wonders, Daniel’s outside picking herbs, hosting neighborhood cook-offs, or baking chocolate cakes with his kids, messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

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