Southern Home Fries with Peppers and Onions (Air Fryer) are a crispy, golden celebration of classic Southern flavors and colors made effortlessly healthier with modern convenience. Imagine fluffy, perfectly seasoned potatoes tossed with tender-sweet peppers and onions, all crisped up with a hint of smokiness from the paprika—ready in just 30 minutes! This is the sort of side dish that can turn any breakfast, brunch, or dinner into something magical, and it’s so quick and easy, you’ll find yourself coming back to it over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of honest, vibrant ingredients to create these irresistible home fries. Each adds its own special spark—crunch, flavor, or spice—so don’t skip out. Here’s what you’ll round up for the best Southern Home Fries with Peppers and Onions (Air Fryer) experience:
- Russet potatoes: Fluffy and hearty, these potatoes crisp up beautifully and form the delicious base of your home fries.
- Olive oil: This healthy fat ensures even browning and irresistibly crispy edges.
- Smoked paprika: Adds sweet-smoky depth that’s the secret to that classic Southern flavor.
- Garlic powder: Gives a gentle, savory backbone that infuses every bite.
- Onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor and complements the fresh veggies perfectly.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the best flavors from your ingredients.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and savory warmth to balance the potatoes’ natural sweetness.
- Red bell pepper: Brings a gorgeous pop of color and a slight sweetness to every forkful.
- Green bell pepper: Adds earthy flavor and classic Southern charm with its vibrant green color.
- Yellow onion: These become perfectly tender and impart that signature, slightly caramelized sweetness.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a burst of freshness and pretty, finishing touch when serving.
How to Make Southern Home Fries with Peppers and Onions (Air Fryer)
Step 1: Prep Your Potatoes and Veggies
Start by peeling and dicing your russet potatoes into evenly sized cubes—bite-sized for best results. Next, dice the red and green bell peppers and the yellow onion. Getting these cuts nice and even means everything will cook through perfectly and look especially inviting when served. If you want to go the extra mile for crispiness, give the potatoes a soak in cold water for 20 minutes, then make sure to dry them really well before seasoning.
Step 2: Season Everything Generously
Combine the diced potatoes in a big mixing bowl with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss until every chunk is glistening and evenly coated in all that spice and oil goodness. Then, add your diced peppers and onion and gently toss again to distribute the veggies without crushing them. This step sets up layers of flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spread the seasoned potato and veggie mix in a single layer in your air fryer basket—don’t crowd them! You may need to work in batches to keep that golden crispness. Cook for 18 to 22 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through so every piece gets perfectly browned and the peppers and onions become tender and slightly caramelized. Your kitchen will smell absolutely fantastic at this point!
Step 4: Add Garnish and Serve Hot
Once your Southern Home Fries with Peppers and Onions (Air Fryer) are crisp, golden, and cooked through, heap them into a serving bowl and, if you like, sprinkle them with fresh chopped parsley. This not only adds color but brings a little extra pop of flavor. Serve them piping hot, right away—crispy edges and tender veggies are the heart and soul of this Southern classic.
How to Serve Southern Home Fries with Peppers and Onions (Air Fryer)
Garnishes
A flourish of freshly chopped parsley is lovely, but don’t stop there! Try a pinch of flaky sea salt, some sliced green onions, or even a dash of hot sauce for that sassy Southern kick. If you’re feeling decadent, a small scatter of crumbled bacon or a sprinkle of shredded cheese takes these home fries right over the top.
Side Dishes
These Southern Home Fries with Peppers and Onions (Air Fryer) pair beautifully with classic breakfast favorites like fluffy scrambled eggs or a platter of country sausage. For brunch, lay them next to some creamy avocado toast or southern buttermilk biscuits. They also play nicely with dinner—think alongside roasted chicken, barbecue, or even a hearty veggie burger.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping brunch, pile your home fries into mini cast iron skillets or serve them atop a wooden board with little ramekins of your favorite dipping sauces. You can scoop them into lettuce wraps for a light twist, or use them as a base for a veggie-packed hash with a runny egg on top. However you present them, these fries bring instant comfort and color to the table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Southern Home Fries with Peppers and Onions (Air Fryer), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days, making them perfect for meal prep or quick weekday breakfasts.
Freezing
These home fries can be frozen if you have a big batch to save for later. Spread the cooled fries on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then move to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To recapture that crispy bite, reheat leftovers in your air fryer at 375°F for a few minutes, shaking halfway through, until hot and fresh. You can also use a hot skillet, but the air fryer keeps them closest to their glorious original texture!
FAQs
Can I use a different type Side Dish
Absolutely! While russet potatoes give the fluffiest inside and crispest outside, Yukon Golds or red potatoes also work, though they’ll have a slightly creamier texture. Just keep your dice consistent so everything cooks evenly.
Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is traditional for a fluffier result, but you can certainly leave the skins on for extra rustic appeal and added fiber. Just be sure to scrub them well before dicing.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket—crispiness depends on that single layer magic! Cook in batches for the best results if making extra servings of Southern Home Fries with Peppers and Onions (Air Fryer).
Are these home fries spicy?
Not at all! They’re flavorful and smoky but not spicy as written. If you love a kick, toss in a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeño with the peppers and onions.
Can I prep the veggies in advance?
Definitely! Chop your potatoes, peppers, and onions up to a day ahead and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. If prepping potatoes early, store them in water to keep them from browning, and dry well before cooking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a way to bring beloved Southern comfort to your table with minimal fuss, this recipe for Southern Home Fries with Peppers and Onions (Air Fryer) is it. Every bite is a hug of flavor and crunch, and I couldn’t be more excited for you to give them a try. Happy cooking!
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Southern Home Fries with Peppers and Onions (Air Fryer) Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Southern Home Fries with Peppers and Onions cooked in the air fryer are a delicious and healthy twist on a classic side dish. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavors from the peppers and onions, these home fries are a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
Ingredients
Potatoes:
- 4 medium russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables:
- 1/2 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1/2 green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Season potatoes: In a large bowl, toss the diced potatoes with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Add vegetables: Add the diced bell peppers and onion, and gently toss to combine.
- Cook in air fryer: Place the mixture in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 18–22 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the potatoes are golden and crispy and the veggies are tender.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, soak the diced potatoes in cold water for 20 minutes before cooking, then dry thoroughly.
- Add crumbled cooked bacon or a sprinkle of cheese for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
