These air fryer potatoes and onions are the ultimate hassle-free crispy veggie side. The potatoes turn golden and crispy while the onions caramelize as they cook together, with barely any work for you thanks to the air fryer.
Why you’ll love this recipe
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to cook potatoes and onions, then you need to try cooking them in your air fryer.
This recipe is simple to follow and only requires a handful of ingredients, so it’s the perfect recipe to whip up when you are short on time. Plus, the air fryer gives the potatoes and onions a crispy exterior that’s simply irresistible!
Scroll down for the printable card for this air fryer fried potatoes and onions, or read on for all the details.
What do you need?
Other than an air fryer, you just need a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
Potatoes
If you like a soft fluffy roast potato with a crisp outside then you need to choose a starchy variety of potatoes. All-purpose potatoes will work well, and any of the following will be great:
- Russet potatoes
- Yellow varieties
- Idaho
- Maris Piper
- Red gold
- Yukon gold
- Most varieties of sweet potatoes
Alternatively, if you prefer roast potatoes with a firmer texture then you can use a more waxy variety. Most red potatoes, white or fingerling/ baby potatoes are this type.
Onions
This recipe uses red onions, but you can swap them for yellow onions or brown onions if that is what you have.
Seasonings
Seasoning is optional in this recipe, however, I always use a little salt to help bring out the flavor of the ingredients.
But because the flavor of onions and potatoes is so versatile you can use just about any other type of seasoning you like to make this dish your own. Try adding ½ teaspoon of Italian seasoning, Mexican seasoning, Cajun spice mix, Indian seasoning, or garlic powder and smoked paprika.
Oil
The recipe below uses light olive oil, which is my preferred oil for air frying. However, you can use another cooking oil with a high smoke point (try avocado oil, vegetable oil, or corn oil).
How to cook potatoes and onions in the air fryer
This recipe is very simple to make, but there are a few steps you need to get right to make the best crispy potatoes and onions:
- Soak the potatoes for 5 minutes to remove surface starch. Peel and cut the potatoes into 1-inch chunks, then soak them in a bowl of water while you prepare the onions.
- Pat the potatoes dry before adding oil. When the potatoes have finished soaking, drain them and pat them dry. You want to remove as much moisture as possible at this stage to help them get really crispy once they start cooking.
- Add the oil and seasoning to the potatoes and onions, and toss to coat. As always, more oil means crispier potatoes, though more calories. Feel free to adjust the amount of oil in the recipe to find the right balance for you.
- Air fry onions and potatoes. Shake the basket during cooking to redistribute the onion and potato chunks, or use tongs to flip them quickly. This ensures the hot air reaches all sides so they cook evenly and get crispy all over.
Serving ideas
One of the things I love about this dish is how versatile it is, you can serve it with breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner! Here are some serving ideas for inspiration:
- Serve them with steak as a tasty alternative to fries.
- Serve topped with gravy as a side for a roast dinner.
- Serve with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon on the side.
- Serve them on the side with an omelet or fried eggs.
Storing and reheating
Store any leftover onions and potatoes in an air-tight container in the fridge. Use within 3 days.
Leftovers can be reheated in your air fryer. Place them in the air fryer basket, and cook for 5 minutes at 360°F/ 180°C until hot.
Air Fryer Potatoes and Onions
Ingredients
- 2 lb / 900 g russet potatoes [Note 1]
- 2 medium red onions
- 3 tablespoons light olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
Directions
- Peel the potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes, and place into a bowl of cold water to soak for at least 5 minutes.
- Peel the onions, cut into quarters lengthwise, then cut each quarter in half through the middle.
- Preheat air fryer to 360°F/180°C.
- Drain the potatoes and pat them dry. Place the potato chunks and the onions into a large bowl, drizzle with oil, add the salt, and toss to coat.
- Place the potatoes and onions in the air fryer basket and cook at 360°F/180°C for 20 minutes, shaking the basket to redistribute the potato cubes 1 or 2 times during the cooking time [Note 2].
- The potato cubes should be golden brown and the onions will be crispy. Air fry for additional 2-3 minute intervals if required.
Notes
- Choose a roasting variety, such as russet potatoes, Yukon Gold, Sebago, Maris Piper, Agria, or another red, yellow or golden variety.
- Or use tongs to quickly flip them if you have a tray type air fryer.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and provided for informational purposes only.