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The perfect side for any breakfast! These air fryer breakfast potatoes are perfectly seasoned, extra crispy, and so easy to make with minimal oil. As a chef at Tasty Trends Recipes, I can tell you this version beats traditional pan-fried potatoes every time - healthier and more delicious. Read on to master this breakfast staple.
Why You'll Love These Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes
The beauty of these air fryer breakfast potatoes with onions lies in their perfect crisp-tender texture and caramelized edges. Unlike traditional methods that require constant stirring and careful heat management, the air fryer creates evenly cooked, crispy potatoes with just a fraction of the oil. We at Tasty Trends Recipes developed this method after testing dozens of variations to find the absolute best technique.
Key Benefits
- 75% less oil than traditional frying
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Perfectly crispy exterior with fluffy interior
- Customizable seasoning options
- Easy cleanup with minimal mess
Ingredients
CHEF'S NOTE: For the crispiest results, use starchy potatoes like russets. The higher starch content creates that perfect golden crust we all love in breakfast potatoes.
- 2 medium russet potatoes (about 1 lb), cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Image Source: What Molly Made
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
1
Prep the potatoes: After cubing, soak potatoes in cold water for 15 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat thoroughly dry with a clean kitchen towel.
CHEF'S TIP: For extra crispiness, you can parboil the potatoes for 3-4 minutes before air frying.
- 2 Season: In a large bowl, toss dried potato cubes and onions with oil and all seasonings until evenly coated.
- 3 Preheat air fryer: Set to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes. This ensures immediate crisping when the potatoes hit the basket.
-
4
Cook: Arrange potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed). Cook for 15 minutes, shaking basket every 5 minutes for even cooking.
COMMON MISTAKE: Avoid overcrowding the basket or your potatoes will steam instead of crisp.
- 5 Check doneness: Potatoes should be golden brown with crisp edges and tender centers. If needed, cook 2-3 minutes longer.
- 6 Serve: Transfer to a serving dish, taste for seasoning, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Expert Tips & Variations
Pro Techniques
- For maximum crispiness, add 1 tbsp cornstarch to seasoning mix
- Toss with 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce for umami depth (not traditional but delicious)
- Add diced bell peppers during last 5 minutes of cooking
- Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese
Dietary Variations
Vegan: Simply skip the Parmesan garnish
Lower carb: Substitute half the potatoes with diced turnips or radishes
Spicy: Add ¼ tsp cayenne pepper to seasoning mix
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer breakfast potatoes with onions pair beautifully with:
- Classic scrambled eggs
- Avocado toast
- Breakfast sausage
- Smoked salmon
- Omelets or frittatas
- Breakfast burritos
For presentation, serve in a cast iron skillet with fresh herbs sprinkled over top. The team at Tasty Trends Recipes loves adding a side of chipotle aioli for dipping!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare through step 2, then refrigerate in an airtight container up to 24 hours. Cook time may increase by 2-3 minutes when starting from cold.
Why won't my potatoes get crispy?
The most common causes are: 1) Not drying potatoes thoroughly, 2) Overcrowding the air fryer basket, or 3) Not preheating the air fryer.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead?
Absolutely! Reduce cooking time to 12-14 minutes as sweet potatoes cook faster. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
What's the best way to reheat leftovers?
For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. The microwave will make them soggy.
Nutritional Benefits
Per serving (¼ of recipe):
Calories: 180 | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 27g | Fiber: 3g | Protein: 3g
Potatoes provide potassium, vitamin C, and B vitamins, while onions add quercetin, a powerful antioxidant. Using the air fryer method preserves more nutrients compared to deep frying.
Final Thoughts
These air fryer breakfast potatoes with onions are truly a game-changer for busy mornings. With minimal oil and maximum flavor, they've become a staple in my kitchen at Tasty Trends Recipes and I know they'll become one in yours too. The perfect crispy texture combined with caramelized onions creates a breakfast side that's impossible to resist.
Give this recipe a try and experience how easy it is to make restaurant-quality breakfast potatoes at home. Don't forget to share your creations with us and let us know your favorite variations in the comments!
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