There’s something about the sizzle of potatoes and peppers crisping up in the air fryer that makes even a rushed evening feel a little cozier. I remember one night when I was halfway distracted by a show on TV and almost forgot to shake the basket—those few seconds of hesitation almost meant uneven cooking, but thankfully, the quick toss saved the day. The smell of smoky paprika mixed with garlic powder filling the kitchen made me pause and really appreciate how simple ingredients can turn into something unexpectedly satisfying.
This dish has become my go-to side when I want something that’s hearty yet bright, with the golden edges of potatoes perfectly contrasting the tender, colorful bell peppers. It’s not fancy, and honestly, that’s part of the charm. Sometimes the straightforward things — like a crispy, seasoned vegetable medley — hit the spot better than anything complicated.
- It’s quick—everything comes together in about 30 minutes, which means less time cooking and more time eating.
- The air fryer gives you that crisp texture without drowning the potatoes in oil, but it’s not quite like deep-frying, so if you’re after ultra-crispy, keep expectations in check.
- The smoky paprika and oregano add a subtle kick without overpowering the natural sweetness of the peppers.
- Perfectly sized for sharing or as a solo snack, but watch out—it’s easy to eat more than you planned.
If you’ve hesitated to try air frying vegetables because you weren’t sure about texture or seasoning, this recipe might just change your mind. It’s forgiving in that you can tweak the spices and tossing times without stress. Plus, leftovers reheat well, so you can enjoy that crispiness again the next day.
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Air Fryer Potato and Peppers
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A quick and delicious side dish featuring crispy air-fried potatoes and vibrant bell peppers, seasoned to perfection.
Ingredients
4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
2 medium bell peppers (1 red, 1 yellow), seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the cubed potatoes and bell pepper pieces.
Add olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
Toss all ingredients together until the potatoes and peppers are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
Place the seasoned potatoes and peppers in the air fryer basket in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
Cook for 10 minutes, then shake the basket or stir the vegetables to ensure even cooking.
Continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy and the peppers are tender.
Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
For this recipe, you don’t need any fancy gadgets beyond your air fryer, so it’s pretty stress-free to pull off. I usually serve these alongside grilled chicken or a simple green salad, but they’re equally great on their own when you want a cozy, veggie-packed snack. If you want to mix it up, I’ve tried swapping in sweet potatoes or adding a pinch of chili flakes for some heat, but those changes can shift the cooking time a bit, so keep an eye on things. Sometimes I even toss in a handful of chopped onions, although they tend to get a little more charred than the rest, so it’s a bit of a gamble.
FAQ
Can I use other types of potatoes? Yes, but russets give the best crispy texture. Waxy potatoes might be softer.
What if I don’t have smoked paprika? Regular paprika works fine, though you’ll lose a little smoky depth.
Can I add other vegetables? Sure, but adjust cooking times accordingly—denser veggies need longer.
How do I keep the potatoes from sticking? Make sure they’re coated evenly in oil and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
Give this a go next time you want a fuss-free, colorful side that feels both homey and fresh. I promise it’s worth the few minutes of stirring and shaking to get those golden edges just right.