Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes and Bacon is a quick and delicious way to make crispy, golden potatoes with the savory flavor of bacon. Using the air fryer gives the potatoes a perfect crispy texture without all the extra oil. This recipe is great as a side dish or even a hearty breakfast or brunch item!
Here’s how to make Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes and Bacon:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) baby potatoes (or regular potatoes, cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 4 slices of bacon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bacon:
- Cut the bacon into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Place the bacon pieces into the air fryer basket.
- Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 6-8 minutes, or until crispy, stirring halfway through.
- Once cooked, remove the bacon and set it aside. You can leave the rendered bacon fat in the air fryer basket for extra flavor or discard it.
2. Prepare the Potatoes:
- While the bacon is cooking, wash and scrub the baby potatoes. If using larger potatoes, cut them into 1-inch cubes.
- Pat the potatoes dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture, which helps them crisp up better.
- In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Cook the Potatoes:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes.
- Add the seasoned potatoes to the air fryer basket, spreading them in a single layer for even cooking.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure the potatoes cook evenly and become crispy on all sides.
4. Combine Bacon and Potatoes:
- Once the potatoes are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving bowl.
- Add the crispy bacon pieces to the potatoes and toss gently to combine.
5. Serve and Garnish:
- Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley or chopped chives for a pop of color.
- Serve warm as a side dish, breakfast, or even as a snack.
Tips and Variations:
- Add Cheese: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top of the potatoes in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. You can also add a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
- Other Seasonings: You can experiment with other seasonings like onion powder, Italian seasoning, or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
- Crispier Potatoes: If you like your potatoes extra crispy, you can cook them a few minutes longer or toss them halfway through cooking to ensure they crisp up evenly.
- Other Add-ins: For added flavor, try mixing in sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even a drizzle of hot sauce or ranch dressing.
This Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes and Bacon dish is quick, easy, and packed with delicious flavors. It’s the perfect side for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and the air fryer makes the process faster and healthier than traditional frying!
