Air Fryer Fried Potatoes and Onions (Firecracker Seasoned!)

Air Fryer Fried Potatoes and Onions are crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned with Sweetpea’s Firecracker Seasoning. They taste just like Southern skillet-fried potatoes — without all the oil or babysitting the pan!

You’ll Love This Recipe Because…

• It’s quick, crispy, and tastes like Southern fried potatoes — but made lighter in your air fryer.
• It pairs perfectly with grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even salmon.
• There’s no standing over a hot skillet — just toss, air fry, and shake!
• You can scale it up for a crowd or make it a simple weeknight side.

There’s just something magical about Southern fried potatoes and onions, isn’t there? Those crispy edges, the tender centers, that savory-sweet aroma that fills your kitchen — it’s comfort food at its finest.

But here’s the best part: you can get that same golden, perfectly seasoned flavor without ever turning on your stove. These Air Fryer Fried Potatoes and Onions give you all the charm of old-fashioned skillet potatoes, but with a fraction of the oil and zero fuss.

Tossed with my signature Sweetpea’s Firecracker Seasoning, they’re bold, smoky, a little spicy, and absolutely irresistible.

This easy side dish has quickly become a weeknight favorite in my kitchen. Whether I’m serving grilled chicken, roasted salmon, or even my Bolognese leftovers, these crispy potatoes add the perfect little “wow” moment to any meal.

They’re simple, affordable, and crowd-pleasing — the kind of recipe that disappears before you even sit down.

🍽️ Tips & Tricks for the Best Air Fryer Fried Potatoes

• Cut evenly: Dice your potatoes into roughly ½-inch cubes so they cook at the same speed.
• Don’t overcrowd: The air fryer needs room for airflow — cook in batches if needed.
• Crispier texture: A light mist of oil halfway through helps them get that classic “fried” crunch.
• Soak the potatoes: For extra crispiness, soak the diced potatoes in cold water for 20 minutes, then pat dry before seasoning.
• Switch it up: Try using red potatoes or Yukon golds for a creamier interior.

The Firecracker Flavor Collection

If you’ve been around here for a while, you know I’m a little obsessed with my Firecracker seasoning blend. It’s that perfect mix of smoky paprika, garlic, onion, a touch of sweetness, and just enough heat to make your taste buds dance.

Over the past few months, I’ve used it on everything — from my Firecracker Chicken Wings and Firecracker Dip Recipe for parties. It’s the kind of seasoning that makes any simple dish feel a little special, a little sparkly — like a Southern summer night in flavor form.

If you haven’t mixed up a batch yet, you can grab the full recipe for Sweetpea’s Firecracker Seasoning here — it’s my go-to blend for anything grilled, roasted, or air fried.

💡 What to Serve With Air Fryer Fried Potatoes and Onions

These crispy bites are the perfect side dish for just about anything:

• Grilled chicken or steak – my choice: Hot Honey Ranch Chicken Thighs or Papa’s Grilled Ribeye!
• Champagne Vinaigrette Grilled Pork Chops
• Breakfast plates — add eggs and bacon for a diner-style twist
• Summer cookouts or weeknight dinners

🛠️ Tools & Equipment

• Air fryer (any brand works — I use the Beautiful by Drew 6 Qt Air Fryer)
• Large mixing bowl
• Tongs or a spatula for shaking/stirring

🧂 FAQ

Can I make these ahead of time?
They’re best fresh, but you can reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 5 minutes to re-crisp.

Can I use frozen potatoes?
You can, but fresh will always crisp better! If you use frozen, skip the soaking step and add a few minutes of cook time.

What if I don’t have Sweetpea’s Firecracker Seasoning?
Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, a little cayenne, salt, and pepper — but truly, Firecracker adds that perfect spark.

When I tell you these Air Fryer Fried Potatoes and Onions will become a new staple, I mean it. They’re crispy, savory, and downright addictive — the kind of “accidentally perfect” side dish that fits in with everything from Sunday suppers to casual weeknight dinners. If you love easy recipes that deliver big flavor with minimal effort, this one’s for you.

Be sure to save this post or pin it for later (because trust me, once you make them, you’ll want them on repeat). And if you whip up your own batch, tag me on Instagram @sweetpealifestyle — I love seeing your Firecracker creations!

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