Been air frying potatoes and searing lemons lately. For this potato recipe dish we got some vegan bacon from Thrilling Foods which will go on top of our flavorful Fennel Quinoa. Using Simple ingredients like russet potatoes and healthy products like vegan sausages and vegan bacon, garnished with fresh herbs, we can whip up something hearty and satisfying.
These Air Fryer Lemon Potatoes & Vegan Bacon are a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their air fryer recipes! With crispy, golden russet potatoes, a zesty burst of fresh lemon juice, and the perfect crunch from vegan bacon bits, this dish is packed with flavor and texture. A single layer of baby potatoes or Yukon golds in the air fryer basketensures the perfect balance of crispy skin and fork-tender insides, all while using less oil. Topped with fresh herbs, these air-fried potatoes make a great side dish for any meal. Plus, this recipe is simple enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for special occasions. Your taste buds will thank you!
Why This Vegan Bacon
There’s a lot of vegan bacon out there but Thrilling Food Bacon kicks it up a notch by using traditional salting and smoking techniques resulting in a very aromatic & smokey slab of cruelty free bacon goodness. Lower in saturated fats and not requiring an animal’s life, vegan bacon is definItely worth trying. Using tofu as a main ingredient, Thrilling Food Bakon has definitely mastered the art of our favorite charcuterie with out the cruelty. Check out the marbling on those slices. They took the time to pepper it up with some spices too!
What you need
- Thrilling Food Vegan Bakon - I was surprised at the quality of this product. Aroma, texture and taste was on the money.
- Fennel - will be sautéing these together with quinoa and some of the vegan bacon
- Potatoes - Air frying them for a total of 20 minutes shaking 10 minutes in between.
- Quinoa - Cook till soft before adding to our fennel bacon saute.
- Lemons - Get the juice, slice the peel charr em up for some extra zest.
- Olive oil
- Vegan seasoning of choice (Nutritional Yeast, black pepper)
- Vegan Feta - crumble it up, final touch to your dish
- Cilantro or any other herb available - for garnish
Steps
- Air-fry Potatoes. Medium diced potatoes are marinated and seasoned with olive oil and lemon. Cajun spice and other seasonings too before you pop it in the air fryer.
- Cook quinoa. As your quinoa cooks, slice up some fennel and sauté in a pan with olive oil. toss some vegan bacon in there and some lemons too. Add quinoa, mix throughly, season as you go.
- In a non stick pan sear the rest of your vegan bacon and some lemons.
- By this time your potatoes should be done. lay them on top of the quinoa, do this with the vegan bacon and lemon as well. Garnish with feta snd herbs. I drizzled some of my infused olive oil too.
Other Ingredients to Use
- Use Fonio, Wild rice, Orzo or Cous cous instead of quinoa. Cooking grains and seasoning them with infused oils and herbs does a lot to enhance the base of your meal
- Sweet potatoes, celeriac, parsnips are just some roots and tubers that contain vitamins and minerals snd are actually tasty when roasted then glazed with miso or agave mustard.
- Use leeks, Onions or any alliums on hand instead of fennel.
Variations
- Potato Types: Swap russet potatoes for sweet potatoes for a sweeter twist, or use red potatoes for a creamier texture.
- Herb Variations: Try adding Italian seasoning or fresh rosemary for a different flavor profile. Dill also pairs well with the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice.
- Cheesy Kick: Sprinkle with vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast to add a cheesy flavor.
- Extra Crispiness: For those who like an extra crunch, increase the cooking time by a few minutes for crispy skinperfection.
Substitutions
- Vegan Bacon: If you don’t have vegan bacon bits, substitute with crispy tofu or tempeh bacon for a protein boost and smoky flavor.
- Olive Oil: Use avocado oil or coconut oil for a different fat profile and subtle flavor change.
- Lemon Zest: Substitute lemon zest with lime zest for a tangy twist or orange zest for a sweeter, more citrusy taste.
- Garlic Powder: Replace with onion powder or fresh minced garlic if you prefer a stronger flavor.
FAQ
- How long should I cook the potatoes in the air fryer?
Cook for about 10-15 minutes at high heat until the potatoes are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Make sure to shake the air fryer basket halfway for best results. - Can I make this recipe with other types of potatoes?
Absolutely! You can use red potatoes, baby potatoes, or Yukon golds. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized chunks for even cooking. - How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness. - Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or even caramelized onions for added flavor and texture. - How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the air fryer basket?
Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil or use parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Top Tip
For the crispiest potatoes, make sure they are spread out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding will prevent them from getting that delicious, golden-brown finish. Also, shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps ensure even browning.
Hint
For extra flavor, let the potatoes soak in cold water for about 10 minutes before air frying. This step helps remove excess starch, leading to crispier potatoes. Finish off with a sprinkle of black pepper and a drizzle of fresh lemon juice for the perfect balance of zest and crunch!
Substitutions
1. Olive Oil
Substitute: Avocado oil or sunflower oil.
Reason: These oils have a similar high smoke point and neutral flavor, making them suitable for roasting potatoes.
2. Lemon Juice
Substitute: Apple cider vinegar.
Reason: It provides a tangy acidity that can mimic the fresh lemony flavor in the dish.
3. Vegan Bacon
Substitute: Coconut bacon, tempeh bacon, or shiitake mushroom bacon.
Reason: These options provide a smoky, crispy texture that works well as a vegan bacon alternative.
Top Tip
Layering for Crispiness
Top Tip: To achieve the crispiest exterior, ensure the potatoes are spread in a single layer on the baking dish.
Reason: Overcrowding the potatoes will cause them to steam rather than roast, resulting in a less crispy texture.
Faq
1. Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use russet potatoes, Yukon Golds, or waxy potatoes. Each type has its own texture and flavor, but all can work well in this recipe.
2. How do I make the potatoes more flavorful?
Using fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, and fresh herbs like parsley can enhance the flavor. Additionally, marinating the potatoes in the lemony broth for a while before baking can help.
3. Can I make this dish oil-free?
Yes, you can substitute the olive oil with vegetable broth for a lower-fat version. The texture will be different, but it will still be flavorful.
4. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover lemon potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven to retain their crispiness.
5. What are some good side dishes to serve with lemon potatoes?
These potatoes pair well with green beans, a fresh salad, or vegan sausages, making for a complete meal.
6. Can I freeze these potatoes?
While fresh is best, you can freeze them. Lay the potatoes on a rimmed baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a container. Reheat in the oven for best results.
By using these substitutions, variations, and helpful tips, you can enjoy a delicious and versatile vegan lemon potatoes dish with crispy vegan bacon. This recipe is perfect for a comforting meal, full of vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Hint
Hint: Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 10-15 minutes before cooking.
Reason: This helps remove excess starch, which can make the potatoes soggy. Soaking results in a crispier texture.
Other Recipes Worth Checking out
https://holycowvegan.net/lemony-greek-potatoes/
https://themodernnonna.com/greek-lemon-potatoes/
https://supperinthesuburbs.com/2020/07/12/vegan-bacon-hash/
Vegan Bacon Lemon Potatoes
Ingredients
- 1 Pack Thrilling Foods “Bakon”
- 1 Bulb Fennel
- 3 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 Cup Quinoa
- 1 Piece Lemon
- 2 Cups Potato
Instructions
- Airfry Potatoes. Cut potatoes into cubes, medium dice is ok. In a bowl toss the potato cubes in olive oil, salt and your choice of seasoning, maybe some Cajun seasoning. Airfry for 10 minutes at 400. Give it a good shake and go for another 10 minutes.
- Cook quinoa, in a pot of salted boiling water with a little bit of oil.
- Slice up fennel, sauté in a pan with olive oil, till translucent. Toss in half of the bacon, some lemons, mix in cooked quinoa. This will be your bed for the potatoes and “Bakon”.
- In a non stick pan, lay half of the bacon. Give it a good sear, sear some extra lemons too. Lemons turn really sweet if seared.
- Lay air-fried potatoes and seared Bakon on top of your Fennel Quinoa.
