Fried Potatoes and Onions is one of my favorite easy comfort-food sides. It is a classic skillet dish featuring tender potatoes fried until golden with savory, caramelized onions. This creates a simple combination that goes well with almost any meal.
Table of Contents
Fried Potatoes and Onions Recipe
Key Ingredients
Russet potatoes get nice and crispy in the skillet while staying fluffy inside. I always cut them about the same size so they cook evenly.
Onion: I like yellow onions here because they get soft and sweet as they cook with the potatoes. They add just enough flavor without taking over the dish. Red onions tend to stay a little firmer and sharper.
Butter: I always reach for butter over oil here. It gives the potatoes a richer, more savory flavor that you just don’t get from oil.
Tips & Tricks
Pat the potatoes dry before cooking: Any moisture on the potatoes can make them steam instead of getting crispy. I give mine a good pat with a kitchen towel after dicing, and that helps them brown much better in the pan.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give the potatoes plenty of room so they can actually crisp up instead of steaming. If your skillet isn’t big enough, I cook them in two batches rather than piling them all in.
This is my simple recipe for fried potatoes and onions:
Fried Potatoes and Onions
Crispy golden potatoes and sweet caramelized onions fried together in a skillet, a simple, comforting side dish ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 lbsrusset potatoes (diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 1large yellow onion (sliced)
- 4 tbspbutter
- 1/2 tspgarlic powder
- 1/2 tsppaprika
- salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tbspfresh parsley (chopped, optional for garnish)
Instructions
- 1Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 2Add the diced potatoes in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes to let them start browning on the bottom.
- 3Stir occasionally and continue cooking for 10-12 minutes, until the potatoes are golden brown and mostly tender.
- 4Add the sliced onion, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir to combine.
- 5Continue cooking for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and golden and the potatoes are fully tender.
- 6Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley if using and serve hot.
Nutrition per serving
📌 Notes
- Cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.
- Don't stir too often at the start, letting the potatoes sit undisturbed helps them develop a golden crust.
- Leftovers reheat well in a skillet over medium heat.
How to Pair
Fried potatoes and onions taste crisp, buttery, savory, and slightly sweet. You can pair them with breakfast classics, roasted meats, and fresh sides.
- Fried eggs, bacon, or breakfast sausage for a filling morning meal.
- Grilled chicken, pork chops, or meatloaf for a hearty dinner.
- Add coleslaw, cucumber salad, or steamed green beans for a cool, fresh contrast.
Leave a Reply