Of course! Fried Potatoes and Onions is a classic, humble, and incredibly satisfying side dish. It’s the epitome of comfort food, with crispy, golden-brown potatoes and sweet, caramelized onions. It’s also known as “home fries” or “skillet potatoes.”
Here’s a detailed guide to making them perfectly every time.
Perfect Fried Potatoes and Onions Recipe
The key to great fried potatoes is managing moisture and heat to get a crispy exterior and a fluffy interior.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-35 minutes
Total Time: About 40 minutes
Serves: 4 as a side dish
Ingredients
· 4 medium russet potatoes (about 2 lbs), or Yukon Golds
· 1 large yellow or sweet onion, thinly sliced
· 3-4 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado oil work well)
· 2 tablespoons butter (optional, but recommended for flavor)
· 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
· ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
· Salt and black pepper to taste
· Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes: Scrub the potatoes clean. You can peel them or leave the skins on for extra texture. Cut them into ½-inch cubes or slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds. The key is to keep the pieces uniform in size so they cook evenly.
- Soak (The Secret to Crispiness!): Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for 10-20 minutes. This crucial step removes excess surface starch, which prevents them from sticking together and helps them get much crispier.
- Dry Thoroughly: Drain the potatoes and then dry them very well with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of browning! This is the most important step for achieving a golden, crispy crust.
- Start Cooking: In a large skillet (preferably cast-iron for the best sear), heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the dried potatoes in a single layer, if possible. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
- The First Fry: Let the potatoes cook undisturbed for 5-7 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust on one side. Then, stir and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for another 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are mostly tender and browned on most sides.
- Add the Onions and Butter: Reduce the heat to medium. Push the potatoes to one side of the skillet and add the sliced onions (and the optional butter) to the empty space. Sauté the onions for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and become fragrant.
- Combine and Season: Mix the onions in with the potatoes. Add the paprika and garlic powder (if using). Continue to cook, stirring now and then, for another 5-10 minutes until the onions are soft and caramelized and the potatoes are fully tender.
- Final Seasoning: Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Fried Potatoes & Onions
· Choose the Right Potato:
· Russet Potatoes: The best for getting a fluffy interior and a super crispy exterior.
· Yukon Gold Potatoes: A great all-rounder with a buttery flavor and creamy texture that holds its shape well.
· Don’t Skip the Soak and Dry: This is the difference between steamed, mushy potatoes and crispy, golden ones.
· The Power of Parboiling (Alternative Method): For guaranteed tender insides, you can parboil the potatoes instead of soaking. Boil the cubed potatoes in salted water for 5-7 minutes until just fork-tender. Drain and let them steam dry in the colander for a minute. This creates a starchy surface that gets incredibly crispy when fried.
· Don’t Crowd the Pan: Overcrowding creates steam, which makes the potatoes soft. Use a large skillet and cook in batches if necessary.
· Season at the End: Salting the potatoes too early can draw out moisture and hinder browning. It’s best to add the majority of the salt at the end.
· Additions and Variations:
· Breakfast Style: In the last few minutes, add diced bell peppers and crumbled cooked bacon or sliced sausage.
· Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the other seasonings.
· “Diner-Style”: For softer, less crispy potatoes, cover the skillet with a lid for part of the cooking time to steam them.
Why This Dish is a Winner
· Ultimate Comfort Food: Simple, hearty, and deeply satisfying.
· Incredibly Versatile: A perfect side for breakfast (with eggs), lunch (with a sandwich), or dinner (with grilled meat or fish).
· Budget-Friendly: Made with inexpensive, pantry-staple ingredients.
Enjoy this classic, delicious side dish