Fried Potatoes And Onions Recipe

The Best Crispy Fried Potatoes and Onions Recipe for Dinner

Crispy golden fried potatoes with caramelized onions dance across the skillet, creating a comforting side dish that brings warmth to any meal.

The simple combination of rustic potatoes and sweet onions delivers pure culinary magic.

Sliced potatoes sizzle and transform into a delectable treat that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

The aroma of butter and herbs wafts through the kitchen, promising a delightful experience.

Every bite promises a perfect balance of crispy edges and tender centers.

You’ll love how these humble ingredients come together in a mouthwatering symphony of flavors.

This classic recipe turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary comfort food that everyone will devour.

Why Fried Potatoes and Onions Are a Classic

  • Customize with Ease: Slice potatoes and onions exactly how you like, making this recipe super flexible for personal taste preferences.
  • Quick Comfort Food: Whip up a delicious side dish in just a few minutes with minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques.
  • Perfect for Any Meal: Versatile enough to complement breakfast eggs, lunch sandwiches, or dinner proteins, this dish works wonderfully across different eating occasions.
  • Budget-Friendly Delight: Create a satisfying and tasty dish using affordable, everyday ingredients that won't break the bank.

Ingredients for Fried Potatoes and Onions

Main Ingredients:
  • Potatoes: Starchy and satisfying vegetable perfect for frying.
  • Onions: Sweet and aromatic vegetable that adds depth of flavor.
Cooking Fats and Seasonings:
  • Vegetable Oil, Olive Oil: Smooth and reliable cooking medium for even frying.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural potato and onion taste.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley, Green Onions: Bright and fresh herbs that add a pop of color and extra flavor.

Cooking Fried Potatoes and Onions

Step 1: Slice Vegetables

Carefully slice potatoes and onions into thin, even pieces using a sharp knife.

Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.

Rinse potato slices in cold water to remove excess starch and pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Prepare Cooking Surface

Select a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan.

Place it on the stovetop and turn the heat to medium-high.

Allow the pan to warm up for a minute before adding cooking oil.

Step 3: Create Crispy Base

Pour oil into the heated pan, ensuring it covers the bottom with a thin layer.

Wait until the oil shimmers slightly, indicating it’s hot enough for frying.

Carefully spread potato slices in a single layer across the pan’s surface.

Step 4: Layer Onions

Scatter sliced onions evenly over the potatoes.

The onions will add sweetness and help create a delicious caramelized flavor as they cook.

Step 5: Season and Sizzle

Sprinkle the following seasonings over the potatoes and onions:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Optional garlic powder
  • Optional dried herbs

Step 6: Develop Golden Crispiness

Allow potatoes to cook without constant stirring.

Let them develop a golden-brown crust on the bottom.

Gently flip sections using a spatula to ensure even browning on all sides.

Step 7: Final Cooking

Continue cooking and turning potatoes and onions until they reach a deep golden color and crispy texture.

This typically takes 15-20 minutes.

Adjust heat if potatoes are browning too quickly.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Transfer the hot, crispy potatoes and onions to a serving plate.

Enjoy as a delicious side dish or standalone meal.

Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Handy Tips for Pan-Fried Potatoes

  • Select starchy potatoes like Russet or Yukon Gold for crispier results and better texture.
  • Maintain medium-high heat to prevent burning and ensure even, golden-brown potatoes and caramelized onions.
  • Cut potatoes and onions into similar thickness to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent uneven browning.
  • Experiment with additional spices like paprika, garlic powder, or herbs to enhance the flavor profile and add depth.
  • Use a paper towel-lined plate to absorb extra oil, ensuring a lighter and less greasy final dish.

Store and Reheat Fried Potatoes Easily

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Warm the fried potatoes and onions in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of oil to help crisp them up and restore their original texture.
  • Spread leftovers on a baking sheet, bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even heating and maintain crispiness.
  • Skip microwave reheating as it can make the potatoes soggy and lose their delightful crunch.

Best Matches for Potatoes and Onions

  • Pair with Hearty Proteins: Serve alongside grilled bratwurst or pan-seared steak for a classic comfort meal that balances crispy potatoes with rich meat flavors.
  • Complement with Fresh Salad: Create contrast by adding a light, tangy green salad with vinaigrette dressing to cut through the richness of the fried potatoes and onions.
  • Match with Craft Beer: Select a crisp german-style pilsner or amber ale that enhances the caramelized onion notes and provides a refreshing counterpoint to the dish's savory profile.
  • Enhance with Herb Sauce: Drizzle a zesty herb-based sauce like chimichurri or garlic aioli to add bright, fresh dimensions to the crispy potatoes and elevate the overall flavor experience.

Tasty Twists on Fried Potato Sides

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Replace potatoes with cauliflower florets for a lighter, keto-friendly version that provides similar crispy texture and satisfying flavor.
  • Herb-Infused Variation: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or chives during cooking to enhance the aromatic profile and introduce additional depth to the classic recipe.
  • Spicy Spanish-Style Potatoes: Incorporate smoked paprika, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes to create a zesty, bold Mediterranean-inspired side dish with extra kick.
  • Vegan Olive Oil Option: Use plant-based olive oil instead of traditional cooking oil and ensure all ingredients are purely vegetable-based for a completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly preparation.

FAQs

  • Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various potato types like Russet, Yukon Gold, or red potatoes. Each variety will give a slightly different texture and flavor to the dish.

  • How do I prevent the potatoes from sticking to the pan?

Use a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan, and make sure the oil is hot before adding potatoes. This helps create a crispy exterior and prevents sticking.

  • Is it necessary to peel the potatoes?

No, you can leave the skin on for added nutrition and texture. Just wash the potatoes thoroughly before slicing.

  • Can I add other seasonings to enhance the flavor?

Absolutely! Try adding garlic powder, paprika, rosemary, or dried herbs to give the fried potatoes and onions more depth and complexity.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Fried Potatoes And Onions Recipe

Fried Potatoes And Onions Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy fried potatoes and onions dance with golden-brown perfection, offering a simple yet irresistible side dish. Hearty comfort flavors meld together, promising a delicious companion for any main course you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes:

  • 4 medium potatoes, peeled and sliced

Aromatics:

  • 1 large onion, sliced

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable or olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Select firm potatoes and sharp onions, slicing them uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  2. Preheat a robust cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, allowing it to reach an optimal temperature for achieving crisp edges and golden surfaces.
  3. Drizzle high-quality cooking oil across the pan’s surface, creating a thin, even layer that will help potatoes and onions develop a delectable caramelized exterior.
  4. Carefully distribute potato slices in a single layer, ensuring maximum contact with the heated pan surface to promote uniform browning and crispy results.
  5. Scatter onion pieces intermittently among potato slices, allowing them to meld and develop rich, complex flavors during the cooking process.
  6. Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper across the ingredients, enhancing their natural savory characteristics and providing depth to the overall taste profile.
  7. Allow the mixture to sizzle undisturbed for several minutes, developing a golden-brown crust on the potato bottoms before gently turning sections to expose uncooked surfaces.
  8. Continue rotating and adjusting ingredients periodically, ensuring each slice achieves a perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender interior.
  9. Monitor heat intensity, adjusting as needed to prevent burning while promoting even caramelization of potatoes and onions.
  10. Once potatoes reach a rich golden-brown color and onions turn translucent and slightly charred, remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish.

Notes

  • Control potato thickness for perfect texture, thinner slices crisp faster while thicker ones remain soft inside.
  • Use cast iron skillet for extra crispiness and even heat distribution during frying.
  • Drain excess oil on paper towels to reduce greasiness and keep potatoes crunchy.
  • Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for enhanced flavor profile and aromatic complexity.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 5mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star