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A close-up of golden fried potatoes and onions in a skillet.

Classic Fried Potatoes And Onions

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these classic fried potatoes and onions make a perfect side dish for any meal. Simple to prepare, they offer a comforting and flavorful experience.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes
  • 1-2 medium yellow or white onions
  • 3-4 tablespoons high smoke point oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado oil), or a mix of oil and butter/bacon fat
Seasonings
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Paprika Optional Seasonings
  • garlic powder Optional Seasonings
  • onion powder Optional Seasonings
  • dried thyme Optional Seasonings
  • rosemary Optional Seasonings

Equipment

  • Colander
  • Large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron recommended)
  • Spatula
  • Serving platter

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Wash and peel the potatoes, then cut them into uniform 1/2-inch cubes or slices.
  2. Rinse the cut potatoes thoroughly under cold water and pat them completely dry.
  3. Peel and thinly slice the onions into half-moon shapes or dice them.
Cooking
  1. Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat and add your chosen cooking fat.
  2. Carefully add the dried potatoes to the hot pan in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary.
  3. Cook the potatoes for 5-7 minutes without stirring, allowing a golden-brown crust to form.
  4. Flip the potatoes and continue cooking, stirring occasionally for 10-15 minutes, until tender and browned.
  5. When potatoes are nearly done, add the sliced onions to the pan, adding more oil if needed.
  6. Cook the onions with the potatoes, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until softened, translucent, and slightly caramelized.
  7. Season generously with salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings during the last few minutes of cooking.
Serving
  1. Transfer the Fried Potatoes And Onions to a serving platter and serve hot.

Notes

For extra crispiness, ensure potatoes are completely dry before adding them to the pan. Do not overcrowd the skillet, as this can steam the potatoes instead of frying them. Adjust seasoning to your preference.