There’s something wonderfully comforting about a skillet full of crispy fried potatoes and golden onions. It’s simple food at its best—just a few inexpensive ingredients transformed into a hearty side dish with crisp edges, tender centers, and sweet, caramelized onions.
This old-fashioned potato recipe is perfect for breakfast alongside eggs and bacon, but it’s just as delicious served with burgers, grilled meats, roasted chicken, or even enjoyed straight from the skillet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Crispy on the outside and tender inside
- Sweet, caramelized onions add incredible flavor
- Makes a hearty breakfast or easy side dish
- Easy to customize with your favorite seasonings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled or unpeeled
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, bacon grease, or butter
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional
Optional Add-Ins
For extra flavor, you can add:
- Cooked crumbled bacon
- Diced smoked sausage
- Chopped bell peppers
- A pinch of red pepper flakes
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh rosemary or thyme
How to Make Fried Potatoes and Onions
1. Cut the Potatoes
Wash the potatoes well and cut them into small, evenly sized cubes or thin slices. Keeping the pieces similar in size helps them cook at the same rate.
If you prefer extra-crispy potatoes, place the cut potatoes in a bowl of cold water for about 10 minutes. Drain and dry them very thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel.
Removing excess moisture helps the potatoes brown instead of steaming.
2. Start Cooking the Potatoes
Heat the oil, bacon grease, or butter in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the potatoes in as even a layer as possible. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Let them cook undisturbed for several minutes before stirring. This gives the bottoms time to develop that delicious golden crust.
Continue cooking for about 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the potatoes begin becoming golden and tender.
3. Add the Onions
Add the sliced onions to the skillet.
Stir everything together and continue cooking for another 8–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The onions should become soft and golden while the potatoes develop crisp edges and finish cooking through.
If the potatoes are browning too quickly before becoming tender, reduce the heat slightly and continue cooking.
4. Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.
Once the potatoes are tender inside and beautifully browned outside, remove the skillet from the heat.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
