Description
This Best Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions recipe offers a comforting, crispy side dish that perfectly complements any meal. Featuring golden fried russet potatoes and caramelized onions seasoned with garlic and smoked paprika, this classic southern-style comfort food is easy to prepare and ideal for family dinners or brunches.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and sliced ¼-inch thick
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
Fats and Oils
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or bacon grease
- 1 tablespoon butter
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Soak the Potatoes: Place the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water and soak for 10–15 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps achieve crispier potatoes. Drain and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to prevent oil splatter and ensure even frying.
- Heat the Skillet: Heat the vegetable oil (or bacon grease) and butter in a large cast-iron or heavy-bottomed skillet over medium heat until the butter is melted and beginning to foam.
- Fry the Potatoes: Add the potatoes in an even layer to the skillet. Cook undisturbed for 5–7 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown and crisp. Avoid stirring to allow proper browning.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Flip the potatoes carefully and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for another 10–12 minutes to brown the other sides evenly and cook through.
- Add Onions and Seasonings: Add the sliced onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika if using, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are nicely caramelized and the potatoes are tender and crisp at the edges.
- Adjust Seasoning and Garnish: Taste the potatoes and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot as a comforting side dish.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the skillet to ensure the potatoes fry crisp instead of steaming; work in batches if needed.
- For variety, you can add bell peppers during the onion cooking stage or substitute red or Yukon gold potatoes.
- Using bacon grease instead of vegetable oil adds extra smoky flavor.
- Make sure potatoes are thoroughly dried after soaking to avoid oil splatters and sogginess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
