Description

This Best Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions recipe is a comforting and flavorful side dish perfect for any meal. Thinly sliced russet potatoes and sweet onions are fried in vegetable oil with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until golden and tender. An optional addition of butter adds rich depth, and fresh parsley lends a pop of color and freshness. Ideal for a simple, satisfying accompaniment to your favorite main dishes.

Ingredients

Scale

Potatoes and Onions

3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 ½ pounds russet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced

Seasonings and Garnish

1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for extra flavor)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Heat the Oil: Warm the vegetable oil in a large cast iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot.
Cook Potatoes – First Side: Arrange the sliced potatoes in a single layer in the skillet and cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until the bottom side is golden brown.
Flip Potatoes and Continue Cooking: Turn the potatoes over and continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
Add Onions and Seasonings: Add the sliced onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together to combine.
Cook Until Tender and Caramelized: Cook the mixture for another 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are tender and the onions are golden brown and slightly caramelized.
Add Butter for Richness (Optional): Stir in the unsalted butter during the last 2 minutes of cooking for added flavor and richness.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve the skillet fried potatoes and onions warm.

Notes

For extra crispy potatoes, soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for 20 minutes before cooking, then dry thoroughly.
Yukon Gold potatoes can also be used for a creamier texture and subtle sweetness.
Adjust salt to taste depending on dietary needs.
Use a cast iron skillet for the best crispiness, but a nonstick skillet will also work well.