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Fried Potatoes and Onions

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Fried potatoes and onions create a mouthwatering blend of flavors, with every bite full of crispy goodness! The sweet, caramelized onions and perfectly golden potatoes make a comforting and delicious side dish or snack. With easy steps and simple ingredients, this cozy recipe will become a favorite at your table!
Follow our easy guide to make fried potatoes and onions just right! We’ve included step-by-step photos, pro tips, and tricks to help you achieve that golden crisp. Check out our FAQs for answers to the top questions about this tasty recipe!

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These skillet potatoes with onions take just twenty minutes to make and bring cozy, home style flavor to any meal! The sweet, caramelized onions blend perfectly with golden, crispy potatoes, making them a hit at parties, dinners, or potlucks. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients, so it’s a quick go-to side dish when you want something delicious. Try it at home for a comforting, flavorful addition everyone will love!
Ingredients

What you'll need to make these Sautéed Potatoes and Onions:
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 large sweet yellow onion, sliced thin
- 1 ½ lbs russet potatoes, washed, dried, and sliced into ¼ inch slices
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives (optional garnish)
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize your fried potatoes and onions recipe by swapping ingredients and adding tasty extras! These easy swaps make it your own. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
Substitute Yellow Onions: Try red or sweet onions for a slightly different flavor that enhances this dish.
Substitute White Potatoes: Use sweet potatoes for a touch of natural sweetness in your recipe.
Add Bacon: Mix in crispy bacon bits for a smoky, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with fried onions.
Substitute Butter: Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter, heart-healthy option in this recipe.
Add Bell Peppers: Toss in diced bell peppers for a pop of color and a fresh, sweet taste with the onions and potatoes.
These substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of this recipe for fried potatoes and onions.
How to Make Fried Potatoes and Onions
Follow along with our pictures, step-by-step instructions, tips and tricks. Let’s get started and create this crispy, flavorful dish together!
FIRST STEP: Give your potatoes a good scrub and dry them well with a clean towel, then slice them into ¼ inch rounds. We left the peels on, but you can remove them if you wish. Thinly slice your onions.
Pro Tip
If you prefer your onions to be thicker sliced, you can make them larger in size. Just be sure to cook them just a touch longer.
SECOND STEP: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Add the sliced potatoes and onions to the hot oil. Waiting until the skillet is nice and hot will help you achieve that perfect golden brown color on the potatoes.
Pro Tip
If you’re using a cast iron skillet, you may need to turn the temperature of your stove down more than if you’re using a nonstick skillet. You might also want to add a bit of extra oil or some butter in addition to the oil the recipe already calls for.

THIRD STEP: Sprinkle with potatoes and onions with kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and garlic powder.
FOURTH STEP: Using a spatula, flip the potatoes and onion over often, giving them time to brown. Be careful they don’t burn! It takes 15-20 minutes to cook the fried potato and onions, so just be patient.
Pro Tip
You may need to continue to adjust the temperature of your stove as your onions and potatoes cook. This is completely normal. Just keep an eye on your skillet and adjust as needed.

FIFTH STEP: Test for doneness by using a fork to check that the potatoes are fork-tender.
SIXTH STEP: Once the pan fried potatoes and onions are ready, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped chives and serve while hot.

How To Serve Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions
Fried potatoes and onions are versatile, tasty, and perfect for any gathering. Whether serving at a party, cozy family dinner, or casual brunch, this recipe is sure to be a hit! Here are some fun ways to serve this comforting dish:
- Family Dinner Side: Add this dish to a family meal, pairing it with baked chicken or meatloaf. Kids and adults love the crispy, golden flavor, making it a favorite side for all ages.
- Holiday Brunch: Serve fried potatoes and onions at a holiday breakfast or breakfast, with eggs and bacon or pancakes. The savory flavors balance sweet breakfast dishes, creating a perfect brunch spread.
- Potluck Dish: Bring this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe to potlucks for everyone to enjoy. Serve with burgers, grilled meats, or a hearty casserole—fried potatoes and onions add comfort and flavor to any potluck table.

Why You'll Love This Fried Sliced Potatoes and Onions Recipe
Potatoes and onions in a skillet are a beloved classic with our readers for so many mouthwatering reasons:
- Rich, Comforting Flavors: This dish combines crispy potatoes with caramelized onions, creating an irresistible mix of savory and sweet in every bite. It’s warm, comforting, and perfect for any craving.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just twenty minutes, this recipe is simple yet impressive. With easy steps and ingredients, it’s ideal for any cook level, from beginner to pro.
- Versatile for Any Meal: Whether for breakfast, dinner, or as a snack, fried onions and potatoes fit every occasion. This dish’s versatility makes it a staple in countless kitchens.
fried potatoes and onions are more than just a side; they’re a timeless favorite. Enjoy this comforting recipe anytime!

Recipe FAQ
How can I make fried potatoes and onions extra crispy?
Cut potatoes evenly and pat them dry before cooking. Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan for the crispiest results.
What type of potatoes work best for frying with onions?
Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes are best. They hold their shape well and get a perfect golden crisp when fried.
How long should I cook onions with potatoes?
Cook onions for about five minutes until they caramelize, then add potatoes. Together, they’ll be ready in around fifteen minutes.
Can I use fresh herbs in fried potatoes and onions?
Yes! Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add extra flavor. Sprinkle them in during the last few minutes of cooking.

Serving FAQ
Can I serve fried potato and onions as a breakfast dish?
Yes! Fried potatoes and onions make a tasty breakfast option alongside eggs or even in a breakfast burrito.
How do I keep these potatoes warm for serving?
Place them in a warm oven at 200°F until ready to serve, keeping them crispy and hot.
Can I serve fried onions and potatoes at a family dinner?
Absolutely! Fried onions and potatoes are a family favorite and pair perfectly with almost any main dish for dinner.
How do I make fried potatoes and onions look more presentable for guests?
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color. It adds a fresh touch and looks inviting.

Storage FAQ
Follow the directions below for the best storage, reheating, and make-ahead tips for fried potatoes and onions. From storing leftovers to reheating, we’ve got every step covered to keep your dish fresh and delicious!
Can I make fried onions and potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and cook them in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.
How should I store leftover fried potatoes and onions?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to two days.
Can I reheat fried potatoes and onions in the oven?
Yes, reheat in a 350°F oven for ten minutes, spreading them in a single layer to keep them crispy.
What’s the best way to reheat fried potatoes and onions in a skillet?
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they’re hot and crispy again.

Fried Potatoes and Onions
Ingredients
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (you can substitute canola oil, extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil)
- 1 large sweet yellow onion (sliced thin (you should end up with 1 ½ cups))
- 1 ½ lbs russet potatoes (washed, dried and sliced into ¼ inch rounds. I used Yukon Gold potatoes. Also if you prefer you can peel the potatoes, but I like to leave the peels on)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives (optional garnish)
DIRECTIONS
- Add the oil to a 10-12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is heated, carefully add the onions and sliced potatoes. Sprinkle with kosher salt, cracked black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Use a spatula to flip the potatoes and onions often to ensure they brown but do not burn. This should take about 15-20 minutes. Keep a close eye on the temperature, adjusting up or down depending on your stovetop temperature.
- Use a fork to check that the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Once the potatoes and onions are ready, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with the fresh chopped chives. Serve while hot.
Notes
- If you prefer your onions to be thicker sliced, you can make them larger in size. Just be sure to cook them just a touch longer.
- If you’re using a cast iron skillet, you may need to turn the temperature of your stove down more than if you’re using a nonstick skillet. You might also want to add a bit of extra oil or some butter in addition to the oil the recipe already calls for.
- You may need to continue to adjust the temperature of your stove as your onions and potatoes cook. This is completely normal. Just keep an eye on your skillet and adjust as needed.






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