If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to love this Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions Recipe. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying combination of golden, crispy potatoes mingling perfectly with sweet, caramelized onions. Every bite blends crispy edges with tender centers, bringing comfort food to a whole new level. Whether it’s for breakfast, brunch, or a side to your dinner, this dish never fails to hit the spot and is one of my all-time favorites to make when I want something both easy and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is a beautiful testament to how a few simple ingredients can create something extraordinary. Each one plays a key role in ensuring you get the perfect balance of flavors and textures — from the creamy potatoes to the sweet, soft onions, and the subtle seasoning that brings it all together.
- Yukon gold potatoes (2 pounds): Their thin skin and creamy texture make them ideal for frying without peeling.
- Medium onion (1): Choose yellow, white, or sweet onion depending on the level of sweetness you prefer.
- Avocado oil (3 tablespoons): Great for high-heat cooking and adds a mild, buttery flavor.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors of the potatoes and onions.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just a touch of heat and depth without overpowering the dish.
How to Make Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Potatoes
The key to crispy potatoes is starting right with your prep. Dice the potatoes into half-inch cubes and soak them in cold water to remove excess starch — this little trick helps them crisp up beautifully. There’s no need to peel if you’re using Yukon golds, which saves time and adds extra nutrients. After soaking, drain and pat them completely dry so they don’t steam in the skillet.
Step 2: Slice the Onion
While your potatoes dry, go ahead and peel your onion. Thinly slicing it allows the onions to soften and caramelize quickly, marrying their sweetness perfectly with the potatoes’ crispy edges.
Step 3: Heat Your Skillet
Use a cast iron skillet or any heavy-duty frying pan and warm your avocado oil over medium heat until it shimmers — this is the moment to get your pan ready for those potatoes to sizzle and develop a golden crust.
Step 4: Add the Potatoes
Carefully add your diced potatoes in a single layer. Giving them space helps each cube crisp up rather than steam. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes to get that initial golden sear, then stir gently to cook evenly on all sides.
Step 5: Cook Until Golden Brown
Continue cooking the potatoes, stirring every 2 minutes for about 6 to 8 minutes more. You want mostly golden brown all over — that’s the sign your potatoes are developing that amazing texture we all love.
Step 6: Add Onions and Season
Now, toss in your thinly sliced onions and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. Stir everything well so the onions coat the potatoes and start softening alongside them, blending their flavors beautifully.
Step 7: Finish Cooking Until Caramelized
Lower the heat a bit and let the mixture cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes more. This slow finish allows the onions to become soft, sweet, and caramelized while the potatoes reach that perfect tender-crisp perfection. Serve your skillet fried potatoes and onions warm and enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives can brighten the dish visually and with a fresh herbal note. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated sharp cheddar also pairs beautifully if you want to indulge a little more.
Side Dishes
This hearty recipe is a fantastic partner for eggs any style in the morning or pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or steak at dinner. You could also balance the richness with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables, making it a versatile side dish for any meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting brunch spread, pile the Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions Recipe onto a large platter surrounded by avocado slices, tomatoes, and perhaps some crispy bacon. Or serve them inside warm tortillas with scrambled eggs and salsa for a rustic breakfast taco twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making a great quick side or snack the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked skillet fried potatoes and onions, but for the best texture, flash freeze them first on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This helps prevent clumping, preserving their crispy quality when reheated later.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a hot skillet to bring back their crispy edges, rather than microwaving, which can make them soggy. A quick toss over medium heat revives their texture and flavor perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use different potatoes for this Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions Recipe?
Absolutely! While Yukon golds are preferred for their creamy texture and thin skin, russet or red potatoes work well too. Just keep in mind that waxy potatoes may result in a slightly different texture.
Do I have to soak the potatoes before cooking?
Soaking is highly recommended because it removes excess starch, which helps achieve that golden, crispy exterior we all adore. If you skip this step, your potatoes might end up a little softer or stickier.
What if I don’t have avocado oil?
No worries at all! Use any neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola, grapeseed, or sunflower oil. The key is to have an oil that can handle medium-high heat without burning.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
This recipe is naturally vegan and dairy-free, making it perfect for plant-based diets. Just watch any garnishes you add to keep it aligned with your preferences.
How do I get the onions to caramelize perfectly?
Lowering the heat after adding onions and letting them cook slowly undisturbed is the secret. Patience will reward you with tender, sweet onions that meld beautifully with the potatoes.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of homemade skillet fried potatoes and onions, and I hope this recipe becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen as it has in mine. It’s simple, reliable, and endlessly adaptable to whatever meal you’re planning. Give your skillet a whirl and enjoy every crispy, flavorful bite of this timeless dish!
Print
Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Skillet Fried Potatoes and Onions recipe is a simple and delicious side dish featuring crispy, golden-browned potatoes sautéed with sweet caramelized onions. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a hearty accompaniment to any meal, it uses Yukon gold potatoes cooked in avocado oil for a creamy texture and rich flavor with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Potatoes
- 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes (or potatoes of your choice)
Onions
- 1 medium onion (yellow, white, or sweet)
Seasonings and Oil
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or high heat oil)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Potatoes: Dice the potatoes into half inch cubes and place them in a bowl of cold water to remove excess starch. No need to peel if using Yukon gold or other thin-skinned potatoes. Drain and thoroughly dry the potatoes using a clean kitchen towel.
- Slice Onions: Peel the onion and thinly slice it evenly to ensure it softens and caramelizes properly during cooking.
- Heat Skillet and Oil: Place a cast iron skillet or a heavy-duty frying pan over medium heat and add the avocado oil. Let the oil heat until it shimmers gently before adding the potatoes.
- Cook Potatoes: Carefully add the diced potatoes in a single layer to the hot oil. Let them cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes to develop a golden crust, then stir to turn the potatoes.
- Sauté Potatoes: Continue to cook the potatoes for another 6-8 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes so they brown evenly on all sides and become crisp outside but tender inside.
- Add Onions and Season: Add the thinly sliced onions along with salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine the potatoes and onions together.
- Caramelize Onions: Reduce the heat slightly and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the onions are softened, caramelized, and infused into the potatoes. Serve warm immediately.
Notes
- Soaking potatoes in cold water removes excess starch and helps them crisp better.
- Use a heavy skillet like cast iron for even heat distribution.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste or add herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.
- These potatoes pair well with eggs or grilled meats.
