Go Back
+ servings
fried potatoes and onions in white bowl.
Print Recipe Pin
4.94 from 16 votes

Easy Fried Potatoes and Onions (20 Minutes)

Fried potatoes and onions - also known as home fried potatoes - is a quick and easy recipe with a couple of tricks. Crispy golden outsides, creamy insides and a mild onion flavor. Fuss-free and delicious. 
Prep Time2 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
microwave6 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Vegetarian
Servings (change as needed): 3

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (450g) potatoes, Note 1 3-4 potatoes
  • 3 tablespoon oil, Note 2 neutral olive oil or vegetable oil with a higher smoke point (you can also use half butter, half oil)
  • 1/2 cup (52g) chopped green onions 4-5 green onions
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or kosher salt (or more to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or more to taste)

Instructions

  • PREPARE AND PRE-COOK POTATOES: Pierce each potato once or twice with a sharp knife. Cook in microwave on High for 6-8 minutes until tender and a knife can easily slide into potato. If potatoes are large, this might take an extra few minutes. Transfer to cutting board and cut potatoes into 1 inch (2.5cm) cubes.
  • PAN FRY POTATOES: Heat oil in large skillet to medium-high heat. Add diced potatoes in a single layer to bottom of the pan and fry undisturbed for 4 minutes. Sprinkle with half of salt and pepper. Flip potatoes and fry on second side for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until golden brown with a crispy crust. Season with remaining salt and pepper. Timing is approximate and will depend on how well your pan conducts heat and how brown you like your potatoes.
  • ADD ONIONS TO FINISH: Add chopped green onions. Stir for 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

  1. What kind of potatoes to use: Yukon gold, white, red potatoes, new potatoes. Russets are also ok, but may fall apart more. If using new potatoes, place in microwave safe dish to microwave them for about 4 minutes.
  2. Cooking oils - here's an article on cooking oils that explains which oils are best to use for which purposes. Use half oil, half butter for added flavor, but cook a little longer on medium heat.
  3. Variations:
    • Seasoning: Try adding garlic powder, chili powder, or smoked paprika. Or amp up the flavor with fresh herbs before serving such as chives, parsley, dill weed, coriander, thyme, rosemary, or basil. If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. 
    • Make a hash by adding bacon and bell peppers. Cook the bacon and/or peppers first, scoop them onto a plate, then pan-fry the potatoes (in the bacon grease for added great flavor if you want instead of the oil).  Combine everything at the end. 
  4. Make Ahead:
    • Pre-cook the potatoes in the microwave and cube them several hours or even a day ahead (store them in the fridge)
    • Or, make the full recipe (without onions). Turn off the heat and let the potatoes sit on the stove until you need them. Just before serving, rewarm the potatoes in the skillet and add green onions in the last minute. 
    • The dish can also be rewarmed in a 400F/204C oven. 
 
Nutrition values are estimates. 
Calories: 246kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 399mg | Potassium: 685mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 170IU | Vitamin C: 33mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 1mg