These Southern-style Home Fried Potatoes and Onions are crispy, golden, and seasoned just right. Made with a handful of ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, they’re the ultimate comfort food side dish for breakfast or dinner.
If you're craving more potato goodness, try Easy Roasted Potatoes, Skillet Sausage and Potatoes, or Baked Potato Wedges.
Before You Fry, Read This!
💬 The Vibe: Crispy edges, tender centers, and just the right touch of onion. These home fries are pure comfort on a plate.
🔑 What You Gotta Know: Make sure your potatoes are dry before they hit the skillet. Damp potatoes = steam, not crisp.
🥔 Best Bite Alert: Serve them hot with eggs, bacon, or a splash of hot sauce. Or sneak a forkful straight from the pan, no judgment.
Why You’ll Love This Home Fried Potatoes Recipe
- Comfort Food Classic – Crispy edges, tender centers, and all the cozy vibes.
- Simple Ingredients – You probably have everything you need in your kitchen right now.
- Versatile – Serve them with eggs for breakfast or pair with meat and veggies for dinner.
- Customizable – Add peppers, bacon, herbs, or cheese to make them your own.
- One-Pan Wonder – Everything cooks in one skillet with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Potatoes - Russet is ideal for crisp edges and tender centers, but Yukon gold or red potatoes work too. Peel or leave the skins on, it’s up to you!
- Onion - Yellow, white, or sweet Vidalia onions add savory flavor and slight sweetness.
- Olive Oil - Helps crisp the potatoes. You can also use canola, vegetable, or avocado oil.
- Paprika - Adds subtle smokiness and color.
- Salt & Ground Black Pepper - Essential for seasoning. Adjust to taste.
👉🏾 See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.
How to Make Home Fried Potatoes & Onions
1. Prep the Potatoes: Clean, peel (if desired), and dice or slice the potatoes evenly. Soak in cold water for 5 minutes, then rinse until the water runs clear. Drain well and pat dry.
2. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium heat. Add oil and let it heat through.
3. Cook the Potatoes: Add potatoes, onion, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pan. Stir to coat evenly, then spread into a single layer.
4. Let them Crisp: Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes to build a golden crust. Stir gently, then continue cooking for 15–20 minutes, flipping every 5 minutes until crispy and golden.
5. Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm with your favorite breakfast or dinner mains. Enjoy!
Recipe Variations
Looking to switch things up? Here are a few delicious ways to make these home fries your own:
- Bell Peppers: Add diced green, red, or yellow bell peppers for extra color and a sweet, peppery bite.
- Garlic Powder: Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon for a deeper savory flavor.
- Bacon: Fry chopped bacon first and use the rendered bacon grease to cook your potatoes. Toss the crispy bits back in before serving.
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
- Fresh Herbs: Stir in chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, or basil at the end for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
- Cheesy Potatoes: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack over the top during the last few minutes of cooking for a melty upgrade.
- Loaded Style: Top with sour cream, chives, and crumbled bacon for a “loaded potato” vibe.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! It helps remove excess starch so they crisp up better in the skillet.
Absolutely. Cold, cooked potatoes work great, just reduce the cook time.
A cast iron skillet gives the best crispy texture, but any large nonstick skillet works too.
Yes, reheat in a skillet or air fryer for the best texture. The microwave will make them soft.
Storage Tips
- Storing: Cool completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to keep them crispy. The microwave works too, but the texture will be softer.
- Freezing: Store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. The texture may be softer after thawing.
More Easy Potato Recipes
- Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes
- Sheet Pan Roasted Potatoes
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Bacon Frittata with Potato and Spinach
- Chicken Nuggets and Fries
Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ways to enjoy these Home Fried Potatoes? Share them in the comments below. I’d love to hear how you make them your own!
📖 Recipe
Home Fried Potatoes and Onions
Video
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet
Ingredients
- 2 pounds potatoes, sliced (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 1 cup onion, sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Clean and peel the 2 pounds potatoes. Slice each potato into even-sized pieces so that they will cook evenly. Place the prepared potatoes into a large bowl of cold water and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes.
- Remove the cloudy water and continue to rinse the potatoes in cold water until the water runs clear. Drain the potatoes of all the excess water and make sure they are as dry as possible.
- Place a large skillet on the stovetop over medium heat and allow it to preheat. Once heated, add the 3 tablespoons oil and carefully swirl it around the pan.
- Add in the prepared potatoes, 1 cup sliced onion, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground black pepper.
- Stir to make sure all ingredients are coated in the oil and seasonings. Spread in the bottom of the pan in an even layer. Allow it to cook undisturbed for 5 minutes, until the potatoes develop a golden-brown crust on the bottom.
- Flip the potatoes and allow them to continue cooking for about 15 to 20 minutes, checking them every 5 minutes to make sure they are cooking evenly.
- Carefully remove the crispy home fries from the skillet and serve immediately while they are still warm. Try topping with your favorite hot sauce, sriracha, or ketchup. Enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t stir too much: Let the potatoes sit undisturbed to form a crispy crust. Stirring too often can make them mushy.
- Manage the heat: Keep the skillet at medium to medium-low. Too hot, and the outside will brown before the inside cooks through.
- Cut evenly: Whether you slice, dice, or cube. Just keep the pieces uniform so they cook at the same rate.
- Use enough oil: If the potatoes start sticking or drying out, add a little more oil.
- Dry them well: Make sure the potatoes are completely dry before adding them to the skillet—this helps them crisp, not steam.
Original post date 05/01/2024. Updated 04/21/2025.
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