Pan Fried Potatoes Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Pan Fried Potatoes are a true comfort food classic. The crispy exterior and tender inside create the perfect bite with each forkful. The combination of butter and olive oil infuses the potatoes with rich flavor while the seasoning adds just the right touch of spice. Whether paired with your favorite main dish or enjoyed on their own, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to make with just a few ingredients and minimal prep time!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1.5 pounds Russet potatoes

• 2 tablespoons salted butter

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Salt to taste

• Black pepper to taste

• 1 teaspoon onion powder or garlic powder

Directions

1. Peel and rinse the potatoes, then dry them gently using a kitchen towel. Slice the potatoes into 1/2-inch cubes.

2. Heat a large nonstick skillet (a cast iron skillet works best) over medium-high heat. Add the butter and olive oil to the skillet, stirring together until melted and sizzling.

3. Add the cubed potatoes to the skillet, stirring to coat each piece in the butter-oil mixture. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and onion powder (or garlic powder), then stir again to distribute the seasoning.

4. Reduce the heat to medium and let the potatoes cook for 5 minutes before stirring and flipping them. Cook for another 5 minutes, then flip again.

5. Continue this cook-5-minutes-then-flip pattern for 20-30 minutes or until the potatoes are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 side servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 35 minutes

• Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Herb-Infused Potatoes: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the butter-oil mixture for an aromatic twist.

• Spicy Potatoes: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a bit of heat.

• Cheesy Potatoes: Grate some Parmesan cheese over the potatoes in the last few minutes of cooking for a crispy, cheesy finish.

• Sweet Potatoes: Substitute Russet potatoes with sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter, healthier version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the potatoes in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until crispy again, or use the oven to bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes! While Russet potatoes work great for their starchy texture, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a different flavor and texture.

2. Do I need to peel the potatoes before cooking?

It’s optional! You can peel them if you prefer, or leave the skins on for extra texture and nutrients.

3. How do I make sure the potatoes are crispy?

The key to crispy potatoes is to ensure they’re cooked in a hot pan and flipped every 5 minutes so they cook evenly on all sides.

4. Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, simply substitute the butter with a vegan butter or oil of your choice.

5. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe. Just be sure to cook the potatoes in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough to hold them all at once.

6. Can I use a different cooking oil?

You can use any oil with a high smoke point, like avocado oil or canola oil, but olive oil adds a nice flavor to the potatoes.

7. Why is my pan fried potatoes soft instead of crispy?

This could be because the heat was too low, or the potatoes were overcrowded in the pan. Make sure to cook them on medium-high heat and avoid crowding the pan.

8. Can I prep the potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can peel and cut the potatoes ahead of time. Store them in a bowl of water in the fridge to prevent browning.

9. Should I cover the pan while cooking the potatoes?

No, leaving the pan uncovered allows the moisture to evaporate, which helps the potatoes crisp up.

10. Can I add other vegetables to the pan fried potatoes?

Absolutely! You can add onions, bell peppers, or even mushrooms for additional flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Pan Fried Potatoes are a simple and delicious side dish that’s easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. With crispy exteriors and soft interiors, they make the perfect accompaniment to almost any meal. Whether you keep it classic or add your own variations, these potatoes are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!