Fried Potatoes Recipe

If you’re craving the perfect side dish that’s crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, this Fried Potatoes recipe is a must-try! These pan-fried potatoes are simple to prepare and pair beautifully with any meal. Whether served alongside meat, fish, or eggs for breakfast, their irresistible crunch and soft center will make them an instant favorite.

These potatoes are so perfectly browned, you’ll want to eat the whole batch!  Very simple to make, very tasty and so addictive – yum!

Fried potatoes are a perfect side dish with any meal.  They go perfectly with any chicken, turkey, beef, pork or fish dishes.  You can even serve fried potatoes for a hearty breakfast alongside eggs!

Why You’ll Love Fried Potatoes

• Crispy and Golden: These fried potatoes achieve the perfect balance of crispy edges and tender centers, making every bite a delight. You’ll love how they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.
• Simple to Make: With just a few basic ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is incredibly easy, even for beginners. It’s a no-fuss dish that turns out great every time.
• Versatile Side Dish: Fried potatoes pair well with almost any main course, from chicken and fish to breakfast eggs. They’re a great way to complete any meal.
• Customizable Flavors: While salt and pepper keep it classic, you can easily adjust the seasoning with spices like paprika, garlic powder, or fresh herbs to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making a casual family dinner or looking for a side dish for breakfast, these fried potatoes are always a hit. They add a delicious, comforting touch to any table.

Ingredients:

• 7 medium potatoes: The star of the recipe, providing a hearty and starchy base. Make sure to slice them thin for the perfect texture.
• 2 tbsp oil: Used to achieve that golden-brown, crispy exterior. You can use any neutral oil, such as vegetable or canola oil.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the potatoes. Add to taste for the best results.

See the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.

Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Fried Potatoes

• Non-stick frying pan: This helps to ensure that the potatoes don’t stick and get that nice, crispy texture.
• Spatula: Essential for flipping the potatoes and breaking them up while cooking.
• Knife: For peeling and slicing the potatoes thinly.
• Cutting board: A safe surface to slice the potatoes.
• Measuring spoon: To measure out the oil accurately.

Directions:

Peel the potatoes.  Cut the potatoes in half lengthwise, then slice into very thin slices (as thin as you can).

Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat.  Add the potatoes.  Don’t stir them for 4 minutes, or until the brown crust develops on the bottom.

Flip the potatoes with the spatula, so the brown side is on top and the light side is on the bottom.  Cook for 4 minutes.

Stir the potatoes to break them up.   Reduce heat to low and cook for another 5 minutes.

Taste the potatoes to make sure they are not raw.  If they taste undercooked, cook them some more.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair these fried potatoes with scrambled or fried eggs for a hearty breakfast.
• Serve them as a side dish with roasted chicken, air fried steak, or fish for a balanced dinner.
• Add a dollop of sour cream or sprinkle fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor and presentation.
• Serve alongside sautéed vegetables for a simple yet satisfying vegetarian meal.

Tips For Success

• Slice Evenly: To ensure the potatoes cook evenly, slice them as thin and uniformly as possible. This helps them achieve the perfect balance of crispy on the outside and tender inside.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure the potatoes have space in the frying pan to crisp up. If they’re piled too high, they’ll steam instead of frying, which could prevent them from getting that golden-brown color.
• Use Medium-High Heat: Starting with medium-high heat is essential for getting that initial brown crust. However, after flipping and stirring the potatoes, lowering the heat helps them cook through without burning.
• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the potatoes before serving and adjust the salt and pepper. Potatoes tend to absorb salt, so you might need a little more than you think.
• Test for Doneness: Before removing the potatoes from the pan, taste a piece to ensure it’s fully cooked. If the center is still a bit raw, continue cooking on low heat, stirring occasionally, until done.

Variations And Substitutions

• Herbed Potatoes: Add fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley to enhance the flavor. These herbs pair wonderfully with the earthy taste of fried potatoes and give them a more sophisticated twist.
• Spicy Potatoes: If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper, paprika, or crushed red pepper flakes while frying. This will add a spicy kick that complements the crispy texture.
• Garlic Potatoes: For a garlicky variation, mince a couple of garlic cloves and add them to the pan during the last few minutes of cooking. Be careful not to add garlic too early, as it may burn and become bitter.
• Cheesy Potatoes: After the potatoes are fully cooked, sprinkle them with shredded cheese (cheddar or parmesan work well). Let the cheese melt over the top for a deliciously indulgent version.
• Sweet Potatoes: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes to make a sweeter, more nutrient-packed version. The cooking process is the same, but sweet potatoes may cook slightly faster.
• Vegan Option: Ensure the oil you use is plant-based, and skip any dairy toppings like sour cream or cheese to keep this dish vegan-friendly.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover fried potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm them in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until they are heated through and regain some of their crispiness. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until hot.
• Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze fried potatoes as they can become mushy upon reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of potatoes for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a variety of potatoes like Yukon Gold, red potatoes, or even sweet potatoes. Each type will offer a slightly different texture and flavor, but all will work great for frying.

What type of oil is best for frying potatoes?

A neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil, is ideal for frying potatoes. These oils allow the potatoes to crisp up nicely without imparting strong flavors.

Why are my potatoes not crispy?

If your potatoes aren’t crispy, it’s likely because they were overcrowded in the pan or the heat wasn’t high enough at the start. Make sure the potatoes are in a single layer and that you give them time to develop a crust before stirring.

Can I make these potatoes ahead of time?

Yes, you can make fried potatoes ahead of time and reheat them. However, they are best enjoyed fresh, as reheating may reduce their crispiness. To maintain texture, reheat them in a pan or oven rather than a microwave.

Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or even mushrooms. Just be sure to add them halfway through cooking so they don’t overcook or become too soft.

Other Easy Potato Recipes

Golden Brown Pan-Fried Potatoes with Tomatoes | Simple Side Dish: This easy pan-fried potatoes and tomatoes recipe delivers a crispy, golden-brown side dish that’s packed with fresh, savory flavor.

Fried Potatoes with Eggs – Quick and Easy Breakfast: A perfect combination of crispy fried potatoes and eggs, this breakfast dish is simple, hearty, and ready in minutes.

Roasted Baby Potatoes and Fresh Green Beans: This delicious roasted baby potatoes and green beans recipe makes a healthy, flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any meal.

Crispy Air Fryer Potato Slices: These air fryer potato slices come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them the perfect quick and easy snack or side dish.

Microwave Baby Potatoes in Minutes: Enjoy perfectly cooked baby potatoes in just minutes using your microwave, for a fast and simple side dish.

Hearty Ground Beef with Potatoes Skillet: This one-pan ground beef and potatoes skillet is a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.

Air Fryer Loaded Twice-Baked Potatoes: These air fryer twice-baked potatoes are stuffed with cheese, bacon, and sour cream, creating a deliciously indulgent side dish.

See More Fried Recipes

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