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Crispy Diner-Style Pan Fried Potatoes with Onions

Close-up of golden brown, crispy fried potatoes mixed with caramelized onions served on a white plate.
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Follow this reliable recipe to create perfectly cooked potatoes that are shatteringly crisp on the outside and tender inside. This skillet method, using simple ingredients, delivers classic comfort food flavor ideal for breakfast or as a side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 tablespoons bacon grease or butter
  • 2 pounds Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Place the diced potatoes in a bowl and cover them completely with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps achieve crispiness. Drain the potatoes well and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
  2. Heat the bacon grease or butter in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works best) over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Add the dried potatoes to the hot skillet in a single layer if possible. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Let the potatoes cook undisturbed for 8 to 10 minutes until a deep golden-brown crust forms on the bottom.
  4. Flip the potatoes and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for another 10 minutes until most sides are golden brown.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the sliced onion to the skillet. Stir everything together.
  6. Continue cooking, stirring every few minutes, until the onions are soft and translucent and the potatoes are cooked through and tender when pierced with a fork, about 10 to 15 more minutes.
  7. Sprinkle the salt, pepper, and garlic powder over the potatoes and onions. Stir to combine and cook for 1 final minute.
  8. Serve immediately as a delicious side dish for breakfast or dinner.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can par-boil the dried potatoes for 5 minutes before frying, then drain and dry them thoroughly again.
  • Do not stir the potatoes too often during the initial cooking phase; this prevents them from developing a proper crust.
  • Bacon grease adds a classic Southern flavor, but butter or a neutral oil works well too.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://alchemychef.com/crispy-fried-potatoes-diner-style-recipe/