Pan Fried Potatoes and Onions are crispy, golden, and full of flavor—the ultimate comfort food sidekick that works any time of day.
This crispy combo is the kind of cozy side dish that never goes out of style. Whether you’re making a lazy weekend breakfast or need something simple to round out dinner, pan fried potatoes and onions always deliver. They’re a budget-friendly, easy potato side dish that goes with everything.
If you love easy veggie sides, try my Best Spanish Roast Potatoes, Parmesan Au Gratin Potatoes, or Air Fryer Steak Bites next!
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Crispy fried potatoes: with golden edges and caramelized onions? Yes, please.
- Budget-friendly and basic: Simple ingredients, big payoff. It’s pantry magic.
- Totally versatile: Pairs with eggs, meat, veggies—breakfast to dinner and everything in between.
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Potatoes – I love using Yukon Golds or Russets. They fry up fluffy inside and crispy outside—exactly what we want.
- Onion – Yellow onions caramelize beautifully and bring sweet-savory flavor. Red onions work too for a bolder taste.
- Paprika – A little smoky paprika goes a long way in adding color and depth.
- Butter + Oil – Butter brings richness, oil keeps the pan from burning. Best of both worlds.
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Herby twist – Add chopped rosemary, thyme, or parsley at the end.
- Southern fried potatoes – Toss in diced bell peppers and a shake of garlic powder.
- Cheesy goodness – Stir in shredded cheddar or parmesan in the final minute.
- Spicy kick – Add cayenne or red pepper flakes to the seasoning.
- Vegan-friendly – Swap the butter for vegan butter or just use oil.
- Smoky flavor – Try smoked paprika or a touch of liquid smoke.
These potatoes also go great with my Creamy Pan Fried Salmon Fillet or Spicy Lasagna Soup With Oregano—just sayin’.
🔪How to Cook Pan Fried Potatoes and Onions
- Step 1: Peel the potatoes and onions. Slice the onion into thin rings.
- Step 2: Slice the potatoes into thin circles. Soak the potato slices in salted water for 10 minutes. Drain the water and pat the potatoes dry.
- Step 3: Melt butter in a frying pan, add vegetable oil, and cook the potatoes and onions in batches until golden and crispy.
- Step 4: Transfer the fried potatoes and onions to a paper towel to absorb any extra oil. Sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper before serving.
💡Hint: Use a wide pan or cook in batches—overcrowding traps steam and ruins the crispiness!
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Soaking Matters: Soaking potatoes in salted water helps remove excess starch, making them crispier when fried.
- Medium heat is key: Too hot and your onions burn before the potatoes cook through.
- Slice evenly: Keep your potato slices uniform for even cooking.
💭 FAQs
Make sure your oil is hot before adding potatoes and use a nonstick or well-seasoned cast iron pan.
Technically, yes—but they won’t get that signature crispy edge. Soaking helps remove excess starch.
Butter alone burns too quickly. A combo of oil and butter gives you flavor and crispy texture.
Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for best texture.
💖 Serving Suggestions
Serve the following with your fried potatoes and onions:
- With scrambled eggs for a diner-style breakfast at home.
- Next to grilled sausages or your favorite veggie links.
- Alongside Vegan BBQ Baked Beans for a cozy Southern-inspired meal.
- As a base for a breakfast bowl with avocado and hot sauce
- Topped with Creamy Herby Ranch Dressing—trust me on this one.
- Served with Crispy Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites for the ultimate crunchy combo.
🍽 Try These Simple Potato Sides
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Pan Fried Potatoes And Onions
Ingredients
- 500 g. Potatoes
- 3 tbsp. Vegetable Oil
- 2 tbsp. Butter
- ½ Onion
- 0.5 tsp. Salt
- 0.5 tsp. Ground Black Pepper
- 1 tbsp. Paprika
Instructions
- Peel the potatoes and onions. Slice the onion into thin rings.
- Slice the potatoes into thin circles. Soak the potato slices in salted water for 10 minutes. Drain the water and pat the potatoes dry.
- Melt butter in a frying pan, add vegetable oil, and cook the potatoes and onions in batches until golden and crispy.
- Transfer the fried potatoes and onions to a paper towel to absorb any extra oil. Sprinkle with paprika, salt, and pepper before serving.
I've always loved potatoes and onions and love the flavor combination in this fried potato and onion dish. It goes great with fish too.