Diner-Style Crispy Pan-Fried Potatoes And Onions
When you're craving diner-style breakfast potatoes, make these Fried Potatoes and Onions! Parboil the potatoes, then get 'em all crispy in a cast-iron skillet. Season with garlic, paprika, then serve with a couple of fried eggs for the complete diner experience. Brunch goals at home! Naturally gluten-free and dairy-free.
Prep5 minutes mins
Cook25 minutes mins
Total30 minutes mins
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Keyword: breakfast potatoes, chef-tested brunch, crispy potatoes, diner style breakfast recipe, restaurant-worthy brunch
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 182kcal
- 1 large Russet potato, skin-on, cut into ¼-inch cubes
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, or unsalted butter
- ½ sweet onion, minced or finely chopped
- 2 tsp Kosher salt, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp sweet paprika, use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor
- 2 tsp chopped chives, parsley, or scallions, for serving
- Lemon wedges
Parboil the potatoes. Place cut potatoes in a saucepan, then cover with a couple inches of water. Add 1 tsp Kosher salt, then bring to a rapid boil. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until just knife tender.
Strain the potatoes, then wait 5 minutes. Strain the potatoes with a colander, then allow potatoes to steam dry for 5 minutes.
Cook the potatoes. Meanwhile, heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or butter), then add potatoes. Season with 1 tsp Kosher salt, then cook for 5 minutes undisturbed.
Add onion. Add minced onion, then toss the potatoes and cook undisturbed another 5 minutes. Check the potatoes for doneness. If crispy, go to next step. If not, let them cook another 5 minutes.
Finish, then serve. Season with 1 tsp garlic and ½ tsp paprika, then toss once more. Serve immediately with 2 tsp chopped fresh herbs and lemon wedges, if using.
- Best potatoes: Use high-starch varieties like Russet or Idaho for maximum crispiness.
- To roast: Parboil, then roast in a cast iron skillet at 425°F / 218°C for 30–40 minutes, tossing once. Add onions halfway and finish with fresh herbs.
- Not crispy? Avoid waxy potatoes, preheat the pan well, and let potatoes cook undisturbed at least 5 minutes before flipping.
- No cast iron? Use stainless steel or ceramic—skip nonstick.
Calories: 182kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 591mg | Potassium: 454mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 209IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg